Ten strands of hand cut, drilled and rolled turquoise heishi make the body of this necklace. The rough material used is a soft blue green natural hue with trails of golden matrix and little clouds of crystalline white. There is some stabilization to minimize breakage while cutting. No color enhancement is present. The beads are a fine 2mm diameter, cylindrical in shape, with a length of 3/32" and some a bit more. Strung first on wire, these drilled cubes of turquoise are rounded or rolled against a grinding wheel. When desired shape is achieved, the beads are polished, in like manner, against a buffing wheel.
Great care has to be taken in transfering heishi from the shaping and finishing wire to their final stranding material. Because they are shaped next to one another, the order must be kept to achieve the characteristic flow and smooth feel characteristic of the best Kewa artistry.
James Del and Doris are renowned for the beauty and prevision of their work!
Finished with a clean bullet casing style cone and hand made bead at each end, there is even a 3" silver chain for adjusting length!
Description | Ten strands of hand cut, drilled and rolled turquoise heishi make the body of this necklace. The rough material used is a soft blue green natural hue with trails of golden matrix and little clouds of crystalline white. There is some stabilization to minimize breakage while cutting. No color enhancement is present. The beads are a fine 2mm diameter, cylindrical in shape, with a length of 3/32" and some a bit more. Strung first on wire, these drilled cubes of turquoise are rounded or rolled against a grinding wheel. When desired shape is achieved, the beads are polished, in like manner, against a buffing wheel. Great care has to be taken in transfering heishi from the shaping and finishing wire to their final stranding material. Because they are shaped next to one another, the order must be kept to achieve the characteristic flow and smooth feel characteristic of the best Kewa artistry. James Del and Doris are renowned for the beauty and prevision of their work! Finished with a clean bullet casing style cone and hand made bead at each end, there is even a 3" silver chain for adjusting length! |
---|---|
About the Artist | (Santo Domingo jewelers, husband and wife) Residents of Kewa pueblo in New Mexico, this talented couple are known for their heishi jewelry as well as treasure necklaces and slab earrings. |
Culture | American Indian |
Medium | Natural blue green turquoise with gold matrix, sterling silver |
Size | Length is 24" plus 3" of chain. Turquoise strand length is 22", with 1/2" hidden in the cones to secure. |
Signed | "JDC" stamped on each of the two findings |
Date of creation | 1975-1980's |
Condition | Excellent |
Provenance | Di Kr |