Myra Qualo Biography

Born Myra Tsipa Qualo on July 4, 1913. She passed on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 and was 95 years old. She lived in Zuni, New Mexico at the time of her death.

Myra in her formative years attended Riverside Sherman Institute in California. She then later worked for Richard and Bernice Vanderwagon.

She had two sons: Byron Nastacio and Elliot Qualo. Elliot Qualo specialized in raised mosaic inlay shell jewelry. He produced one of a kind quality pieces from 1960 to 1970 until his death.

She had three daughters: Lorraine Nastacio, June Qualo and Matilda Qualo.

She was the grandmother of Harlan Coonsis and he credits her with teaching him the art of jewelry making since he was 12 years old.

Collectible Vintage Zuni Native American Jewelry

I will be listing some beautiful collectible vintage Zuni Native American Jewelry on my eBay store the next couple of days. So I wanted to share these on this blog and tell you a little history about each.

This wonderful piece I already sold earlier in the month. It is a great old vintage cross by Myra Qualo which was one of her signature designs. What an excellent, highly collectible treasure find.

Vintage Zuni Sterling Silver Stone Shell Cross Pendant-Signed

A Stunning 5 Stone/Shell Cross Pendant designed by Zuni artist Myra Qualo (1913-2008, from Zuni, New Mexico) in 1937. The stones/shells include beautiful blue turquoise, orange spiny oyster, black onyx, mother of pearl and a vibrant center piece shell of yellow mother of pearl set in a sterling silver cross pendant. Signed "Myra Qualo, Zuni, N.M.