I love that too. Is it scrimshaw? It’s so good to have things in remembrance of our moms.
2 Likes
It looks like scrimshaw to me.
2 Likes
I thought the same @Patina! If the link is allowed, and if you are interested in the Koshare, consider investigating the museum at https://koshares.com/
Speaking of birds…look at this fabulous c 1950s - 60s parrot pin pendant. It’s on Mark Sublette’s new acquisitions email. Unsigned…but amazing!
7 Likes
I’ve been wanting to share a pin that I recently acquired. 
I know he’s a bit rough, but that’s precisely what I love, along with his stark contrast.
Zuni, turquoise and jet channel inlay, 2 1/4” tall x 2” wide, ca. 30’s-40’s
16 Likes
Now, that’s a super cute pin! I like that it’s rustic too. I almost never see zuni pieces that are a bit worn, and vintage looking.
Congrats on your adorable birdie!
3 Likes
I would have bought this one too! Love, love love it.
4 Likes
He’s really lovely! I like the feeling of motion this one gives, and he definitely reminds me of a woodpecker. The turquoise and jet (or is it onyx?) together are beautiful.
2 Likes
Thank you all for your kind words.
You nailed it Zia, it’s jet. 
I really love the combination, and am always on the lookout for similar pieces. The contrast between the two I find just striking.
4 Likes
What a unique Thunderbird pendant! And the jet, turquoise combination is, in my opinion, fabulous! Rough or not, it’s a great find…I’d have snapped this guy up in a second! Congrats!!!
3 Likes
Thank you, @Bmpdvm! It doesn’t seem that I come across pieces with similar inlay often; If I did, I’d certainly have more of it!
2 Likes
Love this! I’m always drawn to the early vintage Zuni inlay pieces that used a dark palette, heavy on jet.
I like the drama in pieces like this one.
5 Likes
Thanks Chic!
I’m really enamored with the simplicity of such pieces, and I feel it’s such a classy look.
2 Likes
This has no turquoise jewelry in it at all, but I was looking back through my October issue of Arizona highways. This article’s photos take my breath away.
5 Likes
Anyone familiar with Robert Bauver’s 2022 publication Elegant Vessels: A Century of Southwest Silver Boxes will have seen this one, but for those that aren’t, here is a stunning Zuni Ironwood box from that book. I suppose this is another example of my adoration for the combination of dark materials and turquoise. The craftsmanship is just next level, and I love the unique form of the Thunderbird. It’s unavailable for sale, but I thought some may enjoy…
Zuni, ironwood, silver, and natural turquoise, 12” x 8” x 2”
9 Likes
I love sandhill cranes! We see quite a few here in the Texas panhandle. They gather in flocks in the fields around Thanksgiving and Christmas time. They are beautiful birds!
4 Likes
love this example. now i have something else to add to my wish list!
1 Like
Exceptional @Ravenscry!!! I thought about purchasing this book some time ago, but got distracted (happens more often than it should
). Although jewelry is a passion, other innovative non-jewelry work with silver and turquoise by NA silversmiths also pulls me in. I agree with your thoughts about the use of dark wood, etc, with sterling and turquoise. I’m thinking of so many jewelers that have use this combination in jewelry (Charles Laloma, Sonwai, Richard Chavez, Edison Cummings, Jesse Monongye, and many others). Thanks for sharing this superb box and reminding me of Bauver’s book…I’m headed to Amazon
.
3 Likes
I know the feeling, @Bmpdvm. 
I enjoy reading and researching as much as anything, and a side effect of that (for me) is jotting down cited references and book titles as I’m reading, which has led to me penning an incredibly long list of titles, most of which are older and far out of print, some from the 1830’s, that I’m on the hunt for.
You bring up exceptional examples of smiths utilizing similar stark contrast; it’s a timeless, classy look in my opinion! 
Glad to hear it! Please share your first impressions when you receive it! 
2 Likes