Turquoise and Black Jet Santo Domingo Necklace

This powerful necklace showcases the artistry of the Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa Pueblo), renowned for its mastery of heishi beadwork, one of the oldest jewelry traditions in North America. Featuring alternating strands of vivid turquoise and deep black jet, the piece reflects both exceptional craftsmanship and deep cultural symbolism. Each bead is painstakingly hand-cut, drilled, and polished, requiring extraordinary patience and precision—skills passed down through generations of Pueblo artisans.

Turquoise is among the most sacred stones in Native tradition, revered for its connection to the sky and water. It symbolizes healing, protection, and spiritual guidance, and has been worn for centuries to bring harmony and strength to the wearer. In contrast, black jet, an organic gemstone formed from fossilized wood, represents protection, grounding, and resilience. Together, turquoise and jet create a balance of light and dark, water and earth, embodying harmony between natural forces.

The Santo Domingo people have been creating jewelry for centuries, long before the arrival of Europeans, using shells, stones, and other natural materials to craft heishi beads. These necklaces were not only adornments but also held cultural and spiritual significance, often used in trade, ceremony, and as expressions of identity. Today, artisans continue this tradition with remarkable skill, ensuring each piece carries the spirit of their ancestors while resonating with contemporary beauty.

The Turquoise and Black Jet Santo Domingo Necklace is more than a piece of jewelry—it is a living legacy of history, meaning, and craftsmanship. It honors the Pueblo’s enduring traditions, connecting the wearer to both the natural world and the timeless artistry of the Southwest.

Necklace Length: 17.5"

Number of Strands: 4

Made in USA