Now in his mid-thirties, Chris Nieto is one of the finest beadmakers at Santo Domingo Pueblo and has no peer in the realm of mosaic inlay work. His work can be found at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe, he exhibits at the widely renowned art shows at the Heard Museum in Phoenix and is a well-respected citizen of Santo Domingo Pueblo where he is very active in religious and ceremonial affairs. He is a kind and generous man who has become a close friend through our years of working together. His wife, Luwanna, often aids him by stringing his necklaces.

This choker-length necklace consists of seven strands of stacked, handmade beads of apple coral. Slightly graduated in size, the largest beads are found in the center of the necklace. Chris added chip beads of Kingman turquoise (blue & green), jet, lapis lazuli, red spiny oyster, green serpentine and red abalone throughout the strands. Each of the strands is slightly different in length and this causes the strands to stack upon one another and give the seven strands a full, rich aspect. The beads are strung on very finely braided steel wire which is sleeved by polyurethane. This lends shape to the strands and the polyurethane coating on the braided wire allows the beads to slide smoothly on the strands while preventing the steel wire from chipping or wearing the beads. The strands are gathered inside the Sterling cones and the necklace closure is a handmade heavy-gauge Sterling hook and eye which are sturdy and reliable.

Apple Coral chip beads: 1/8" to 1/4" diameter; 1/32" to 1/16" thick

Weight: 2.6 ounces

Length: 20"