Traditional Turquoise Necklace
Classic, single strand, traditional, turquoise necklace handmade from hand cut, drilled and polished beads of Kingman Arizona turquoise by great-grandmother Clarita Chavez of the Kewa Pueblo tribe. The fine wafer cut beads are graded in size to create a necklace which gently tapers in diameter. The necklace is finished with sterling silver cones and clasp and a trademark black jet bead at each end. The necklace measures 53cm in length.
Beads:
The Chavez family expertly handcraft beads in the traditional way of the Kewa Pueblo tribe in Northern New Mexico, USA. From tiny heishi or heishe beads to fine wafer cuts, every stone is individually hand cut, drilled and polished from natural materials such as turquoise, coral, pipestone, black jet, serpentine or shell. This once wide spread traditional skill is practised by fewer and fewer members of the tribe with each passing generation. The Chavez family are committed to practising the techniques learned from their parents, grandparents and great grandparents. They have passed these skills to their children and grandchildren in the hope that this knowledge will survive into future generations. Great Grandmother Clarita Chavez can count back seven generations of jewellery makers before her.
The Chavez family have been making jewellery for Rainmaker Gallery for over twenty five years. We are honoured to bring you the beautiful work of this talented family.
