Heishi earrings are a stunning blend of elegance and tradition in Native American jewelry, featuring smooth, hand-cut beads inspired by centuries-old Pueblo craftsmanship. Featuring natural materials like shell, stone, and metal, each pair at SilverTQ is handmade by skilled Santo Domingo Pueblo artisans, preserving authentic techniques passed down through generations. Whether you are drawn to understated elegance or bold, colorful designs, which heishi earrings will you choose to bring style and cultural meaning to your collection?
Understanding the Cultural and Historical Significance of Heishi Earrings
Heishi earrings have a long history that goes back thousands of years in New Mexico’s Kewa Pueblo culture. Before adopting metalworking, Pueblo artisans carefully shaped thin, round beads from shells like mother-of-pearl and abalone, as well as stones like turquoise and coral. Each bead was drilled, polished, and strung to make beautiful earrings and necklaces. These pieces were worn for decoration and used in trade and ceremonies. The word “heishi” comes from the Kewa language and means “shell.” Today, heishi earrings keep this tradition alive with designs that blend traditional techniques with modern styles.
Explore Our Heishi Earrings
From colorful hoops to classic discs, find the perfect earrings to celebrate heritage and to add dazzling beauty to your collection.
Multi-Color Hoop Earrings
Add a bright pop of color with multi-color hoop earrings, handmade by renowned Kewa artists. These earrings feature hand-cut, polished heishi beads in turquoise, jet, baby olive shell, serpentine, rhodochrosite, melon seashell, coral, and more. Heishi hoop earrings are known for being light, comfortable, and beautifully textured, commonly shaped into single or double teardrop hoops, and finished with sterling silver cones and French-style ear wires.
Disc Earrings
Our disc earrings blend simple style with the rich tradition of heishi. They feature hand-carved shell pieces like shiny abalone, often with delicate dangling heishi beads. Disc heishi earrings may also incorporate materials such as spiny oyster, turquoise, and mother-of-pearl, and employ techniques like stone-on-stone inlay. Their classic, timeless design makes them elegant and versatile, suitable for both casual and dressy outfits.
Complementary Heishi Necklaces
Our heishi necklaces are just as beautiful and often complement heishi earrings. Made by skilled Santo Domingo Pueblo artists, these necklaces incorporate hand-cut, polished beads often made with baby olive shell, Kingman turquoise, and sterling silver accents. Whether the beads are graduated or the same size, each necklace is carefully shaped and finished, making a perfect match to heishi earrings.
Tips for Styling Heishi Earrings
Heishi earrings add a special Southwestern touch to any outfit, everyday or formal. From colorful hoops to radiant discs, they bring style and tradition together.
Here’s how to wear and care for them.
- Pair bright heishi earrings with understated clothing to make the colors really pop.
- Pick bold, colorful designs to stand out, or smaller hoops and discs for everyday wear.
- Match your earrings with a heishi necklace or bracelet for a complete look.
- Handle your earrings carefully and store them separately from other jewelry to avoid scratches.
- Clean silver parts with silver polish, making sure not to touch any stones, which must be cleaned with a different, dry cloth.
Shop Heishi Earrings at SilverTQ
If you want to add some fun and flair to your style while celebrating Native American cultures, SilverTQ’s handmade heishi earrings are the ones for you. These earrings are lightweight, easy to wear, and full of personality, handmade by talented Santo Domingo Pueblo artists. Whether you are dressing up for a special occasion or adding a unique touch to your everyday attire, explore our collection and find your perfect earrings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What materials are used in your heishi earrings?
Our heishi earrings are made from natural materials like baby olive shell, melon seashell, abalone, and spiny oyster, along with gemstones like turquoise, jet, rhodochrosite, and coral. They also feature genuine sterling silver accents.
How should I care for my heishi earrings?
To keep your heishi earrings looking great, treat them gently. Store them in a soft pouch or a lined jewelry box to prevent damage. After wearing, wipe them to remove oils. Use silver polish only on the silver parts and avoid chemicals, perfumes, direct sunlight, and moisture.
Are the stones in your heishi earrings genuine?
All the heishi earrings we showcase are made from natural materials and feature genuine stones. Skilled Kewa Pueblo artists carefully cut, polish, and string each bead by hand.
