Pin, Cluster, Turquoise, Provenance, Hallmark, Vintage, Early to Mid Century, 634

OO-LA-LA! AN EARLY ONDELACY!

The late Zuni couple, Doris & Warren Ondelacy are widely renowned and revered in the world of southwestern jewelry, credited as the original creators of cluster pins with crescent moons. Their work, especially posthumously, has been extensively sought after as it is incredibly rare and highly collectible. This breathtaking pin dating back to the early-to-mid 20th century was designed as a bowtie-form plaque with crescent moon accents between the wings, set with circular and teardrop-shaped turquoise centering a larger oblong turquoise. It’s not only a statement piece, it’s an investment piece. If you ever get the opportunity to acquire an early Ondelacy, you should seize it!

Doris Ondelacy (1902-2000; Zuni). She and her husband Warren Ondelacy were active makers of cluster jewelry from the 1930s to the 1950s. Diane Lonjose is her grandaughter.

Marks: D. & W.; D (in 1970s, after the death of her husband)

Warren Ondelacy (1898-1970s; Zuni). Active 1940s-” Cluster work. Governor of Zuni Pueblo in early 1930s. Warren Ondelacy shared stamps with his wife Doris Ondelacy.