Cluster design Zuni jewelry has been the purview of the Ondelacy and Weebothee families for three generations. The current generation is led by Lorraine Waatsa and Luwayne Waatsa. Learn more…
Working with the highest grades of turquoise – mostly Sleeping Beauty, Kingman and also coral, their designs are both family ‘pass-downs’ and some newer designs. ‘Cluster’ is characterized by rounder, more full stones than the better-known needlepoint or petit-point. For the most part, cluster patterns are circular, often several concentric circles of stones. Lorraine and Luwayne are prolific and their work is constantly sought out by collectors. They make rings, earrings, bracelets, pin/pendants, chokers, squash necklaces and concho belts. For the record, here are some of the major names associated with Zuni cluster jewelry since the 1930s: Doris and Warren Ondelacy, Alice and Dwayne Quam, Lorraine and Luwayne Waatsa, Diane and Ron Lonjose, Alvina Quam, Shirley Quam, Wayne and Virginia Quam, Robert and Bernice Leekya, Lee and Mary Weebothee, Fannie Weebothee Ondelacy, Julie Lahi, Patsy Weebothee, Darlene Weebothee,… And there are probably others! Back to top…