Gerard & Mary Calabaza

Mary and Gerard Calabaza, jewelers from Santo Domingo Pueblo, are a husband and wife duo known for handcrafting exquisite heishi beads and creating beautiful statement necklaces in traditional and contemporary styles. Each piece they create is a unique work of art. Gerard learned the art of making heishi necklaces from his parents, Pula and Delphanita Calabaza, at the age of 13. Mary learned jewelry- and pottery-making from her parents, as well, at the age of 12. She credits her mother for teaching her how to drill, grind and slice stones. Mary married into the Calabaza family and joined her husband in the family legacy of making highly quality heishi necklace and jewelry.