Black Jet, Turquoise, and Coral Four Strand Necklace Santo Domingo

Our Black Jet & Turquoise Four Strand Necklace from Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo is a striking celebration of contrast, craftsmanship, and the enduring traditions of Native American jewelry making. Handcrafted exclusively for our collection by a talented female Santo Domingo artisan, this elegant four-strand necklace was specially commissioned by Jean Marie after years of working closely with the artist and admiring her remarkable skill. 

For Jean Marie, collaborating with this artisan has become much more than simply commissioning jewelry, it is a friendship built over years of shared respect and appreciation for Santo Domingo craftsmanship. Each visit brings conversations about new ideas, traditional techniques, and the beauty of the natural materials they both love. 

The art of heishi bead making is among the oldest jewelry traditions in North America and remains one of the defining hallmarks of Santo Domingo Pueblo. Every bead begins as a small piece of natural material that is individually cut, drilled, shaped, and polished entirely by hand before being carefully strung into graceful strands. This meticulous process demands extraordinary patience, precision, and generations of inherited knowledge. The result is jewelry that possesses a refinement and authenticity impossible to achieve through mass production.

The materials themselves each carry deep meaning. Black jet, a fossilized wood formed over millions of years, has long been valued by Native artisans as a stone of protection, grounding, and strength. Its rich, velvety surface provides the perfect backdrop for the brilliant blue hues of natural turquoise, a gemstone revered throughout the Southwest as a symbol of healing, prosperity, protection, and the connection between earth and sky. Little touches of coral add a  welcome pop of colour.

More than a necklace, this is a story of collaboration, friendship, and tradition. It reflects the centuries-old artistry of Santo Domingo Pueblo, the extraordinary beauty of natural jet and turquoise, and Jean Marie's lifelong commitment to working directly with Native artisans to preserve their remarkable craftsmanship. Created with care, made exclusively for our collection, and destined to become an heirloom, this is a piece that celebrates not only exceptional jewelry but the enduring human connections behind its creation.

Number of Strands: 4

Length 17" from nape of neck

Made in New Mexico, USA