For those looking for an authentic and versatile collection of Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry, SilverTQ is the one-stop solution. Their jewelry collection brings you one-of-a-kind pieces shaped by generations of skilled Pueblo artistry. Each piece is handmade by Native American artists who have honed their craftsmanship through decades of expertise and passion for exploring ancient jewelry-making art.
Understanding the Cultural and Historical Significance of Santo Domingo Pueblo Jewelry
Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry embodies the cultural and historical identity of this Pueblo tribe. The tribe is known for its unique jewelry pieces that reflect centuries of tradition and artistic expression. Pueblo jewelry-making dates back to around 200 AD. Early artisans crafted jewelry from natural materials readily available in their environment, like shells, stones, and plant fibers. Over time, their jewelry-crafting techniques also evolved. Influenced by Spanish colonization, Pueblo artisans began introducing metalwork into their designs, leading to a new age of creativity. Today, Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry continues to be celebrated for the use of natural materials, clean geometric patterns, animal motifs, signature heishi beads, and mosaic inlay.
Explore Santo Domingo Pueblo Jewelry
SilverTQ’s collection includes authentic Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry intricately handmade by talented Native American artists. Here are the jewelry items featured in the Santo Domingo collection.
Inlay Earrings and Pendants
SilverTQ’s inlay earrings and pendants showcase the exceptional skills of the artists they represent. These jewelry pieces feature hand-cut turquoise, coral, jet, and other natural gemstones set in sterling silver or inlaid on top of a shell. They display bold geometric patterns and symbolic motifs, which are the distinguishing characteristics of Pueblo craftsmanship. From classic dangling earrings to contemporary pendant designs, each piece uses traditional Pueblo jewelry-making techniques.
Heishi Necklaces
SilverTQ’s heishi necklace collection includes authentic pieces handmade using traditional craftsmanship. Their artists hand-roll and polish each tiny bead from natural shells, stones, and other materials using techniques passed down through centuries. The necklaces feature single-strand and multi-strand designs. Available in various lengths and color combinations, these heishi pieces represent an authentic expression of Pueblo culture.
Turquoise Nugget and Sterling Silver Bead Necklaces
SilverTQ’s turquoise nugget necklaces highlight the beauty of natural turquoise, which is paired with satin-finish sterling silver beads for an elevated aesthetic. The artists use stone nuggets of different sizes and string them together with silver beads. The stones’ imperfections give the necklaces a raw and authentic look, while the contemporary silverwork enhances the overall charm.
Kingman Turquoise Rings, Pendants and Earrings
SilverTQ offers a wide selection of Kingman turquoise rings, pendants, and earrings masterfully crafted by renowned Pueblo jewelry artists. Each stone displays a vibrant blue-green color and naturally formed spiderweb matrices. The artists incorporate traditional stampwork and overlay techniques to create bold art.
Spiny Oyster Earrings, Bracelets and Pendants
The vibrant hues of spiny oyster shells imbue earrings, bracelets, and pendants with a warm tone. SilverTQ’s collection includes a versatile range of earrings, bracelets, and pendants adorned with beautiful spiny oyster shells. Popular designs incorporate spiny oyster paired with stones such as Kingman turquoise and charoite.
Other Collections
SilverTQ’s collection of unique multi-stone creations represents an innovative blend of classic and modern craftsmanship. This collection includes designs such as chunky multi-color inlay bracelets, pink mussel shell inlay earrings, Kewa mosaic slab earrings with multi-stone inlay borders, and multi-strand coral bead necklaces. These jewelry pieces reflect the Pueblo community's evolving artistry and distinctive styles.
Featured Artists
SilverTQ’s jewelry collection is handmade by Santo Domingo Pueblo artists who are exceptional at their craft. Here are some of their prominent artists.
Daniel Coriz
Daniel Coriz is a fourth-generation Pueblo artist. Coming from a family of jewelers, he learned jewelry making from his parents, Nestoria and Valentino Coriz, and his grandfather, Lupe Pena. Over the years, he has perfected his craftsmanship and is known for his heishi and vibrant turquoise and multi-stone inlay jewelry pieces. Daniel is a father to two sons, one of whom is learning Pueblo jewelry-making.
Farrell Pacheco
Farrell Pacheco works in collaboration with his wife, Rey, to create beautiful pieces of Santo Domingo jewelry. Before trying his hand at jewelry-making, Farrell restored and remodeled homes and landscapes for several years. When he accidentally injured his back, he could no longer perform his physically demanding job. It was then that Farrell decided to learn jewelry-making, and he has never looked back since. As a proud father of two daughters, Farrell enjoys his artistic life, which allows him to spend more time with his family.
Gerard and Mary L. Calabaza
Gerard and Mary L. Calabaza are a couple known for their statement heishi bead jewelry. They are a husband and wife duo who specialize in blending traditional and contemporary styles in their pieces. Gerard and Mary come from families steeped in jewelry-making traditions and learned the craft from their parents at a young age. Carrying their family legacy forward, the couple has dedicated their lives to making high-quality, authentic Pueblo jewelry.
Lorenzo Tafoya
Lorenzo Tafoya grew up influenced by his parents' jewelry-making artistry. He learned silversmithing from his parents and continued to develop his metalsmithing skills as a student at IAIA (Institute of American Indian Arts) in New Mexico. Inspired by many Native American artists and jewelry-making techniques, Lorenzo incorporates unique designs in his pieces, rooted in the life of the Pueblo people. Lorenzo collaborates with his wife, Mary Tafoya, who is also a jewelry maker.
Styling Tips for Santo Domingo Pueblo Jewelry
Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry blends timeless tradition with modern styles. Whether you want a vintage or contemporary look, our Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry collection has something for every styling preference. For those looking for styling ideas, here are some practical tips.
- Mix necklaces of different lengths and bead colors for a bold, textured look.
- Wear turquoise or multi-stone inlay jewelry with neutral outfits to make the jewelry stand out.
- Wear a single statement necklace or a large pendant and pair it with simple attire to create an elegant look.
- Wear casual jeans with a heishi necklace or a bracelet to enhance your everyday look.
- Mix sterling silver pieces with gold jewelry for a balanced look.
Shop Santo Domingo Pueblo Jewelry at SilverTQ
Whether you are a vintage jewelry enthusiast or just looking to upgrade your accessories collection with timeless pieces, SilverTQ’s Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry collection offers an extensive selection. Each piece tells stories of centuries-old artistry and tradition. Explore their page to find jewelry pieces that best suit your style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What materials are commonly used in Santo Domingo Pueblo Jewelry?
Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry is often made using natural materials like turquoise, jet, lapis, coral, and various types of shells. Artists primarily pair these elements with sterling silver. The use of heishi, hand-rolled beads made of organic shells or stones, is another signature aspect of Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry.
Are there symbolic meanings behind the designs?
Yes, the designs behind Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry have symbolic meanings. Many geometric patterns and motifs are deeply rooted in the Pueblos’ rich spiritual beliefs and cultural narratives. They reflect the tribe's reverence for nature. For example, the turtle symbolizes stability, while the eagle represents freedom and strength.
How should I care for this type of jewelry?
Here is how you can properly care for your Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry:
- Keep it away from moisture, harsh chemicals, and prolonged sunlight
- Get your silver jewelry cleaned regularly
- Clean gemstones with gentle wipes or a polishing cloth
- Store each piece separately to avoid scratches
