Hand Carved Zuni Fetish Necklaces
It is no accident that the Zuni are known for their carvings.  They have been known for their lapidary skills for hundreds of years. Now known for their hand carved fetish necklaces of turquoise, jet, coral, and shell representing animals such as bears, birds, foxes, and horses.

Zuni Petitpoint Jewelry
Usually of turquoise, jet, or coral, zuni petitpoint, sometimes called needlepoint, is the shaping of smaller stones in either circle or tear shaped stones.  A time consuming and expensive, needlepoint is beautifully mounted in traditional Native American jewelry. 

Zuni inlay jewelry
Zuni jewelry inlay consists of channel inlayed turquoise, jet, shell, coral, and other precious metals and stones.  Scene usually in bolo ties of standing figures and dancers, they are also popular pins, bracelets, earrings, and buckles.  Popular designs include knifewing, spiritual figures, rainbow man, butterfly, and thunderbird.
Each stone is independently shaped and set in a silver channel.  Older inlay does not have the silver separator, as stones were laid next to each other.   

TIPS ON PURCHASING ZUNI JEWELRY
The Zuni are not insulated from the proliferation of fakes.  There are a few key points to help you identify an original from a fake, but nothing is fool-proof.  When you do buy a piece, consider the following:
-- Materials - Ensure the materials are of quality.  Plastics and resins are common, but real coral and turquoise is easy to spot with experience.  Silver and Gold is the most common metal.  The more experienced the maker the more likely they are to use higher grades of gold and silver.
-- Workmanship - Channel inlay is not easy.  It requires patience, an eye for detail, and great skill.  knock-offs may appear to be similar, but when compared to authentic pieces they pale in comparison.
-- Hallmarks - Most jewelers sign their work with a unique stamp.  Look for pieces that are stamped and do your research on who the jeweler may be.  Is the piece's design consistent with other pieces by the artist?