An exceptional handcrafted necklace by Kewa Pueblo artists Lester, Sharon, and Richard Abeyta, featuring beautifully strung orange melon shell heishi accented with substantial natural Kingman turquoise nuggets. This striking piece celebrates the rich jewelry-making traditions of Kewa Pueblo, formerly known as Santo Domingo Pueblo, where the art of creating shell and stone jewelry has been passed down through generations.
This beautiful necklace showcases long strands of finely graduated orange melon shell heishi, displaying warm shades of creamy peach, soft orange, and natural ivory. The closely strung shell beads create a smooth, elegant appearance, providing a beautiful contrast to the bold, organic turquoise nuggets arranged along the lower portion of the necklace.
The Kingman turquoise features gorgeous shades of earthy green, blue-green, and soft aqua, with distinctive natural matrix that gives each stone its own individual character. The substantial nuggets have been thoughtfully spaced with sections of melon shell heishi, creating a balanced design that highlights the natural beauty of both materials.
One of the most appealing features of this necklace is its wonderful contrast of textures. The finely worked, uniform shell heishi transitions into large, irregular turquoise nuggets, creating an eye-catching combination of traditional Pueblo beadwork and bold Southwestern design.
Kingman turquoise, originating from the historic Kingman mining district in Arizona, is prized for its beautiful range of colors and distinctive matrix patterns. Its natural beauty pairs exceptionally well with the warm orange tones of melon shell, creating a timeless combination that has long been admired in Native American jewelry.
The Abeyta family continues the longstanding Kewa Pueblo tradition of transforming natural shell and stone into remarkable pieces of wearable art. Their work reflects the patience, skill, and appreciation for natural materials that have made Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry so highly regarded among collectors.
Measuring an impressive 30 inches in length and weighing a substantial 249 grams, this necklace has a wonderful presence while maintaining the organic beauty and simplicity characteristic of traditional Kewa Pueblo jewelry. The generous length allows the turquoise nuggets to drape beautifully across the neckline, making it a striking statement piece.
Artists: Lester, Sharon & Richard Abeyta
Tribal Affiliation: Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo Pueblo)
Materials: Orange Melon Shell Heishi & Kingman Turquoise
Construction: Hand-Strung Shell Heishi & Turquoise Nugget Necklace
Shell: Finely Graduated Orange Melon Shell Heishi
Turquoise: Natural Kingman Turquoise Nuggets with Distinctive Matrix
Design: Double-Sided Heishi Strands with Graduated Turquoise Nugget Accents
Weight: 249 Grams
Length: 30"
Style: Traditional Kewa Pueblo / Santo Domingo Jewelry
Wearability: A beautiful statement necklace that can be worn alone or layered with other turquoise, shell, and traditional Native American jewelry.
This exceptional necklace by Lester, Sharon, and Richard Abeyta is a wonderful celebration of Kewa Pueblo craftsmanship. The combination of finely worked orange melon shell heishi, substantial Kingman turquoise nuggets, and beautifully balanced traditional design creates a timeless piece of wearable art. With its impressive weight, generous length, and striking natural materials, it is a distinctive addition to any Native American jewelry collection.
An exceptional handcrafted necklace by Kewa Pueblo artists Lester, Sharon, and Richard Abeyta, featuring beautifully strung orange melon shell heishi accented with substantial natural Kingman turquoise nuggets. This striking piece celebrates the rich jewelry-making traditions of Kewa Pueblo, formerly known as Santo Domingo Pueblo, where the art of creating shell and stone jewelry has been passed down through generations.
This beautiful necklace showcases long strands of finely graduated orange melon shell heishi, displaying warm shades of creamy peach, soft orange, and natural ivory. The closely strung shell beads create a smooth, elegant appearance, providing a beautiful contrast to the bold, organic turquoise nuggets arranged along the lower portion of the necklace.
The Kingman turquoise features gorgeous shades of earthy green, blue-green, and soft aqua, with distinctive natural matrix that gives each stone its own individual character. The substantial nuggets have been thoughtfully spaced with sections of melon shell heishi, creating a balanced design that highlights the natural beauty of both materials.
One of the most appealing features of this necklace is its wonderful contrast of textures. The finely worked, uniform shell heishi transitions into large, irregular turquoise nuggets, creating an eye-catching combination of traditional Pueblo beadwork and bold Southwestern design.
Kingman turquoise, originating from the historic Kingman mining district in Arizona, is prized for its beautiful range of colors and distinctive matrix patterns. Its natural beauty pairs exceptionally well with the warm orange tones of melon shell, creating a timeless combination that has long been admired in Native American jewelry.
The Abeyta family continues the longstanding Kewa Pueblo tradition of transforming natural shell and stone into remarkable pieces of wearable art. Their work reflects the patience, skill, and appreciation for natural materials that have made Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry so highly regarded among collectors.
Measuring an impressive 30 inches in length and weighing a substantial 249 grams, this necklace has a wonderful presence while maintaining the organic beauty and simplicity characteristic of traditional Kewa Pueblo jewelry. The generous length allows the turquoise nuggets to drape beautifully across the neckline, making it a striking statement piece.
Artists: Lester, Sharon & Richard Abeyta
Tribal Affiliation: Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo Pueblo)
Materials: Orange Melon Shell Heishi & Kingman Turquoise
Construction: Hand-Strung Shell Heishi & Turquoise Nugget Necklace
Shell: Finely Graduated Orange Melon Shell Heishi
Turquoise: Natural Kingman Turquoise Nuggets with Distinctive Matrix
Design: Double-Sided Heishi Strands with Graduated Turquoise Nugget Accents
Weight: 249 Grams
Length: 30"
Style: Traditional Kewa Pueblo / Santo Domingo Jewelry
Wearability: A beautiful statement necklace that can be worn alone or layered with other turquoise, shell, and traditional Native American jewelry.
This exceptional necklace by Lester, Sharon, and Richard Abeyta is a wonderful celebration of Kewa Pueblo craftsmanship. The combination of finely worked orange melon shell heishi, substantial Kingman turquoise nuggets, and beautifully balanced traditional design creates a timeless piece of wearable art. With its impressive weight, generous length, and striking natural materials, it is a distinctive addition to any Native American jewelry collection.
