Wonder if anyone can help me date the age of this Thunderbird Ring. Guess as to maker?The previous owner wrote on it with marker.in the back. There appears to be a Hallmark on band but it is very hard to make it out.I found it in an antique shop.
Fun fact! This Zuni image is often mistaken for a thunderbird, what you have here is actually a hummingbird!
Thank you! This absolutely delights me! I have been maintaining a hummingbird (Ruby throated) garden for the last 20+ years! They are fascinating and entertaining birds to watch. I will cherish the ring even more! Best wishes.
When I lived in New Mexico, someone quickly corrected me when I called this a thunderbird, and told me that it was actually hummingbird. I wish I knew why though, because it could easily be either or in my opinion!
Don’t believe everything you hear in New Mexico. This style is made by several different artists, but the exact design will be one. I would google Zuni inlay thunderbird ring (and variations of that) and find this exact design and see if a name is associated. The style stays the same year after year, hard to date. However, yours does show some aging and appears to have real stone, maybe 1980s-90s.
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Thanks for the examples Jason. It is a lovely piece that I enjoy wearing. I love anything NA and the Thunderbird is such an awesome , inspiring figure.
I want to thank both you and Bigbree 43 for the input. This is how I learn. I have enjoyed the conversations. Best to you all.
Thank you for fact- checking me! I didn’t find any evidence to back up that this was a hummingbird design, so I was weary. but the man seemed really knowledgeable. Now I gotta go re- label a bunch of price tags lol
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