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Mary & Gerard Calabaza

SANTO DOMINGO PUEBLO

Mary and Gerard Calabaza are second-generation jewelers from Santo Domingo Pueblo (Kewa Pueblo), carrying forward a centuries old tradition of hand crafted heishi.

Both Mary and Gerard began learning the art of jewelry-making at a young age, Gerard at twelve years old under the guidance of his Father. Mary, around the same age, was also taught by her Mother. As second-generation artists, their work reflects not only skill, but lineage.

Traditional heishi  (pronounced hee-shee) comes from the Keres word for “shell.” It is a Pueblo art form made by hand-cutting, drilling, shaping, and polishing tiny disc beads from natural materials such as shell or turquoise, then stringing them into seamless strands. Every bead is individually crafted, and a single necklace can contain thousands. The process is meticulous and time-intensive, resulting in strands that feel fluid and balanced in the hand.

In their studio, Gerard typically handles the cutting, grinding, and cleaning of the materials, while Mary focuses on the stringing and finishing of each necklace. Their roles naturally complement one another, though they often step in to help wherever needed. Their work is grounded in collaboration, respect, and shared understanding.

The tradition continues within their family. Their oldest son is learning the art of inlay, while their youngest son assists with pattern making and cleaning shells. Ensuring that the knowledge and practice of heishi carries into the next generation.

Each finished piece is made with intention. Mary and Gerard bless their jewelry, honoring the meaning of the stones they use, some representing healing, others hope or peace. Above all, they hope that when someone wears their work, they feel happy, healthy, and in good spirits.

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Hand-cut Calabaza bracelet with heishi bracelet composed of turquoise, jet, melon shell, white clam shell and brown lip shell
Calabaza Horizon Bracelet Sale priceFrom $95.00
Calabaza Caynon Shadow hand-cut heishi bead double hoop earring comprosed of melon shell, jet and turquoise
Calabaza Canyon Shadow Drop Earrings are hand-cut heishi beads of jet, melon shell and turquoise
Calabaza Black Mesa Drop earrings are hand-cute heishi beads of jet, melon shell and turquoise
Calabaza Black Mesa Small Hoop Earrings
Calabaza Black Mesa Hoop Earrings
Calabaza Sonoran Sky Drop Earrings hand-cut heishi beads in turquoise, pipestone and white clam shell
Calabaza Horizon drop earrings hand-cut heishi beads of turquoise, shell, jet and pipestone
Calabaza Horizon Hoop Earrings are hand-cut heishi beads of turquoise, white clam shell and pipestone
Calabaza Horizon Hoop Earrings are hand-cut heishi beads of turquoise, white clam shell and pipestone
Calabaza Ancient Tides Hoop Earrings composed of hand-cut heishi beads with turquoise, pipestone, pink mussel shell and melon shell
Calabaza hoop earrings with hand-cut heishi beads comprised of turquoise, jet, brownl lip shell, melon shell, and pipestone
Calabaza earrings hand-cut heishi beads comprised of turquoise, jet, melon shell and pipestone
Calabaza hoop earrings with hand-cut heishi beads comprised of green turquoise, jet, melon shell and pipestone
Calabaza Equilibrium earrings are hand-cut heishi bead hoops earrings composed of turquoise, white clam shell, jet and pipestone
Calabaza Canyon Shadow hand-cut  necklace with jet, shell and turquoise heishi beadsCalabaza Canyon Shadow Necklace
Calabaza Canyon Shadow Necklace Sale priceFrom $125.00
The Black Mesa necklace hand strung by the Calabaza's with black and turquoise heshi beads
Calabaza Black Mesa Necklace Sale priceFrom $150.00
Sonoran Sky necklace by the Calabaza's hand strung with turquoise, brown and white shell, and pipestone heshi beads
Calabaza Sonoran Sky Necklace Sale priceFrom $150.00
Secret Spring Necklace, hand-cut and hand-strung jet and turquoise heishi bead necklace by the Calabaza's
Calabaza Secret Spring Necklace Sale priceFrom $165.00
Calabaza Desert Mosaic Necklace hand-cut and hand-strung heishi necklace with green turquoise, jet, pipestone and shell
Calabaza Desert Mosaic Necklace Sale priceFrom $125.00
The Western Skies Necklace by the Calabaza's is hand-cut heishi beads of turquoise and jet
Calabaza Western Skies Necklace Sale priceFrom $235.00
Calabaza Rayas hand-cut and strng heishi bead necklace of green turquoise, white clam shell, jet and pipstone
Calabaza Rayas Necklace Sale priceFrom $125.00
Calabaza hand-cut and hand-strung heishi bead necklace of green turquoise, jet, brown lip shell and pipestone
Calabaza Fire and Sky Necklace Sale priceFrom $125.00
Canyon Shadow bracelet by Calabaza with hand-cut heshi beads comprised of turquoise, jet and melon shell
Calabaza Canyon Shadow Bracelet Sale priceFrom $95.00
Calabaza Black Mesa Bracelet
Calabaza Black Mesa Bracelet Sale priceFrom $125.00
Calabaza Sonoran Sky bracelet is hand-cut heishi beads comprised of turquoise, white clam shell, pipestone and brown lip shell
Calabaza Sonoran Sky Bracelet Sale priceFrom $105.00
Calabaza Secret Spring Bracelet
Calabaza Secret Spring Bracelet Sale priceFrom $125.00
Calabaza Desert Mosaic Bracelet
Calabaza Desert Mosaic Bracelet Sale priceFrom $95.00
Calabaza Desert Dance bracelet is hand-cut heishi beads comprised of turquoise, melon shell, jet, pink mussel shell and pipestone
Calabaza Desert Dance Bracelet Sale priceFrom $95.00
Calabaza Western Skies bracelet is hand-cut reishi beads compried of turquoise and jet
Calabaza Western Skies Bracelet Sale priceFrom $150.00
Calabaza Horizon Necklace with Heshi beads in turquoise, pipestone, shell and jetCalabaza Horizon Necklace with Heshi beads in turquoise, pipestone, shell and jet
Calabaza Horizon Necklace Sale priceFrom $125.00