Santo Domingo Inlay Turquoise, Spiny Oyster, and Heishi Necklace

This striking necklace is a testament to the artistry of the Santo Domingo Pueblo, renowned for its mastery in beadwork and inlay traditions. Featuring brilliant spiny oyster shell beads paired with vibrant turquoise inlay discs, it carries forward centuries-old techniques while showcasing the creativity of a new generation of artists. Each disc is meticulously hand-cut, inlaid, and polished to perfection, creating a dazzling mosaic of color and balance.

The spiny oyster shell, with its rich orange and red hues, has been cherished for its beauty and symbolic power. For Pueblo artisans, it represents strength, vitality, and connection to the ocean’s life-giving forces. Paired with turquoise, a sacred stone regarded as a bridge between the sky and the water, the necklace becomes a powerful expression of harmony, protection, and healing. Together, they create a vivid contrast of fire and water—two forces of life in balance.

The tradition of turquoise inlay is one of the most revered art forms of the Santo Domingo Pueblo. Generations of artisans have perfected the intricate process of cutting stones into precise shapes and fitting them together like a mosaic, a technique requiring both extraordinary patience and skill.

This particular necklace carries even deeper significance as it was created by a young artisan, the son of one of the most respected master jewelers of the Pueblo. His work reflects both his inherited knowledge and his emerging personal style, blending ancestral wisdom with youthful innovation. Through his craftsmanship, the continuity of Santo Domingo artistry is preserved, ensuring that these cultural traditions remain alive and vibrant for the future.

Necklace Length: 22"

Made in USA