This breathtaking vintage heishi necklace by artist Manuelita Flowers is a masterwork of Pueblo beadwork artistry — nine continuous strands of hand-cut heishi tube beads arranged in a sweeping ombré gradient that transitions from vivid robin’s egg turquoise at the bottom through luminous cream mother of pearl in the middle to warm golden olive shell at the top. The effect is that of a Southwest landscape at sunrise — sky, cloud, and desert light captured in thousands of individually cut and polished beads.

The color graduation is achieved through the careful arrangement of three distinct heishi materials — each strand cut to a consistent diameter and length, the transitions between colors blending naturally as the strands fan across the chest. The turquoise strands are vivid and uniform; the mother of pearl glows with a soft translucent warmth; the olive shell heishi adds an unexpected and sophisticated golden-chartreuse note that elevates the palette beyond the expected.

All nine strands are gathered into a pair of hand-engraved sterling silver elongated cone end caps, each inscribed in flowing cursive script with the artist’s signature Manuelita Flowers and decorated with a delicate flower motif — a proud and personal mark of authorship. The cones connect to a mixed paperclip and rolo sterling silver chain with an S-hook clasp, the chain itself an elegant design detail that adds length and adjustability.

Artisan Heritage

Signed by Manuelita Flowers (engraved in cursive script on both cone end caps with a flower motif), this necklace is the work of a celebrated Pueblo heishi artist. Manuelita Flowers is a renowned Santo Domingo Pueblo beadwork artist known for her exceptional heishi craftsmanship — her signed pieces are highly sought after by collectors of Native American jewelry. The cursive signature on the cones is a hallmark of her work and a guarantee of authenticity and quality.

Specifications

Artist: Manuelita Flowers, Santo Domingo Pueblo (engraved on cone end caps with flower motif)
Style: 10-Strand Ombré Heishi Necklace
Materials: Turquoise heishi, mother of pearl heishi, olive/yellow shell heishi, hand-engraved sterling silver cone end caps, sterling silver mixed paperclip and rolo chain, S-hook clasp
Strands: 10 (ombré gradient: turquoise, MOP, olive shell)
Length: 30"
Hallmark: Manuelita Flowers (engraved cursive with flower motif on both cones)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition; 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.