Vintage R Nieto ZUNI Sterling and Turquoise Bolo w/ Sterling Tips  For Sale

Vintage R Nieto ZUNI Sterling and Turquoise Bolo w/ Sterling Tips  This is a handsome bolo made by R. Nieto of the ZUNI nation though the work looks more traditionally Navajo with the emphasis on the stones, the raindrop, and the leaf motif. Many Native American silversmiths can work in all three techniques: Hopi. Zuni. and Navajo, but they usually have a favorite style. Nieto\'s seems to favor the Navajo aesthetic in his jewelry. Internet research says R. Nieto is the nephew of Effie Calavaza-another well known Zuni artisan. His stone settings with their scallop bezel is typical of Effie Calavaza\'s work as well.This bolo has 3 beautiful chunky turquoise stones set in his signature scallop bezel mounts with a raindrop in the center, undulating folds in between stones, with a leaf on the side as accents to the gorgeous stones which are a beautiful robin\'s egg blue with caramel matrix. The back plate is dark with oxidization which provides nice contrast for the stones and raised design. The bolo is in excellent condition with no issues. The stones are in great shape and secure in their mounts. The bolo measures 1 1/2\" High by 1\" across. The back of the bolo is clearly stamped R. Nieto though it is hard to photograph because it is under the leather straps. It weighs 24.5 grams.The bolo is on a Bennett slide. The slide is stamped Bennett Pat Pend which is the stamp Bennett used on his slides between 1967 and 1983. Therefore, this bolo was most likely made in the 1970\'s.The slide works great and locks securely.This Nieto is attached to a black leather plaited tie which measures 18 3/8\" from center of neck to the end of the sterling cones. The tie is in great condition with lots of life left to it. The color is uniform, the plaiting tight, and the leather is in good shape. The leather tie ends in sterling cones which are 1 1/2 \" long and end in little ball finials. It is a great size to work with. Because it is not too big, this one works for women as well as it would for a man, therefore, I classify this bolo as unisex. Anyone who likes to wear bolos will like the versatility of this one. It is a nice choice made by a member of a talented jewelry making family known for smithing beautiful Native American pieces. Payment due through Paypal at point of sale. Item ships out with delivery confirmation._gsrx_vers_526 (GS 6.6.6 (526))

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