This traditional Native American design is intended to honor the corn harvest. At the center of the flat turquoise bead strand, is a cluster of turquoise beads resembling large kernels of corn. Necklace measures 18 inches. Stones vary in size, shape and color. Some of the ""kernals"" are turquoise only, and some are spiny oyster and turquoise, according to the inspiration of the artist.
This traditional Native American design is intended to honor the corn harvest. At the center of the flat turquoise bead strand, is a cluster of spiny oyster and turquoise beads resembling large kernels of corn. Necklace measures 20 inches. Stones vary in size, shape and color. Some of the ""kernals"" are turquoise only, and some are spiny oyster and turquoise, according to the inspiration of the artist.
This traditional Native American necklace is a gorgeous combination of green and blue turquoise beads, and bright red spiny oyster. The turquoise beads in this piece are flat, and the spiny oyster beads are slightly rounded, giving it a subtle combination of shapes and colors. Necklace measures 22 inches long. Stones vary in color.
This necklace has a very traditional Native American design, with flat turquoise and spiny oyster beads intermingled with rectangular, stamped silver drums. At 24 inches, this necklace is a typical length for this genre. Stones vary in color.
This stunning bracelet has seven, channel-inlay spiny oyster stones in a stamped silver cuff. The combination of traditional Navajo elements and spiny oyster gemstones works perfectly in this piece. The cuff can be adjusted to fit most sizes.
These delicately inlaid earrings have a unique look that is both distinctly southwestern and contemporary at the same time. The 1 inch by 3/4 inch flat teardrop is comprised of spiny oyster on one side joined by a single jet stone to a mosaic of colored stones on the second side. These earrings are a masterpiece of inlay work. Stones vary in size, shape and color.
This striking necklace combines some of the most colorful stones used in Native American jewelry with a contemporary design on a sleek silver snake chain. With its use of gaspeite, turquoise, sponge coral, bamboo coral, lapis and denim lapis, this pendant can be worn with a wide variety of clothing and jewelry styles.
This eye-catching, multi-stone bracelet shows off a complete collection of typical southwestern gem stones, including turquoise, gaspeite, lapis, bamboo coral, sponge coral, and spiny oyster. With the fabulous combination of colors and shapes, this signature piece pairs well with almost any jewelry. Cuff can be adjusted to fit most sizes.
These delicate earrings have a stamped silver raindrop post with an oval spiny oyster drop. These can be worn as everyday jewelry or as part of an elegant look. Approximately 1 1/2 inches from top to bottom.
These dazzling earrings feature a variety of red and orange-red spiny oyster stones in an exquisite dangling setting. Made by Joe Paisa Jr., this design showcases spiny oyster from the Sea of Cortez. The top stone measures approximately .43 inches across, and the hanging stones measure approximately .2 inches across.
These simple but striking French Wire earrings showcase stones in a variety of shapes in the trademark red-orange spiny oyster stone. This design wears well with all types of Native American and contemporary jewelry. Stones vary in size and color.
These simple but striking post earrings showcase stones in a variety of shapes in the trademark red-orange spiny oyster stone. This design wears well with all types of Native American and contemporary jewelry. Stones vary in size and color.
These sweet spiny oyster heart earrings have charm and class, and are great for wearing every day. These are a perfect gift for a special occasion or loved one. Color of the stones varies. Stones measure approximately 1/4 inch from top to bottom.
This silver cuff bracelet has a spiny oyster stone accented by traditional twist wire. The color of the stones is a light, orange-red that is the signature of good-quality spiny oyster. The cuff can be adjusted to fit most sizes.
This contemporary pendant marries an orange-red, spiny oyster stone with light blue Kingman turquoise and bright green gaspeite. The combination of colors and shapes in this piece is both whimsical and classy at the same time. The pendant wears beautifully with the 17 inch woven cord with a silver clasp, or it could be worn with an omega chain or silver collar for a more sophisticated look. Stones vary in size, shape and color. Pendant measures approximately 1 3/4 inches from top to bottom.
This delicate and special charm bracelet has nine distinct turquoise, coral, carnelian and spiny oyster charms on it, varying in color, size and shape. The bracelet is whimsical combination of traditionally Native American materials in a contemporary design.
The creative design and variety of colored stones in these multi-stone dangle earrings makes them a versatile and stylish addition to a jewelry collection. Stones include bamboo coral, spiny oyster, gaspeite and turquoise. Earrings hang approximately 1 1/2 inches from wire.
This fabulous contemporary set of earrings and a necklace uses gaspeite, turquoise and spiny oyster in a simple, dangle design that is both playful and classy. This set makes a great gift for a loved one. Stones vary in size, shape and color.
These whimsical charm earrings showcase a variety of precious stones in beautiful colors. The pink spiny oyster, light orange bamboo coral, bright blue turquoise and deep blue lapis come together nicely to make these earrings versatile and unique. Stones measure from 1/4 inch to 3/8 inches across. Stones vary in size, shape and color.
$160.00
Spiny Oyster Jewelry
Unearthed and revealed in ancient Hohokam, Anazazi and Mogollon archaeological sites, the spiny oyster shell, commonly referred to as spondylus, found its way into the American Southwest through a flourishing trade network that stretched from the arid mesas of New Mexico to the scenic beaches off the Gulf of California. Whether utilized in Native American jewelry as an article of adornment or revered for its ceremonial significance, the beautiful spiny oyster shell has been an important to Native American artisans for at least a minimum. To better comprehend spiny oyster jewelry, a closer look at the shell and its different uses in Native American jewelry is necessary in communicating its importance.
No longer limited to the Gulf of California, the oceanic origin of spiny oyster shells transcends the boundaries of North America, allowing for a diversification in color that would have been unavailable six hundred or more years ago. The dominant colors of red and orange were prevalent in the majority of spiny oyster jewelry made by the prehistoric and modern Southwestern tribes of the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and Rio Grande pueblos, until the recent additions of the colors purple, white, and to a lesser extent, yellow. Regardless of the color, the spiny oyster shell received its name because of the obvious spines or thorns protruding from the backside of the shell. Depending on the tribe, spiny oyster jewelry often reflects its artistic specialties.
As a prelude to Mediterranean coral, the spiny oyster shell provided the red that became synonymous with the Southwest. Used in combination with turquoise or independently, spiny oyster jewelry consists of earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants. The Navajo use wedge-shaped spiny oyster jewelry as an addition to a pair of Jacla earrings, highlighting the curve while adding color to the turquoise. The Zuni, masters of inlay, use pieces of spiny oyster as an addition to silver bracelets and rings in channel and mosaic work. The Santo Domingo, known for their beadwork, meticulously shape and string spiny oyster shells into single and multi-strand necklaces. The whole spiny oyster shell alone can also serve as a centerpiece for the jewelry piece and is often decorated with a mosaic inlay of jet, mother of pearl and turquoise. No matter the use or particular form, spiny oyster jewelry enriches the collections of both the novice and expert, providing an alternative to the traditional metals of western jewelry.
Stones from the famous Royston turquoise mine have long been coveted for their rare mix of both blue and green turquoise. We love these stones and couldn't resist putting together a beautiful jewelry collection based on the turquoise from this noted mine.
Native American Jewelry .com is the trusted Internet source for spiny oyster jewelry, including spiny oyster pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces.
