I’m trying to determine a fair market value on a hand carved leaf of turquoise. It was part of a lot I purchased at auction, and the auction house said my lot was from 1930’s-1970. 2 people who are antique jewelry sellers have stated they believe it to be likely from the 50’s, hand carved by a Native American Zuni artist.
Id like to sell it, so any help or insight on what a fair price would be is very much appreciated!! Thanks
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Very pretty leaf, but minus a hallmark and /or good provenance it is difficult to know if it is Zuni made - maybe, maybe not. IMO it also doesn’t look older (but I could be wrong of course). I would think the carved edges would be softened from wear if it was actually a 50’s piece. Many antique dealers and auction houses know very little about Native American jewelry.
Welcome to Turquoise People!
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it’s beautifully carved, but as @Ziacat said, it doesn’t look as old as it was purported to be. The carvers of Zuni i am aware of have a much softer carving style.
Welcome!
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Thank you for your insight. Without knowing anything other than its a carved hunk of turquoise, do you have an opinion on what a fair price would be to list it?
Thank you! I appreciate the warm welcome, also. Do you have an idea what a fair market price would be for just a carved piece of turquoise?
Hi @CltGrl13, and welcome. We don’t offer appraisals here, but you can poke around sites like Ebay and Etsy for prices on similar items.
As for origin, you might get in touch with David Freeland Jr. in Tucson. This looks like the type of carving done in his shop in Asia.
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From the book, Indian Jewelry of the American Southwest, by William Turnbaugh. Just adding content to this thread…
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Thank you TAH, I appreciate the article! Explains why the 2 antique ppl I consulted came up with Zuni artist and the time period of 50-70’s. I appreciate all insight, I’m enjoying learning!
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Thank you Steve. This is why I was asking for help, pieces I’ve found ranging in price from $200-$1,200! I’ve started off with a price tag of $350, but looking at some of these pieces, I’m debating reaching out to an artist to see about making it into a cuff or adding it to a silver base for a massive pendant (given its’ size.)
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As far as the sellers/dealers, everyone seems to want to say items are “old” when they have no proof, because it sells. The leaves in the photo TAH posted are clearly softer looking. They also have a bad habit of claiming things are “Native made (Zuni, Navajo, etc)” when they have no provenance. Best to call it southwest style.
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