Vintage Turquoise Inlay Earrings, Zuni - attr. Lambert Homer, Sr./Annie Gasper

Description

In Brief
Unusual spiral design interpreted in silver and high-grade stone
Turquoise appears to be Morenci, judging by color and matrix
Best color reproduction is in Photo 2
Color is mostly a bright blue-green; still a vibrant color
Height of earrings is 7/8 inch; width is 7/16 inch
Attr. to Lambert Homer, Sr., Annie Quam Gasper or a contemporary of theirs
Made probably 1940s-1950s
No hallmarks, except on findings (Sterling), but we guarantee that other metal is at least coin
Age-appropriate patina and light tarnish
These beautiful old earrings are set with the kind of high-grade turquoise that is not available to modern-day silversmiths, unless they are lucky enough to run across a few pieces from an old-timer's vault. Judging by its color and matrix, we believe the stone is either Morenci (AZ) or Lone Mountain (NV). The color appears to be pretty close to original. There is one piece of inlay that is slightly greener than the others, but it is still an appealing shade of blue-green. The stone is natural (not stabilized).
The earrings were made by a skilled silversmith and lapidary.  There is a resemblance to the designs and techniques of Lambert Homer, Sr., and Annie Quam Gasper. A famous brooch by Lambert Homer, now in the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe, is made in the same way and also has small, flattened silver raindrops, like the ones on these earrings.
Annie Quam Gasper is in the running here because of her fondness for spiral designs, as well as her inlay technique and use of high-grade turquoise. The large spiral brooch (NFS) in photo 5 has been attributed by others (and me) to Annie Gasper. The stylistic flavor of these earrings, clean silverwork, tightly fitted inlay and choice of turquoise are certainly compatible. As for the style itself, AQG worked closely with famed Zuni trader C.G. Wallace, who supplied his favorite inlayers with top-grade stone, which this is. Sometimes the silver frameworks for the inlay were made by others. In fact, the photo above, taken in 1954, shows Annie Quam Gasper seated left of center. To her right is Leonard Martza, who was an inlayer himself but also made many silver pieces to be inlaid by others. C.G. Wallace employed several such individuals, including some Navajo silversmiths who did no inlay themselves. (The photo appears in the book "Blue Stone, White Metal," by Deborah Slaney, published by the Heard Museum. The museum owns the original photo. This book is hard to find, but well worth reading if you can locate a copy.)
The silversmith used high-quality sterling screw-back findings, which still work like new. But in case you are wondering, the earrings could be converted to posts by a repair shop that has laser-soldering capability.
We may never know the specific "who," but clearly the maker or makers of these earrings knew a thing or two about lively design, expert silver work, and tight, clean inlay using beautiful stone. These earrings are part of the great history of fine Native American craftsmanship using equally fine American turquoise.
The Fine Print--Very Important
Payments:
As in a conventional auction, we expect prompt payment, unless prior arrangements have been made. In the absence of such arrangements, eBay requires payment within 48 hours from end of listing. If you intend to bid on another of our items and combine shipping, please let us know in advance. DO NOT BID if you can't or won't pay for your item.
A
lso Important:
Be sure to read the description and view all the photos, so you'll know what to expect. Our responsibility is to give an accurate and complete description; your responsibility is to read and understand it. We're glad to answer any questions you may have prior to bidding or buying. Pay particular attention to measurements given for bracelets and rings, and please ask about the fit if you're unsure. Returns cost you money and us time, so we don't accept them. Exceptions would be if we sent you the wrong item, or grossly misrepresented it. If something should go wrong, please contact us
within 3 days
of receipt. We expect that you'll be happy with everything you buy from us.
Our Listings:
We sometimes sell in other venues. Any item with no bids is fair game for sale elsewhere. So if you are seriously interested in a piece, we encourage you to submit an early bid.
Who We Are
Canyon Echoes Gallery is an eBay store that sells excellent Native American jewelry and fetish carvings and strives to provide equally good customer service. Now in our 26th year in business, we deal in
genuine
American Indian goods, including new and vintage/antique items. Most come from either the artists themselves, reservation trading posts, or veteran dealers with impeccable credentials.
Almost every piece of Native American art offers insight into the culture behind it. Sometimes you can see it right away; other times it's more subtle. But you'll never find that special quality in a cheap imitation. That's why we're so particular about what we sell...and have been since 1995. We think we have some of the best Indian material on eBay and hope you think so, too.
If you like what you see, please view our other listings and make us one of your favorite stores. We're glad to combine shipping to save you money, and...
We welcome the opportunity to serve you.
Thanks for your business--we truly appreciate it!