Rare Vintage Zuni Coral Petit Point and Sterling Sliver Pendant Necklace

This Vintage Zuni Sterling and Coral Petit Point Pin/Pendant is a breathtaking example of traditional Zuni craftsmanship, blending precision, symbolism, and natural beauty into one radiant piece. Likely made in the 1980s, this pendant carries the aura of a true vintage treasure, embodying a moment in time when coral of this quality was still obtainable for Native jewelers. Today, sourcing Mediterranean red coral of this caliber is nearly impossible, making this pendant an exceedingly rare find.

The pendant is set with 74 individually cut, polished, and hand-set Mediterranean coral stones, each one carefully shaped and placed into handmade sterling silver bezels. This painstaking petit point technique—where the tiniest stones are cut with precision and aligned in harmonious radiating patterns—represents the pinnacle of Zuni lapidary skill. The concentric design expands outward from a central flower motif, a timeless symbol of life, renewal, and interconnectedness, offering both visual brilliance and cultural resonance.

Coral itself has been treasured for centuries among Southwestern tribes, not only for its fiery red hues but also for its spiritual symbolism. Considered a stone of vitality, protection, and endurance, coral was believed to connect its wearer to the life-giving powers of the sea. When paired with the cool, resilient strength of sterling silver, its radiance intensifies, producing a dramatic interplay of color and texture that reflects both natural beauty and spiritual depth.

The silverwork reveals the hallmark detail of Zuni artistry. Twisted wires, delicate bezels, and carefully hand-finished edges show the steady hands and patient devotion of the artisan. Each choice, from the placement of a stone to the finish of a bezel, reflects countless hours of skill honed through generations of cultural tradition.

To wear the Vintage Zuni Sterling and Coral Petit Point Pin/Pendant is to carry far more than adornment. It is to embrace a vanishing natural material, the legacy of a master silversmith, and the living heritage of the Zuni people. Both versatile and meaningful—worn as a pendant or a pin—this piece is an heirloom of enduring artistry and cultural identity, growing ever rarer with each passing decade.

Measure 2 1/4" In Diameter 

Leather necklace included.

Number of Stones: 74

Made in USA