Vintage Sterling Silver Zuni Pin Inlay Brooch Pendant Hummingbird

This is a beautiful, classic example of authentic Zuni Native American stone and shell mosaic inlay jewelry.   The Zuni Pueblo artists of New Mexico are world-renowned for this precise style of stone-to-stone inlay work, where each piece of gemstone is hand-cut and meticulously fitted together within sterling silver channels. Hummingbirds are a highly collectible, traditional subject in Zuni art, representing joy, beauty, and good fortune.   Looking at the mosaic work, the artists used a wonderful combination of traditional Southwestern materials:  • Turquoise: The vibrant blue segments (wings and tail feathers).  • Red Coral: The deep reddish-orange accent pieces.  • Mother of Pearl & Abalone Shell: The shimmering white and iridescent grey/cream body pieces.  • Black Jet or Onyx: The small black stones used for the eyes and body accents.  Estimated Market Value   Because Native American jewelry is highly collectible, these are valued as miniature pieces of wearable art rather than just their weight in silver.   • small Pin (Stylized Abstract Hummingbird):   It appears to be signed/initials and features a bail so it can be used as pendant.  Please note that the pin mechanism works but it is a little sticky because of its age.