Vintage Santo Domingo Heishi Shell,Pen Shell and Red Jasper Necklace

The Vintage Santo Domingo Heishi Shell Necklace is a timeless expression of Pueblo artistry, rooted in one of the oldest jewelry-making traditions in North America. Handmade by a skilled female artisan from Santo Domingo Pueblo (now known as Kewa), this necklace carries forward a legacy that has been alive for thousands of years. The word heishi, derived from the Keresan word for “shell”, refers to the tiny, hand-shaped beads that were the earliest form of jewelry among Pueblo peoples, long before silversmithing was introduced.

Heishi beads hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Each one represents patience, continuity, and the bond between earth and spirit. In traditional Pueblo life, shell and stone beads were more than adornment—they were offerings, prayers, and symbols of connection to the natural world. The smooth, rounded form of the beads recalls seeds, the essence of growth, life, and abundance.

This necklace combines warm cream and golden tones with deep browns, ivory, and subtle reds, creating a beautiful balance of earth and sky. Every shell bead has been carefully shaped and strung to achieve a harmony of rhythm and flow, echoing the natural cycles that Pueblo culture so deeply honors. Worn close to the skin, it reflects both beauty and strength, while honoring the heritage of one of the Southwest’s most enduring art forms.

To own this necklace is to carry a piece of living history—one that speaks of resilience, artistry, and sacred tradition. It is not just jewelry, but a story of culture, connection, and meaning passed down through generations.

Necklace Length: 21" end to end

Made in USA