Necklace Native American Santo Domingo Phosphosiderite Disc

This is our first exposure to this semi-precious stone. The material is called phosphosiderite, and its natural color can range between colorless, purple, pink, red to red-violet. This example is that of light lavender with a slight color variation between the disk beads. This one was made by Lester Abeyta, of Santo Domingo Pueblo. He has hand-shaped and cut this material into graduated discs, accented with handmade sterling silver tube beads and finished with sterling silver cones. At the base of the necklace, very fine heishi shell beads have been inserted for style, and to allow for proper hang. This is a very pretty necklace having a silky smooth feel and movement to it. We certainly hope to see more of this remarkable stone in the future!

graduation of beads (approx): 1/2" to 3/16"

necklace length: 23 1/2"