Campitos Turquoise Heishi and Spiny Oyster Hoop Earrings FJE0613

<p>Before the Native peoples of the Southwest used metals, they made heishi. Meaning "shell jewelry", heishi are small tube shaped beads made of shell or stone. The Kewa Pueblo people (formerly Santo Domingo Pueblo) are renowned for their skill in making heishi. An ancient art, heishi beads have been found as far back as 6,000 BC.</p>
<p>Mined in Mexico from the Pino Chueco and Cananea mines in Sonora, Campitos Turquoise was mined extensively in ancient times, with evidence of trade with Native American peoples. Campitos is unique in several ways. It grows in clay as free-form nuggets, rather than as veins which is typical of many North American turquoises. Its color is said to most closely resemble Sleeping Beauty Turquoise, and ranges from a light to medium blue with no matrix, and occasionally pyrite inclusions, giving it a bit of sparkle. A lovely, hard stone with beautiful color, Campitos is a favorite for jewelry artisans. The mine as we know it today, has been producing since the 1980's. Campito in Spanish is a derivative of the word &ldquo;campo&rdquo;, meaning &ldquo;field&rdquo; or &ldquo;countryside&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Spiney Oyster shell is often inlaid or used as cabochons and the color combination of Spiney Oyster and turquoise is as old as the human love for adornment. &nbsp;Coming all the way from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, Spiney Oyster shell is most commonly seen in orange, red and purple. The more strident the color, the more expensive the shell is. &nbsp;Red and purple shells are found a much greater depth than the brilliant oranges, and are rare and more expensive. Spiney Oyster beads of good color are much coveted and can be worn with all of your turquoise and silver pieces.&nbsp;</p>

Made in USA