Fox and #8 Turquoise Seven Strand Necklace Santo Domingo

Our Seven Strand #8 and Fox Turquoise Necklace is a breathtaking example of Santo Domingo Pueblo artistry at its finest, a museum-quality creation handcrafted by one of the most gifted female artisans working today. Her work, exhibited at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York, embodies generations of ancestral knowledge, devotion, and precision. She creates these extraordinary pieces exclusively for Jean Marie, infusing each one with her unique spirit and the legacy of her mother and grandmother before her.

This exquisite necklace features seven cascading strands of #8 and Fox turquoise, meticulously shaped into the rare “cheerio” beads, a form that demands exceptional skill and patience. Each bead is individually cut, smoothed, and polished by hand to achieve perfect symmetry and balance. The subtle variations in tone, from the sky blues of #8 turquoise to the earthy blue-green hues of Fox turquoise, create a stunning interplay of color and texture, revealing the natural beauty and depth of these storied stones. Small touches of coral and shell heishi accent the composition, lending warmth and contrast to the cool turquoise palette.

The #8 turquoise, sourced from the now-closed mine in Nevada, is prized for its distinctive golden-brown matrix and striking clarity of color, making it one of the most collectible turquoises in existence. Fox turquoise, with its gentle sage and aqua tones, has long been cherished for its serene and grounding energy. Together, they form a union of strength and tranquility, stones that speak of both the desert earth and the open sky, embodying the timeless balance between nature and spirit.

Near the neckline, shell heishi beads transition the turquoise strands with elegance, reflecting the Santo Domingo tradition of blending elements of earth and sea. In Native symbolism, turquoise represents the Earth, grounding and protecting its wearer, while shell embodies the Water, cleansing and nurturing the spirit. Their union creates a powerful harmony, balancing stability and flow, strength and serenity.

This Seven Strand Cheerio Necklace is more than adornment, it is a living expression of culture, patience, and devotion. With every bead shaped by hand and every strand strung in rhythm, it stands as a tribute to both the natural world and human artistry. A collector’s piece of rare beauty and significance, it carries with it the story of the land, the sea, and the enduring artistry of Santo Domingo Pueblo.

What you see pictured is the exact necklace you will receive. It cannot be replicated. 

Necklace Length: 15.5" from nape of neck

Number of Strands: 7

Made in USA