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ZuniBessie Vacit
Frank Vacit\'s Daughter (Please see ***Below)
Signed Sterling SilverMother of Pearl Necklace
Matching Earrings
Excellent Condition!
Description
This is an amazing Bessie Vacit signed Mother of Pearl and Sterling Silver channel inlay Necklace and matching Earrings. It measures 28 inches from end to end but would probably \"lay\" like a slightly shorter necklace. The pictures only show a fraction of the total necklace chain. A wonderful feature is the very long length that could be shortened to just about any requirement to suite you taste. The weight of all three peices is just over 62 grams and that is 2 Troy Ounces. It is in its fine origional condition and you will notice from the pictures that it hasvery little tarnish and almost no wearover the years. There are no chips and no damage of any kind. The center medallion and four hanging accents measure about 23/4 inches long. The center medalion is just over 1 1/4 inches each way and the two side ones are 1 1/8 inches. The total earrring leangth is 2 1/4 inches and the width of the medalions is 7/8 inch.
This is signed with the Hallmark shared byFrank Vacit and his daughter Bessie. Fortunately, thisbears the correct Frank Vacit hallmark (***Please see below)that was shared with his daughter Bessie. It can be clearly seen on the back of the center piece and each of the two earrings. The unmistakable Ear of Corn that looks like afleur-de-lis. I have had it examined by an expert to confirm authenticity.I have seen similarVacit necklaces executed in turquoise. I amof the opinion that this is a more rare example and more valuable than the turquoise version.I have had the pleasure of dealing in one of thesea couple of years ago,but it was a necklace without earrings. This one is also done in the most desirable Mother of Pearl color. If you like this, it is a real treasure and would represent an investment in a remarkable heirloom made my a master of Zuni jewelry. There is so little evidence of wear that I can only assume that this was very well cared for and rarely worn. It is a remarkable value if it is right for you!
Bessie Vacit
Frank\'s daughter Bessie learned from her parents Frank Vacit and Elizabeth Leekya Vacit, both recognized master mosaic inlayers.Her Mother Elizabethmostly did the stonework and Frank did most of the sivlerwork (Gregory Schaff). She shared the Vacit Hallmark with her father and after his deathon 2/15/99, became the inheritor of the tradition and the Hallmark.
Frank Vacit
Many historians of Native American jewelry regard Frank Vacit as the master of the lapidary art both in terms of technical execution and in creativity. He was mostly active from the 1930\'s into the 1950\'s. In \"American Indian Jewelry I\" by Gregory Schaff, he lists some of the many collections and galleries that have cherished Vacit\'s work for decades. Here is a brief comment of what he has to say about Frank Vacit on pages 315-316, \"Frank Vacit isrespected widely as one of the finest Zuni mosaic inlay artists. His designs are complex, finely detailed and evoke a sense of motion...Frank was one of C.G. Wallace\'s fine inlayers. He was inspired by designs found on Hawikku pottery from an ancient Zuni village site. He created a masterful necklace for Frederick W. Dodge, Director of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.\" He is menioned in Barton Wright\'s,\"Hallmarks of the Southwest\" (page 175), pictured in Bassman\'s \"Zuni Jewelry\" (pages 11, 14, 16) and many other books.
*** Please Note
A kind customer and someone who knew Frank Vacithas brought it to my attention that this set was made by Frank Vacit\'s daughter Bessie. I had attributed this to Frank Vacit and it appears that I was mistaken. Frank Vacit\'s daughter Bessie inherited her fathers famous hallmark and used it on the jewelry that she produced. There is nothing wrong wiith that, but it sure can create confusion! I am sorry for that.
Idid have this necklace (and not the earrings) authenticated by a very knowledgable multi-generation trader as being made by Frank Vacit. He based his opinion on several factors and decades of experience dealing with his work. It was also consigned in his place of business for sale (at a much higher price) for a period of time. It seems he was also mistaken.
I have justlearned from this samecustomer, that knew Frank Vacitfor quite a few years, that Frank did not producejewelry with monochromatic stone colors. I think the exception wouldbe the Sleeping Beauty Turquoise \"Flower\" ringsthat are not uncommon. So it is clear to me now, after quite a bit of authoritative disagreement, that these were created by Bessie Vacit and not her father Frank Vacit. Thanks \"R\" for sharing yourinsight on this one!
It is rare to find an his work on the market at an advantagous price. This is such an opportunity!
Details
I will be happy to insure and shipthis fine heirloom to you at no additional cost if you live in the USA.Please, feel free to ask any questions that you may have!
Thank You!
Recomended Reference Books - Theseartistsarereferenced if there is a page # shown below
\"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY I\" - Gregory Schaaf- page 315-316
\"AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY IIl: A-L\" - Gregory Schaaf - page 341
\"HALLMARKS OF THE SOUTHWEST\"- Barton Wright - page 175
\"THE LITTLE BOOK OF SOUTHWESTERN SILVER\" -Billie Hougart - page 356
\"ZUNI JEWELRY\" - Theda and Michael Bassman - Pages 1,14,16
***\"ZUNI THE ART AND THE PEOPLEVOLUMES 1-3\"- Barbara& Ed Bell
**\'KNIFEWING AND RAINBOW MAN IN ZUNI JEWELRY\" - Toshi Sei - pages19, 94-98, 101,102,105
