Mosaic Inlay Spiny Oyster and Turquoise Necklace Santo Domingo

Our Mosaic Inlay Spiny Oyster and Turquoise Necklace is a deeply expressive piece of wearable art, where patience, tradition, and the natural world come together in quiet harmony. At its heart is a hand-cut mosaic inlay pendant, meticulously assembled from tiny fragments of turquoise and spiny oyster shell. Each fragment is individually shaped and placed by hand, forming a painterly composition that feels organic, soulful, and alive. This ancient inlay technique requires extraordinary precision and time, making each pendant a true labor of devotion rather than production.

Turquoise, long revered by Native artisans as a sacred stone of protection, strength, and connection to the sky, brings a sense of grounding and calm to the piece. Today, high-quality turquoise has become increasingly rare, as many historic mines have closed and sourcing responsibly has grown more difficult. The spiny oyster shell, with its warm shades of coral and flame, adds contrast and vitality. Traditionally gathered from the Sea of Cortez, spiny oyster has been used in Southwestern jewelry for generations, symbolizing life, movement, and the nourishing energy of water. Together, turquoise and spiny oyster create a powerful balance of earth and sea.

Suspended from supple leather, the pendant sits effortlessly against the body, adjustable and easy to wear, meant to move with you rather than overpower. This is the kind of piece Jean Marie loves to style instinctively, thrown over one of our flowing silk tunics, layered with a kantha, or worn simply with linen on warm days. It brings just enough color and soul to elevate an outfit without ever feeling forced, the kind of necklace that quickly becomes part of your everyday ritual.

This Necklace is a one of a kind piece impossible to replicate, and increasingly hard to come by as fewer artisans continue this painstaking work by hand. It is not trend-driven or seasonal, it is timeless. A piece to collect, to travel with, and to pass down. One that carries the quiet story of craft, earth, and human hands, and becomes more meaningful the longer it is worn.

Weight: 1.3 oz / 38 gr

Length: 13" with adjustable leather strand 

Pendant size: 3.5" x 2"

Made in USA