Lee
and Mary Weebothee were among the most accomplished silversmiths in the
history of Zuni arts and crafts. But even that bold statement seems
inadequate for when
you examine Weebothee jewelry its fine quality matches or exceeds what is
being
made by today's best artists.
The silver in their jewelry is polished so finely it feels more like silk then metal.
Their
lapidary is magical. Every Coral and turquoise gemstone in a setting perfectly
matches
the one next to it. Not only does that take great skill and patience, but
it is also very
costly and time consuming to polish away blemishes in expensive stone.
Much
of Weebothee's jewelry was completely handmade using hand tools. Electricity did
not
appear in Zuni until the 1960's. Even after the arrival of electricity
most silversmiths preferred
working with the precision Swiss watchmaker files supplied by CG Wallace.
Electric tools
of the period (that were available in Zuni) were crude, cumbersome and simply
not
up to the task of producing the incredible detail that Zuni
silversmiths were noted for.
Lee
and Mary Weebothee took great pride in their work and did not sell
jewelry that did not meet their high standards.
The
Coral and Turquoise Weebothee jewelry on this page is incredible. Not only
spectacular
in its design and quality, but also for it's condition. It appears as if it was
never worn...
just sat in a collectors cabinet for the past 40 years or 50 years
being ever so gently polished.
Museum Collection
.
Lee and Mary Weebothee Silver Coral Petitpoint Double Pendant
Circa 1970's
Exceedingly Rare
The
design of this Weebothee pendant seems to me to have been inspired
by a Shield with the ornamentation on the bottom representing
Eagle Feathers.... Meant to protect its wearer from harm
Featuring Spectacular Mediterranean Coral that just glows. Coral of
this great quality is no longer available
The Silver work is flawless.
The condition is like new.
The
Top Pendant measures
1 3/4" in Diameter
The
Lower Pendant measures
2 3/4" in Diameter
The
handmade Weebothee Chain is 21" long... in addition to the length of the chain
consider that the two pendants together add 8 1/2" to the overall length. On an
average
person the lower pendant will rest about center on the wearer's chest.
$8500
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Lee and Mary Weebothee Silver Coral Petitpoint Pin / Pendant
Circa 1970's
Exceedingly Rare
The
design of this Weebothee pendant seems to me to have been inspired
by a Shield with the ornamentation on the bottom representing
Eagle Feathers.... Meant to protect its wearer from harm
Featuring Spectacular Mediterranean Coral that just glows. Coral of
this great quality is no longer available
The Silver work is flawless.
The condition is like new.
The
Pin / Pendant measures
1 7/8" in Diameter
The
Weebothee handmade Chain is 17" long... in addition to the length of the chain
consider that the two pendants together add 4 1/2" to the overall length. On an
average
person the pendant will rest just below a wearer's collar bone
$3200
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Lee and Mary Weebothee Silver Coral Bracelet
Circa 1970's
Exceedingly Rare
Featuring Spectacular Mediterranean Coral that just glows. Coral of
this great quality is no longer available
The Silver work is flawless.
The condition is like new.
The
diameter of the Center Round
is 2 3/4" wide
For a
6 1/2" wrist
It can Not be adjusted
$6550
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Lee and Mary Weebothee Silver Coral Ring
Circa 1970's
Exceedingly Rare
Featuring Spectacular Mediterranean Coral that just glows. Coral of
this great quality is no longer available
The Silver work is flawless.
The condition is like new.
The ring is gently curved much like the top of your hand
1 3/4" Wide
Ring size 7 1/4
For a 6 1/4" wrist
$2950
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