Rare Sleeping Beauty Graduated Turquoise Cheerio and Heishi Necklace Santo Domingo

The Rare Sleeping Beauty Graduated Turquoise Cheerio and Heishi Necklace is a striking piece of Southwestern heritage, featuring one of the rarest and most coveted turquoises in the world. The Sleeping Beauty mine in Globe, Arizona, was once famed for producing turquoise of the purest sky-blue color, free of matrix and glowing like a piece of the desert sky. Since the mine’s closure in 2012, this turquoise has become increasingly scarce, and we only have it because our artisan has used turquoise from her personal stockpile, elevating each piece into a true collector’s treasure.

What makes this necklace even more extraordinary is the artistry behind it. Each bead has been hand-cut, shaped, and polished by a master female artisan from the Santo Domingo Pueblo, whose work was celebrated at the Museum of the American Indian in New York. She creates these exclusively for us, carrying forward the knowledge passed down by her mother and grandmother, while now teaching her daughter the same sacred craft. Every bead reflects not only natural beauty but also the devotion of three generations of women, transforming turquoise into strands of living heritage.

The graduated “cheerio” cut bead design speaks to the precision and patience of this tradition. Rounded and balanced, the beads flow gracefully along the neckline, showcasing the Santo Domingo Pueblo’s mastery of heishi and beadwork, a skill considered one of the most demanding in jewelry-making. The clarity and glow of Sleeping Beauty turquoise in this form is especially symbolic: an unbroken stretch of sky-blue representing peace, protection, and spiritual connection.

When worn, this necklace feels both timeless and contemporary. Its flowing silhouette rests elegantly against the neckline, versatile enough to pair with simple linen or elevated with silver accents. More than adornment, it is a rare and exclusive expression of heritage, craftsmanship, and nature’s artistry, made entirely by hand, just for us, by one of the most celebrated artisans of her people.

Necklace Length End to End: 18"

Made in USA