Clam Shell Turquoise Spiny Oyster Jacla Necklace

This striking necklace is a true celebration of Native American artistry, blending traditional craftsmanship with deeply rooted cultural meaning. It is composed of hand-shaped clam shell heishi beads, accented with vibrant turquoise strands and finished with spiny oyster shell tips. Each shell bead has been carefully ground, polished, and strung in the time-honored way, requiring both patience and skill to achieve the smooth, consistent flow of the necklace.

At its center hangs the Jacla, a pair of looped strands that hold special cultural significance. Historically, jaclas were worn as earrings and later repurposed as pendants, tied to necklaces during ceremonial use. For many Pueblo and Navajo people, jaclas were considered more than adornments, they carried blessings and prayers, worn close to the body as a connection to spirit and tradition. Passing them down from one generation to the next symbolized continuity, resilience, and respect for heritage.

The choice of materials is equally meaningful. Clam shell reflects water, the source of life, cleansing, and renewal. Turquoise is revered as a sacred stone across Native traditions, embodying protection, healing, and harmony with the natural world. Its blue-green shades symbolize the sky above and the waters below, serving as a bridge between the spiritual and earthly realms. Spiny oyster shell, with its fiery orange and red hues, speaks of strength, endurance, and a deep bond with the ocean. Together, these elements form a balance of earth, water, and spirit.

Wearing a necklace such as this is not only an expression of beauty but also an acknowledgment of tradition and prayer. It honors the generations of artisans who perfected the craft of heishi bead making, as well as the spiritual meanings embedded in each material. The Clam Shell Turquoise Spiny Oyster Jacla Necklace is therefore more than jewelry, it is a living expression of culture, ceremony, and the enduring relationship between Native peoples and the natural world.

Number of Strands: 6 

Necklace Length: 22" is also adjustable

Made in USA