Zuni | Artist Sammy & Esther Guardian | Mallard Duck Inlay Bolo Tie & Belt Buckle Set | Sterling Silver

A Bit About The Piece:

A beautifully custom crafted Zuni bolo tie with matching belt buckle featuring an exquisitely inlaid mallard duck design with natural stones in sterling silver. Artists signature engraved on back of both pieces.

Details, details...

The Stones: Turquoise, Mother of Pearl, Red Coral, Malachite, and Shell

Bolo Tie: 

• 11 pieces of Mother of Pearl
• 10 pieces of Red Coral
• 10 pieces of Malachite 
• 9 pieces of Shell
• 6 pieces of Turquoise

Composition: Handmade Stone and Shell Inlay Bolo Tie

• .925 sterling silver, solid (bolo and tips)
• steel slide on back
• leatherette braided cord
• "Sammy + Ester Guardian" engraved on back
• "Bennett Pat. Pending" stamped on slide
• length of cord including ends: 40 inches
• dimensions: 63.03mm (2.48") length x 55.13mm (2.17") at widest area (tapered to 43.77mm (1.72") on bottom) x 1.40mm (0.05") thick
• total weight including cord: 51.42 grams

Belt Buckle: 

• 11 pieces of Mother of Pearl
• 10 pieces of Red Coral
• 10 pieces of Malachite 
• 9 pieces of Shell
• 6 pieces of Turquoise

Composition: Handmade Stone and Shell Inlay Belt Buckle

• .925 sterling silver, solid
• "Sammy + Ester Guardian Zuni" engraved on back
• dimensions: 68.70mm (2.70") at widest area x 55.32mm (2.18") tall x 1.53mm (0.06") thick
• total weight: 45.83 grams

About the Artists

First active as early as 1972, these two Zuni jewelers (husband and wife) created mosaic as well as inlay jewelry. They made bolos, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, pendants and pins using gold, silver, coral, turquoise, jet, mother-of-pearl, and shell. A photograph of each artist along with an example of a cardinal decorated ring appears in Gregory Schaaf's book American Indian Jewelry I. Their work is also featured in Volume 2 of Zuni the Art and the People by Ed, Barbara and Steve Bell with Ralph and Jerry Mcqueary, as well as Theda Bassman's book Zuni Jewelry and Barton Wright's volume 2000 Hallmarks of the Southwest.

Wear Report

Both pieces may have faint surface scratches or tiny slight chips from light wear. Please see photos.