Robert and Nellie Star Tenorio of Santo Domingo Pueblo. In Southwest Native American jewelry, this name is a credential.
Handcrafted with impeccable precision and attention to detail, these Santo Domingo butterscotch agate earrings are the work of the masterful duo Robert and Nellie Star Tenorio. The warm amber and honey tones of the butterscotch agate are selected and cut by hand — each stone chosen for how its natural color variation contributes to the finished piece. These Tewa earrings carry the authority of a named artisan tradition that collectors in the Southwest recognize immediately. The design is 1.25 inches long and 1 inch wide.
About the artists
Robert and Nellie Star Tenorio are celebrated jewelers from Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa), New Mexico, working within the Tewa Native American jewelry tradition. Santo Domingo Pueblo is one of the most distinguished jewelry-making communities in the American Southwest, with a continuous tradition of heishi and stone work that predates European contact. Named-artisan pieces from this community are actively collected by institutions and private collectors.
Materials & craftsmanship
Metal: Sterling silver (.925)
Stone: Natural butterscotch agate (hand-cut)
Technique: Santo Domingo Pueblo hand-cut stone setting
Style: Drop earring
Artisans: Robert and Nellie Star Tenorio, Santo Domingo / Kewa Pueblo
Origin: New Mexico, USA
Closure: Hook back
Dimensions
Weight: 8 g / 0.28 oz
Frequently asked questions
Who are Robert and Nellie Star Tenorio? Robert and Nellie Star Tenorio are recognized jewelers from Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa), New Mexico, working in the Tewa Native American tradition. Their named pieces are held in private and institutional collections throughout the Southwest.
What is butterscotch agate? A warm amber-to-honey variety of agate prized in Pueblo jewelry for its rich, translucent color. Each stone has unique natural variations that make every piece individual.
Is this authentic Native American jewelry? Yes — handcrafted by Robert and Nellie Star Tenorio of Santo Domingo Pueblo, working in the Tewa tradition. Not a reproduction or commercial piece.
What are the dimensions of the earring design? The design is 1.25 inches long and 1 inch wide. Weight is 8 grams per pair — very light for all-day wear.
