Heishi and spiny oyster by Eva Calabaza of Santo Domingo Pueblo. Few names in the Southwest carry this weight.
Handcrafted by renowned artisan Eva Calabaza, these striking earrings showcase vibrant spiny oyster shell meticulously hand-cut and set in sterling silver. Each pair captures the natural beauty of the shell's rich hues — from warm oranges to deep reds — making them a bold statement piece. Rooted in Tewa and Santo Domingo Native American jewelry traditions, these earrings honor generations of craftsmanship and cultural artistry at a level that belongs in any serious collection.
About this piece
Eva Calabaza works within the Tewa tradition of Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa), one of the Southwest's most distinguished jewelry-making communities. Spiny oyster shell — harvested from the Gulf of California — has been a prized material in Pueblo jewelry for centuries, valued for its fiery orange and red hues that intensify with handling. Her hand-cut approach to the shell preserves the natural color variation that machine cutting eliminates.
Materials & craftsmanship
Metal: Sterling silver (.925)
Stone: Natural spiny oyster shell (hand-cut)
Technique: Santo Domingo Pueblo hand-cut shell inlay
Style: Drop earring
Artisan: Eva Calabaza, Santo Domingo / Kewa Pueblo
Origin: New Mexico, USA
Closure: Hook back
Dimensions
Length: 2.0 inches (5.1 cm)
Width: 1.0 inches (2.5 cm)
Weight: 6 g / 0.21 oz
Frequently asked questions
Who is Eva Calabaza? Eva Calabaza is a celebrated artisan from Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa), New Mexico, working within the Tewa Native American jewelry tradition. Her work is held in private and institutional collections across the Southwest.
What is spiny oyster shell? Spondylus shell harvested from the Gulf of California, prized in Pueblo jewelry for its vivid orange, red, and purple hues. Each shell has unique natural coloring — no two pieces are identical.
Is this authentic Native American jewelry? Yes — handmade by Eva Calabaza of Santo Domingo Pueblo, working within the Tewa tradition. Not a reproduction or commercial piece.
Are these good for collectors? Named-artisan pieces from Santo Domingo Pueblo are among the most collectible items in Southwest Native American jewelry. Eva Calabaza's work is specifically sought by serious collectors.
