This breathtaking vintage necklace by celebrated Santo Domingo Pueblo artist Manuelita Flowers is a masterwork of heishi beadwork design — approximately twenty strands of hand-cut tube heishi beads, graduated in length to create a dramatic cascading waterfall effect, arranged in a stunning two-tone ombré composition that transitions from rich earth tones at the shoulders to pure vivid turquoise at the chest.

The shorter upper strands are strung in a tight alternating stripe of dark red/brown spiny oyster tube heishi and turquoise tube heishi — the two colors alternating bead by bead to create a vibrant, graphic stripe pattern of extraordinary precision. As the strands lengthen toward the center, the spiny oyster gradually gives way until the longest lower strands are composed entirely of solid turquoise tube heishi in a vivid, saturated sky-blue. The effect is a seamless ombré gradient — from striped earth-red-and-turquoise at the collarbone to pure turquoise at mid-chest — that is as sophisticated in its color theory as it is breathtaking in its execution.

All twenty strands are gathered at each end into a pair of flat sterling silver triangular cone end caps, each engraved in flowing cursive script with the artist’s signature Manuelita Flowers — a proud and personal mark of authorship on a piece of exceptional ambition. The cones connect to a sterling silver paperclip link extender chain with an S-hook clasp, adding adjustability and a refined finishing detail.

Artisan Heritage

Signed by Manuelita Flowers (engraved in cursive script on both flat triangular cone end caps), this necklace is the work of one of Santo Domingo Pueblo’s most celebrated heishi artists. Manuelita Flowers is renowned for her exceptional multi-strand heishi compositions — her mastery of color, material, and graduated strand construction placing her work among the finest in the Pueblo beadwork tradition. Signed pieces by Manuelita Flowers are highly sought after by serious collectors of Native American jewelry.

Specifications

Artist: Manuelita Flowers, Santo Domingo Pueblo (engraved on both cone end caps)
Tribe: Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa Pueblo)
Style: 20-Strand Graduated Two-Tone Ombré Heishi Necklace
Materials: Natural turquoise tube heishi beads, dark red/brown spiny oyster tube heishi beads, flat sterling silver triangular cone end caps (Manuelita Flowers signature engraved), sterling silver paperclip link extender chain, S-hook clasp
Strands: Approx. 20 (graduated lengths, two-tone ombré: striped spiny oyster/turquoise to solid turquoise)
Length: 26"
Hallmark: Manuelita Flowers (engraved cursive on both cones)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition; all strands intact, clasp secure

This is a one-of-a-kind estate piece. Authenticity, artistry, and heritage are at the heart of every item we offer at Black Arrow Gallery.