Pink Mussel Shell and Turquoise Santo Domingo Necklace

Our Pink Mussel Shell and Turquoise Santo Domingo Necklace is a vibrant celebration of color, craftsmanship, and the enduring artistry of Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo jewelry makers. Handcrafted from thousands of individually shaped heishi beads, this striking five-strand necklace combines vivid pink mussel shell with brilliant turquoise accents, creating a design that is both bold and unmistakably joyful. The extraordinary color combination evokes desert wildflowers in bloom beneath endless Southwestern skies, while the graceful drape of the strands creates a look that feels both dramatic and elegant.

We commissioned this necklace directly from our trusted Santo Domingo artisan exclusively for Pax Philomena. Every bead was individually cut, drilled, strung, and polished by hand using techniques that have been passed from generation to generation. The art of heishi jewelry remains one of the oldest continuous jewelry traditions in North America, and the patience required to create a necklace of this scale and complexity is remarkable. Thousands of tiny shell and turquoise beads must be shaped and matched before the finished piece can emerge.

Pink mussel shell is particularly prized for its vivid natural color and ability to create dramatic, contemporary interpretations of traditional Pueblo jewelry. Here, the brilliant pink shell is punctuated by vibrant turquoise accents, creating a striking visual rhythm that immediately draws the eye. The contrast between the two materials feels both timeless and modern, making this necklace equally at home with a simple white linen shirt, a black dress, or a favorite denim jacket.

Jean Marie was immediately captivated by the necklace's exuberant spirit and exceptional craftsmanship. While she has collected and sourced Native American jewelry for more than three decades, it is uncommon to find a piece that balances such bold color with such refined workmanship. The generous five-strand design gives the necklace remarkable presence, yet the finely cut heishi beads allow it to drape beautifully and comfortably.

More than jewelry, this necklace represents a living artistic tradition and the extraordinary skill of Santo Domingo artisans who continue to preserve one of North America's oldest jewelry-making practices. We commissioned only this single necklace, making it a rare opportunity to acquire a truly distinctive piece of contemporary Native American art.

Handcrafted in New Mexico

Number of Strands: 4

Length 17" from nape of neck