Hand-cut spiny oyster, handmade silver, and the name Eva Calabaza — the way it has been done at Kewa for centuries.
These earrings were made by Eva Calabaza of Tewa and Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo — a name that carries genuine standing in the Southwest Native American jewelry world. Each piece of spiny oyster shell is hand-cut, its natural range of warm oranges to deep reds preserved through careful selection, then set in a handmade sterling silver bezel. The result is a pair of earrings that is at once visually bold and culturally grounded.
About this piece
Santo Domingo Pueblo — Kewa — has a jewelry-making tradition that predates the tourist trade by centuries. The community's artisans have worked shell and stone since long before the term "artisan jewelry" existed. Eva Calabaza is one of the most recognized names from this tradition: her work is sought by collectors, worn by those who understand provenance, and made by hand, one piece at a time, without shortcuts.
Materials & craftsmanship
Metal: Handmade sterling silver bezel
Stone: Natural spiny oyster shell, hand-cut
Style: Statement earring
Technique: Traditional Santo Domingo/Tewa silverwork
Artisan: Eva Calabaza, Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo
Dimensions
Length: 1.0 inches (2.5 cm)
Width: 3.0 inches (7.6 cm)
Weight: 6 g / 0.21 oz
Frequently asked questions
What makes Eva Calabaza's work distinctive? Eva Calabaza is recognized within the Santo Domingo (Kewa) Pueblo jewelry community for the quality of her hand-cut shell work and her handmade silver settings. Her name is a mark of authenticity and craftsmanship for collectors of Southwest Native American jewelry.
What is spiny oyster shell? Spondylus, or spiny oyster, is a warm-water shell prized in Southwest jewelry for its natural range from pale peach to vivid orange-red. Each piece is unique in color and pattern.
Is this one of a kind? Yes — only one pair is available. The spiny oyster coloring and handmade silver bezel make every pair by Eva Calabaza distinct.
How wide are these earrings? 3.0 inches wide (7.6 cm) with a 1-inch drop (2.5 cm), weighing 6 grams — wide and lightweight, designed to sit close to the ear.
