Yellow Serpentine and Black Jet Heishi Style Necklace Santo Domingo

Our Yellow Serpentine and Black Jet Heishi Style Necklace is a striking expression of contrast, balance, and ancestral craftsmanship, created by a skilled female artisan from the Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo. Using the traditional heishi technique, this necklace reflects a practice that predates silversmithing and has been lovingly passed down through generations.

The pairing of yellow serpentine and black jet creates a powerful visual and symbolic harmony. Serpentine, with its rich golden tone, is often associated with healing, renewal, and vitality, its warmth feels energizing, like sunlight against the skin. In contrast, black jet, a fossilized wood used for centuries in Native adornment, carries grounding and protective qualities. It is believed to absorb negative energy and provide strength and stability. Together, these stones embody balance: light and shadow, energy and calm.

For the Santo Domingo people, jewelry is far more than decoration, it is a continuation of culture, identity, and storytelling. Heishi beads were originally crafted from shell and stone, strung together to mark trade, ceremony, and daily life. Today, each necklace still carries that same spirit, honoring the patience, skill, and deep cultural roots of its makers.

Jean Marie commissioned this piece for its bold yet elegant simplicity. She loves how it can transform a look, worn with a flowing kaftan for a statement or layered with other pieces for a modern feel. This necklace is more than an accessory; it is a piece of living history, a symbol of balance and strength, and a timeless treasure meant to be worn and cherished.

Number of Strands: 5

Weight 2 oz 

Length 17"

Made in USA