Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Santo Domingo (Kewa) Turquoise, Shell, Amethyst, and Quartz 7-Strand Bird Necklace by Jolene Bird

$795

Artist: Jolene Bird
Style: 7-Strand (Bird) Necklace
Pueblo: Santo Domingo (Kewa), NM
Period: Contemporry
Length: 35″
Materials: Turquoise, Shell, Amethyst, and Quartz
Item: #4384

Categories: , ,

In stock

Description

Artist: Jolene Bird
Style: 7-Strand (Bird) Necklace
Pueblo: Santo Domingo (Kewa), NM
Period: Contemporry
Length: 35″
Materials: Turquoise, Shell, Amethyst, and Quartz
Item: #4384

Celebrate the natural beauty and vibrant artistic heritage of the Southwest with this breathtaking 7-strand statement necklace, handcrafted by renowned Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo lapidary artist Jolene Bird. Masterfully blending ancestral Pueblo stone-cutting techniques with her own visionary design, Bird creates a wearable masterpiece that is both deeply traditional and undeniably contemporary.

This luxurious necklace features seven perfectly draped strands of meticulously hand-cut and hand-finished gemstones. At the heart of this piece is a beautiful bird motif, a signature element that showcases her exceptional lapidary precision and pays homage to the natural world. Jolene expertly weaves together a breathtaking, multi-textured palette featuring the classic blue-green hues of natural Turquoise, the organic luminescence of traditional Shell, the rich, regal purple of Amethyst, and the striking clarity of Quartz.

Honoring the historic Santo Domingo lapidary tradition, every single bead and carved element is individually shaped and polished by the artist to ensure a flawless, fluid drape along the neckline. The intricate layering of these seven strands creates a rich display of color and light 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 Heard Museum and 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.