Gerard & Mary Calabaza Multicolor Heishi Necklace
Gerard & Mary Calabaza Multicolor Heishi Necklace
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Handmade by Gerard and Mary Calabaza of Kewa (Santo Domingo) Pueblo, this multicolor heishi necklace is created using techniques they both learned from their families at a young age.
The process begins with pieces of stone and shell that are cut into small sections, shaped, and individually drilled. The small pieces are strung together and worked against a grinding and polishing wheel until the beads become smooth, even, and uniform. Once finished, the beads are restrung to create the final necklace.
Gerard and Mary work together throughout the process. Gerard focuses on cutting and preparing the materials, while Mary strings and finishes the jewelry. This necklace combines Kingman turquoise, melon sea shell, serpentine, jet, and apple coral, arranged in a colorful, balanced pattern.
Near the clasp is the Calabazas’ copper hallmark bead, a signature detail used to identify their work. From cutting and drilling the individual pieces to grinding, polishing, and final stringing, each necklace represents the time and skill involved in traditional Kewa Pueblo heishi jewelry.
Details
- Artists: Gerard & Mary Calabaza
- Tribal Affiliation: Kewa Pueblo (Santo Domingo)
- Materials: Kingman Turquoise, Melon Sea Shell, Serpentine, Jet & Apple Coral
- Metal: Sterling Silver Clasp
- Beads: Hand-cut, drilled & polished heishi
- Length: Approximately 19 inche
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Gerard & Mary Calabaza
Gerald and Mary Loretta Calabaza are a husband-and-wife jewelry team from Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa Pueblo), New Mexico. Both learned jewelry making from their families at a young age and are known for their handmade heishi necklaces, colorful stone and shell combinations, and detailed inlay work.
Product Info, Care & Shipping
Size guide
Ring Guide:
Just cut a thin stripe of paper, wrap it around your finger, mark the paper where it meets and then measure it with a ruler. Then you can compare it to our chart of ring sizes below:
Ring Size Chart Paper Length (in inches)
4 = 1 13/16 inches
5 = 1 15/16 inches
6 = 2 1/16 inches
7 = 2 1/8 inches
8 = 2 1/4 inches
9 = 2 5/16 inches
10 = 2 7/16 inches
11 = 2 9/16 inches
12 = 2 5/8 inches
13 = 2 3/4 inches
14 = 2 7/8 inches
Bracelet Guide:
The simplest way to find your wrist size is to measure a bracelet you already own. Wrap a soft measuring tape or a piece of string along its inside. If using a string, measure that with a ruler afterward. In our product descriptions, we list both the bracelet’s inside measurement and the gap size so you’ll know exactly how it will fit!
Care Tips
•Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, or chlorine exposure. Apply perfumes and lotions first wear jewelry after they dry.
•Clean only silver parts with a polishing cloth avoid chemicals on gemstones.
•Store in a cool, dry place like a ziplock bag to reduce tarnish.
•Avoid impacts no hammering or heavy vibrations.
Shipping
All items are fully insured, and every order comes with a tracking number and an estimated delivery timeframe.
1. Jewelry Shipping All jewelry ships out within 1 to 2 days. Once shipped via USPS, expect delivery in 1 to 3 business days, and you’ll receive a tracking number.
2.Larger Items (Pottery, Kachina Dolls, Artifacts):
◦ These items require careful packaging. They are bubble-wrapped, boxed, and placed inside a larger box.
◦ This process adds 2 to 3 days before shipment.
◦ Once shipped with USPS Priority Mail, delivery takes an additional 1 to 3 business days.
3. Shipping Costs Shipping costs depend on the total order and insurance.