JS306 Heishi Earrings

Three inch sterling silver and heishe earrings. The heishi shells have sterling silver tips.

Heishi jewelry is believed to be the oldest form of jewelry making in New Mexico, and perhaps in all of North America. The word heishi means "shells", although today the term is often used to reference small handmade beads made from many different natural materials. Making quality Native American heishi necklaces is a time-consuming, labor-intensive process.