Featured in this lot is this Vintage Zuni Effie Calavaza Sterling Silver Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Ring. Effie Calavaza is perhaps one of the most widely recognized Zuni artists. Her wonderful "snake" patterned jewelry is unmistakable, and very sought after by collectors. Effie is not only one of the most beloved Native American artists, but she is also one of the bravest. Effie went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States of America to obtain full copyright of her art work to stop those from inporting fake pieces of her work. She specialized in sand casting and incorporated large stones with her snake designs. Zuni jewelry is a style of Native American jewelry from the Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico, known for its intricate lapidary work, particularly inlays of small, precisely cut stones. Key characteristics include inlay, where stones fill a geometric pattern, and the techniques of needlepoint, using tiny, pointed stones, and petit point, using tiny rounded stones, which create a delicate and detailed appearance. Zuni jewelry is known for its high level of detail and meticulous handcraftsmanship, with each stone carefully cut, shaped, and set. This ring features a large head consisting of two serrated bezel mountings of a large cabochon and a smaller cabochon with Effie's signature snake pattern of two snakes with inlay turquoise eyes. Effie's hallmark is stamped on the backside of the head, "EFFIE C. ZUNI". The ring is in beautiful condition, size 11. Measures 1"W x 1.25"L head x 1.25"D, collective weight is 24.5 gms.