Ray Tracey Knifewing 14K Gold Multi-Stone Inlay Earrings - Rare

Description

Ray Tracey Knifewing 14K Gold Multi-Stone Inlay Earrings - Rare 1970s-80s Navajo/Apache Collaboration - Natural Turquoise & Lapis Price: $1995 (Best Offer Considered) Description: RARE INVESTMENT PIECE - SUBSTANTIAL 14K GOLD FROM SHORT-LIVED COLLABORATION Exceptional geometric inlay earrings from the rare late 1970s-mid 1980s collaboration between Ray Tracey (Navajo) and Knifewing Segura (Chiricahua Apache). This brief but celebrated partnership produced primarily sterling silver work, making these solid 14K gold pieces exceptionally scarce and highly collectible. Museum-quality craftsmanship showcasing natural turquoise and lapis lazuli with substantial precious metal content. COLLABORATION PEDIGREE: Ray Tracey & Knifewing Segura - This distinguished partnership between two award-winning Native American artists lasted only a short time in the late 1970s through mid-1980s. Ray Tracey, one of the most recognized contemporary Navajo jewelers, collaborated with Knifewing Segura, a Chiricahua Apache artist, musician, and vocalist. The knifewing bird hallmark - a powerful supernatural guardian spirit from Pueblo tradition - served as their collaborative signature mark. Pieces in 14K gold from this partnership are particularly rare, as most collaborative work was executed in sterling silver. HALLMARK & AUTHENTICATION: Clearly marked with the iconic knifewing bird hallmark and “14K” stamp on each earring back (see detail photos). Authenticated Ray Tracey Knifewing collaborative piece from the partnership period. PREMIUM MATERIALS: • 14K Yellow Gold - SUBSTANTIAL settings featuring intricate geometric gold inlay panels. Significant gold content provides both intrinsic precious metal value and stunning visual impact with high-polish finish. Far more valuable than the typical sterling silver pieces from this collaboration. • Natural Sleeping Beauty Turquoise - Sky blue solid turquoise sections in premium grade • Natural Spiderweb Matrix Turquoise - Highly desirable black matrix turquoise with distinctive webbing pattern, characteristic of authentic vintage Southwest inlay work • Natural Lapis Lazuli - Deep royal blue with characteristic golden pyrite inclusions from Afghanistan • Accent Inlay Material - Blue-green iridescent accent stripe (azurite, opal composite, or similar period-appropriate material commonly used in 1970s-80s Native American inlay) All natural stones exhibit authentic characteristics consistent with 1970s-80s era Native American jewelry production. No stabilization or modern treatments. DESIGN & CRAFTSMANSHIP: Masterful channel inlay technique requiring exceptional precision - each stone individually cut and fitted flush within 14K gold channels to create seamless geometric patterns. The sophisticated design features substantial polished gold panels alternating with premium turquoise and lapis, creating dynamic diagonal composition that exemplifies the contemporary Southwest aesthetic of the late 1970s-early 1980s. The high-polish gold work demonstrates hundreds of hours of skilled handwork typical of this celebrated collaboration’s exacting standards. SPECIFICATIONS: • Style: Post earrings with friction backs • Size: Substantial statement pieces (approximately 3/4” x 1/2”) • Weight: Solid 14K gold construction - significantly heavier than sterling silver collaborative pieces • Metal: 14K yellow gold (58.3% pure gold content) • Era: Late 1970s - Mid 1980s (rare Ray Tracey/Knifewing Segura collaboration period) • Origin: Navajo/Apache collaborative workshop CONDITION: Excellent estate condition reflecting careful ownership over 40+ years: ∙ All stones intact with no chips, cracks, or losses ∙ Spiderweb turquoise shows beautiful natural matrix with authentic patina ∙ Lapis displays rich color with golden pyrite flecks ∙ Inlay channels secure with no lifting or separation ∙ 14K gold maintains gorgeous warm luster with period-appropriate high polish ∙ Minimal surface wear consistent with age and light use ∙ Posts straight and secure, friction backs functional ∙ No repairs, alterations, or damage ∙ Authentic vintage condition from collaboration era PROVENANCE & RARITY: Private Texas estate collection. Ray Tracey Knifewing collaborative pieces in 14K gold are exceptionally rare for several important reasons: 1. The collaboration itself lasted only a short time (late 1970s-mid 1980s) 2. Most collaborative work was produced in sterling silver 3. 14K gold pieces represent a tiny fraction of their joint output 4. Knifewing Segura is primarily known as a musician/vocalist, making his jewelry work particularly collectible 5. This represents an important moment in Native American jewelry history - a cross-tribal collaboration between Navajo and Apache artists INVESTMENT RATIONALE: Multiple value components make this an exceptional investment piece: ∙ 14K gold content - Significant precious metal weight provides baseline intrinsic value (melt value alone is substantial). Gold from this era has additional collectible premium. ∙ Natural turquoise - Including desirable spiderweb matrix, increasingly rare and valuable. Vintage unstabilized turquoise commands premium prices. ∙ Natural lapis lazuli - Premium grade with pyrite from the collaboration period ∙ Historical significance - Documented short-lived collaboration between two award-winning Native American artists from different tribes ∙ Extreme rarity - 14K gold pieces from this specific partnership are seldom seen on the market ∙ Wearable art - Museum-quality craftsmanship suitable for high-end occasions ∙ Market appreciation - Rare collaborative pieces from documented Native American partnerships continue to appreciate significantly COMPARABLE MARKET DATA: ∙ NM gallery retail for Ray Tracey Knifewing collaborative 14K pieces: $2,200-2,800+ (when available) ∙ NM auction houses: Similar collaborative 14K pieces achieving $1,600-2,400 ∙ Online specialty dealers: Rare 14K collaborative pieces listed at $1,900-2,600 ∙ Sterling silver collaborative pieces: $400-900 (for comparison) ∙ This piece competitively priced for private sale given rarity and gold content HISTORICAL CONTEXT: The late 1970s and early 1980s represented a golden age of contemporary Native American jewelry design, with artists like Ray Tracey pushing boundaries while honoring traditional techniques. The Ray Tracey/Knifewing Segura collaboration exemplified the inter-tribal exchange of artistic ideas that enriched Southwest jewelry during this period. Ray Tracey, who also worked as an actor in Hollywood during this era (appearing in “Seems Like Old Times,” “Centennial,” and “How the West Was Won”), brought a sophisticated design sensibility to traditional inlay work. Knifewing Segura, primarily known for his musical career, contributed artistic vision during their brief partnership. IDEAL FOR: • Serious collectors of documented Native American collaborative jewelry • Investors seeking rare pieces with multiple value components (precious metal + collectible provenance + historical significance) • Museums or institutions building collections of 1970s-80s contemporary Native American art • Gallery owners seeking rare inventory • Connoisseurs of Southwest jewelry history • Gift-givers seeking pieces with cultural significance and lasting value AUTHENTICATION: Piece bears authentic Ray Tracey Knifewing collaborative hallmark clearly visible on both earring backs. DETAILED PHOTOGRAPHY: All images show actual item under various lighting conditions to accurately represent colors, materials, and vintage condition. Multiple close-up shots of hallmark included for authentication purposes. Macro photography shows natural characteristics of stones and period-appropriate inlay techniques. Natural lighting used to show true stone colors and gold luster consistent with 1970s-80s craftsmanship. SHIPPING & HANDLING: ∙ Fully insured USPS Priority Mail with signature confirmation required ∙ Ships within 1-3 business days ∙ Carefully and Professionally Packaged