Kingman Turquoise, Heishi, and Orange Ceramic Bead Jacla Santo Domingo

This Kingman Turquoise, Heishi, and Orange Ceramic Bead Jacla Necklace is a striking expression of Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo tradition, blending artistry, symbolism, and rhythm in its design. The necklace features carefully patterned strands of turquoise and orange ceramic trading beads, arranged in a balanced sequence that alternates sky-blue Kingman turquoise with fiery orange ceramic, creating a visual dialogue of color and meaning. At the center, long turquoise jacla drops fall gracefully, drawing the eye and grounding the piece in tradition.

The jacla is among the most sacred and enduring forms of Pueblo adornment. Traditionally worn as earrings and later tied onto necklaces, jaclas carry a symbolism that transcends decoration. Their looping form and clustered drops recall corn kernels, the life-giving crop of the Pueblo people, embodying abundance, fertility, and the blessings of the Earth. To wear a jacla is to carry prayers of nourishment, continuity, and harmony, making it both an ornament and a spiritual emblem.

The materials deepen this meaning. The turquoise, sourced from the legendary Kingman mine in Arizona, is among the last of its kind, treasured for its vivid, watery blues and increasingly rare since much of the mine’s activity has slowed. Turquoise has always been sacred to Native peoples, representing protection, guidance, and connection between the sky and water. The orange ceramic beads, recalling the glow of coral, bring fire and vitality into the design, completing a powerful balance of elemental forces, sky and earth, water and fire, body and spirit.

More than just jewelry, this necklace is a living piece of history and heritage. Its patterned strands honor centuries of Santo Domingo bead-making, a craft passed down through generations of artisans who have preserved and protected their traditions. To wear it is to participate in that story, carrying not only beauty and rarity but also resilience, prayer, and the spirit of the Pueblo people.

What you see pictured is the exact one-of-a-kind necklace you will receive, a true heirloom of Native American heritage that cannot be replicated.

Necklace Length Including the Jacla: 20"

Number of Strands: 5

Made in USA