Native American Fine Art and Jewelry

Contemporary Santo Domingo (Kewa) Turquoise 15-Strand Necklace by Jolene Bird

$975

Artist: Jolene Bird
Style: Necklace
Pueblo: Santo Domingo (Kewa), NM
Period: Contemporary
Details: Turquoise 15-Strand
Length: 36″
Item: #4376

Categories: , ,

In stock

Description

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

Make a breathtaking statement with this extraordinary 15-strand turquoise necklace, handcrafted by master Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo lapidary artist Jolene Bird. Known for her impeccable precision and innovative approach to ancestral techniques, Bird elevates traditional Pueblo beadwork into a striking masterpiece of contemporary Native American jewelry.

This luxurious, gallery-quality necklace features fifteen cascading strands of meticulously hand-cut, premium natural turquoise. Honoring the historic Santo Domingo lapidary tradition, Jolene Bird personally oversees every step of the creation process. She meticulously hand-shapes and finishes each individual stone bead to ensure a flawless, fluid drape along the neckline. The sheer volume of the fifteen strands creates a rich, textured display of vibrant Southwestern color, making it a true collector’s piece.

This necklace seamlessly bridges the gap between deep-rooted cultural heritage and bold, modern elegance. Whether worn as a vibrant centerpiece to an evening ensemble or as a treasured addition to a high-end Southwestern art collection, this piece exemplifies why Jolene Bird’s wearable art is celebrated at prestigious venues like the Santa Fe Indian Market 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.