Kingman Turquoise, Heishi, and Spiny Oyster Jacla Necklace Santo Domingo

This remarkable necklace is a testament to the artistry of the Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa Pueblo), whose jewelers are renowned for their mastery of heishi beadwork and the timeless tradition of the jacla. Crafted by hand, each turquoise and spiny oyster bead is carefully shaped, ground, and polished to create the smooth, disc-like forms characteristic of heishi jewelry. This ancient technique—one of the oldest jewelry-making traditions in North America—requires patience, precision, and deep respect for the materials.

At its center hangs the jacla, two looped strands of spiny oyster beads that extend as pendants. Historically, jaclas were worn as earrings and later reattached to necklaces for ceremonial use, symbolizing continuity, connection, and tradition. Their inclusion in this necklace honors centuries of Pueblo heritage, making the piece both adornment and living history.

The turquoise, long regarded as sacred, embodies healing, protection, and harmony, believed to connect sky and water and carry prayers to the spiritual world. Its calming blue-green tones are beautifully complemented by the vibrant oranges of spiny oyster shell, which represent life force, endurance, and the power of the ocean. Together, they create a powerful balance of elemental energies—sky and sea, earth and fire—woven into a harmonious design.

The Heishi, Turquoise, and Spiny Oyster Jacla Necklace is more than a piece of jewelry—it is a story of cultural resilience, artistry, and spirituality. Every bead carries the legacy of generations of Santo Domingo artisans, transforming natural materials into a timeless expression of identity and beauty.

Necklace Length including the Jacla: 20"

Number of Strands: 6

Weight 5.7 oz

Made in USA