Pawn Jewelry- Zuni chandelier needlepoint earrings

Zuni handcrafted long dangle earrings. These uniquely styled earrings are a traditonal stone cuts are called "needle point" .Needle Point Jewelry is a very elegant style that emerged in Zuni jewelry in the 1940’s. It is among some of the most labor-intensive jewelry to make. Made by the Zuni artist's, this style is defined as a small sliver of stone that are pointed on both ends. The earrings also feature 5 tiers of stones with silver tassels below. 

It comes attached to its original red pawn ticket.The term "pawn" refers to jewelry that has been pawned to brokers. The practice of pawning jewelry began in the early 1900s when Native Americans and traders would exchange jewelry for food and other necessities, it is still used today and is embedded in the Navajo culture. 

Material: Sterling silver &  turquoise

Tribe affiliation: Zuni

Time period: current 

Width measurements: 3-1/2" in total length with a maximum width of 5/8"