A PERSONAL WORD:
Kewa Puebloan artists "Delbert & Torevia Crespin's" work stands in a league of their own..They are known for putting an artistic twist to everything they make, which is why they stand apart from the rest in the village.. Yes, you'll find them doing the traditional styles that are known in Kewa jewelry, but more times than not, you'll find them creating these extremely eye catching pieces that can make you stand out, no matter where you're at! I personally feel it's the way they work with their colorful materials, but more so, it's their "Eye" for knowing how & where to then lay them that literally makes each, a wearable piece of art!
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SPONGE CORAL:
Although Sponge Coral is not as valuable as Mediterranean coral,it is however highly appreciated in the jewelry industry because of it's natural colorful appearance. Just like it's Mediterranean counterpart, it too has become overfished & has been found that it's supply is decreasing in dwindling numbers because of overfishing. It is found in both the western oceans & eastern Atlantic waters & is found in Queensland, Australia, Italy, South China Sea, Red Sea, Taiwan and the Malaysian Coast & the Canary Islands.
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THE KIVA STEP DESIGN:
To understand & appreciate this design ,one would have to know a little about the Puebloan culture.The Kiva Steps are squared steps that represent the physical and spiritual paths in or out of a Kiva, which is an underground place of worship and that are found in ancient Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings.(e.g. Mesa Verde-Chaco Canyon,NM)
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THE SET:
Staying close to their traditional Kewa Puebloan roots, this was designed with a very powerful "Cleopatra" appearance, if not being close to having a real "Royal" edginess to it!

Made exclusively for my store, this is designed with 11 mosaic inlaid "Kiva Step" panels which are drilled in the sponge coral portion of each panel, so they can be threaded through the 3 strands in order to keep the design stationary when worn. Torevia chose for each panel a blue Kingman turquoise top, the sponge coral for the center & then used for the "Kiva Steps" she used an earthy color green/brown Kingman turquoise.

Considered the "Lapidarian' s" in Native American Art, (Stone-shell cutting) the artisans from the Kewa village are known for cutting all the materials they use, just like their ancient ancestors & with that said, Torevia precisely cut all these beads by HAND that make up the 3 strands..(A commercial manufacture may not be as precise as these!!) They are impressively cut into a 6 mm round bead, which were hand rolled over & over until they have this beautiful smooth beveling!! The mosaic panels are inlaid atop of black jet. The earrings are made to match the necklace & are included.