{"product_id":"vintage-santo-domingo-graduated-shell-heishi-necklace-w-turquoise-beads-1970s","title":"Vintage Santo Domingo Graduated Shell Heishi Necklace W\/ Turquoise Beads 1970s","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur Vintage Santo Domingo Graduated Shell Heishi Necklace with Turquoise Beads is a beautiful piece of Southwestern history, handcrafted by a Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo artisan and dating to the 1970s. This elegant necklace features a stunning arrangement of graduated shell heishi beads that range in color from creamy white and golden honey tones to warm translucent browns, creating a natural palette inspired by the desert landscape. Accented with vibrant Sleeping Beauty turquoise beads, the design is both understated and timeless, reflecting the artistry and balance that have made Santo Domingo jewelry treasured by collectors for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe art of heishi making is one of the oldest jewelry traditions in North America and remains closely associated with the Santo Domingo Pueblo. The word \"heishi\" comes from the Keres language and refers to shell beads that are individually cut, drilled, strung, and polished entirely by hand. Creating a necklace such as this requires extraordinary patience and skill, as each bead must be carefully shaped before being arranged into a harmonious graduated design. The turquoise accents add a touch of brilliant color and carry their own significance, symbolizing protection, harmony, and the connection between sky and earth in many Native traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this necklace especially meaningful is its provenance and age. This is an authentic vintage piece from the 1970s, a period when many Santo Domingo artists were continuing centuries-old techniques while creating jewelry that would become highly sought after by collectors. The shell displays a beautiful natural luster that only enhances its character, while the Sleeping Beauty turquoise adds a classic Southwestern elegance. Preserved in remarkable condition, it remains a wonderful example of traditional Pueblo craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJean Marie discovered this necklace during one of her many wanderings in search of exceptional Native American jewelry and was immediately captivated by its beauty and history. She loves imagining the journey this piece has taken since it was first created over fifty years ago. To her, this necklace is more than jewelry—it is a wearable piece of Native American heritage, carrying the artistry, traditions, and stories of the Santo Domingo Pueblo into the present day.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLength 16” long.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade in USA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PAX PHILOMENA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53692003877183,"sku":"SANTODOMINGOSHELLHEISHIVTG70S-OS","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2529\/6354\/files\/IMG_7921_622a10a9-34b3-4aed-9737-cefd33a8d50f.jpg?v=1781805374","url":"https:\/\/paxphilomena.com\/products\/vintage-santo-domingo-graduated-shell-heishi-necklace-w-turquoise-beads-1970s","provider":"PAX PHILOMENA","version":"1.0","type":"link"}