Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Santo Domingo (Kewa) Mother of Pearl, Turquoise, Spiny Oyster, and Jet 5-Strand Necklace by Jolene Bird

$725

Artist: Jolene Bird
Style: 5-Strand Necklace
Pueblo: Santo Domingo (Kewa), NM
Period: Contemporary
Materials: Mother of Pearl, Turquoise, Spiny Oyster, and Jet
Length: 24″
Item: #4363

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In stock

Description

Artist: Jolene Bird
Style: 5-Strand Necklace
Pueblo: Santo Domingo (Kewa), NM
Period: Contemporary
Materials: Mother of Pearl, Turquoise, Spiny Oyster, and Jet
Length: 24″
Item: #4363

Traditional handmade Native American Indian Jewelry from Indigenous Pueblos of the Southwest. Guaranteed authentic. Excellent condition.

Embrace the vibrant colors of the Southwest with this breathtaking contemporary 5-strand statement necklace, masterfully handcrafted by acclaimed Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo lapidary artist Jolene Bird. Renowned for her impeccable stone-cutting precision and innovative vision, Bird beautifully elevates ancestral Pueblo beadwork into a striking, wearable masterpiece of modern Native American art.

This luxurious necklace features five perfectly balanced strands of meticulously hand-cut and hand-finished gemstones. Jolene expertly weaves together a breathtaking palette of premium natural materials, creating a stunning visual contrast. The design highlights the iridescent shimmer of white Mother of Pearl, the vibrant blue-green hues of natural Turquoise, the warm, fiery tones of Spiny Oyster shell, and the deep, grounding black of natural Jet.

Honoring the historic Santo Domingo lapidary tradition, every single bead is individually shaped and polished by the artist to ensure a flawless, fluid drape along the neckline. The intricate layering of these five strands creates a rich, textured display of color that beautifully captures the essence of the New Mexico landscape.

Finished with high-quality sterling silver hardware, this necklace seamlessly bridges the gap between deep-rooted cultural heritage and bold, contemporary elegance. It is a true collector’s piece, reflecting the world-class craftsmanship that has earned Jolene Bird a place in prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian.

About The Artist

Jolene Bird (born 1963) is a master lapidary artist and jeweler from the Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo Pueblo) in New Mexico. Celebrated for her exceptional craftsmanship, she seamlessly blends traditional Pueblo motifs with innovative contemporary design. Her journey into authentic Native American jewelry making began under the guidance of her grandfather, who taught her the foundational skills of identifying, selecting, and working with premium natural stones. To further elevate her craft, she refined her technical skills by studying silversmithing at the renowned Poeh Cultural Center (Poeh Institute).

More About the Artist

About the Pueblo

The Santo Domingo Pueblo, also known as Kewa, is a Native American community located in northern New Mexico, near the Rio Grande River. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the pueblo has a history that spans over 1,000 years. The Santo Domingo people are famous for their intricate pottery, vibrant textiles, and unique turquoise and silver jewelry. Their artisans are particularly renowned for creating striking mosaic-style jewelry using tiny pieces of turquoise, coral, and shell. The Santo Domingo Pueblo maintains strong traditions and a deep connection to their ancestral lands, with a focus on community, spirituality, and preserving their culture.