"Time Will Tell" Vintage Sterling Silver & Red Coral Zuni Watch Tip Earrings

$ 83.00

Description
the elements

These stunning vintage sterling silver and red coral inlay watch tips (attached on either side of the watch face for ornamentation) have the inscription "R&J Dewa Zuni" on its back side were found lost from their original watch setting and in a sterling melt pile, intended to be sent off to a refinery and therefore, destroyed. Finding items with the original maker's signature is always a treasure in itself for us, as it connects us deeper to the original artist. Although we were not able to find any information on the artist(s), the inscription allows us to feel the magic of co-creating a new work of art with someone we'll never know.... We kept these pieces of history fully intact and brought them back to life with an incredible polishing transformation, reimagined its orientation, and added chain embellishments for a bit of flare. We hung them on sturdy sterling silver fishhook style earring posts and extended their life by recreating them into these gorgeous pair of dangled earrings.

Components discovered in Cottonwood AZ

After each artifact or specimen has been discovered it is sent through a careful restoration process before being used in a design. If a particularly unique patina is found to add design value to an artifact, it is preserved and/or sealed to ensure its longevity and protection. Each and every item is made by hand by owners Nathan and Ali, therefore, some small imperfections or variations may be present in your design. To us, this only adds to the beauty and rarity of your particular piece. 1888 Design does not claim ownership over the design or production of any vintage, antique, or otherwise repurposed object used in the creation of our jewelry.

Each 1888 Design piece contains unique elements of symbolic or historic value that mean something different to us all. Let's break down what the elements in this design are

Red Coral

This natural, oceanic material is known to help promote transformation and well-being. Red coral is commonly known as the stone of transformation and peace. The red color symbolizes many different concepts to the indigenous Americans including birth, war, strength, power, happiness, speed, and beauty.

Zuni Jewelry

The Zuni people learned to work with copper and brass salvaged from old kettles. They did not begin to silversmith until four decades later. Around 1872, the Navajo smith Atsidi Chon, who traded frequently with the Zuni for livestock, taught a Zuni blacksmith named Lanyade the skill of silversmithing. Much of the earliest Zuni silver jewelry was essentially identical to Navajo work.

The emphasis on small stone work and inlay work began to emerge in the 1920s, developing partly from a revival of prehistoric designs. Today, this style of jewelry, needlepoint, petit point, and inlay is most strongly associated with the Zuni jewelry making tradition.

Reviews

Kate L

"When the earrings arrived the whole opening experience was so beautiful. The story, sweet postcard, the feather, and finally opening the earrings box - I've been wearing them all day and they feel like they're supposed to be with me"

Tracie W

"Everything is packaged beautifully and very well made. I highly recommend 1888 Design!"

Charles G

"Beautiful unique designs. Always quality!"

Shannon J

"Deliveries are always on time and packaging has always been wonderful."

FAQ

Can I resize this item?

If a product page does not have a drop down option for size selections, or if the product description does not state a need for the customer to input their desired size in the notes section of their purchase, then we are NOT able to resize the item. Some exceptions can be made with chain lengths. Please reach out to us at inspire@1888design.com and we will try to accommodate as best we can.

Are your earrings hypoallergenic?

All earring posts are made out of sterling silver, stainless steel, or brass metals unless otherwise stated in the product description. Sterling silver and stainless steel are both hypoallergenic metals. Brass can react differently among different skin types, so we advise knowing your body's tolerance to brass prior to purchasing earrings with brass ear posts. Again, all metals used are stated in each product's description tab.

Can I order this as a gift?

Yes! Please leave us a note at checkout stating that this order is a gift along with the name of the recipient so we can address them properly in the packaging.

I would like something similar to this product

Please reach out to us directly at inspire@1888design.com for all custom inquiries where we can discuss possible options for your design ideas/alterations of existing products

Shipping

Fast shipping

All packages are shipped via USPS Ground after orders are processed.

Did we also mention it's FREE?!

Priority shipping options also available

Order tracking

Tracking numbers for your orders are sent straight to your inbox as soon as they're fulfilled. Fulfillments typically take 1-3 days.

Get in touch

We're happy to chat about any questions, concerns or special requests you might have. Send us an email at inspire@1888design.com

Sourced with attention

It's a feel good thing

All components used in our jewelry are found and carefully selected with beauty, durability, safety, and vibrant, lasting energy in mind

Packaged with intention

For a feel good experience

Receive your treasures in eco-conscious packaging materials plus extra gifts from us and the earth, uniquely picked out for your special order

free ground shipping on all US orders