Percy Reano

Fine Turquoise and Shell Heishe Jewelry
 
Percy Reano is from the San Felipe Pueblo. San Felipe is located near the
Santa Domingo Pueblo (Santa Fe) in New Mexico, United States.

Percy Reano is among the few artisans capable of making very fine
multi-strand Heishe necklaces. Percy is the only artisan I know
who is both an accomplished Heishe maker and Silversmith.

The combination of his beautiful Heishe and fine Silversmithing
elevates his art to a very high level.

I first saw Percy's heishe in the mid 1980's. I was thrilled by its
beauty then and continue to be today, 20 years later.

Fine heishe is recognized as much by the way it looks as by the
 way it feels. Hold the heishe by one end and let it dangle. Then lightly
 run your fingers down the length if it. The heishe should feel like
 a strand of hair... perfectly smooth and even

  How is heishe made?

First, the materials are selected. Almost anything can be
made into heishe... shell, turquoise, lapis, amber...

Then it is cut into thin strips and drilled with a very fine bit. 

After the holes are drilled, the strips are cut into squares.
One square has one hole

The squares are then strung on wire and worked
by hand until each piece is perfectly round
and matched.

The end result can be as fine as a strand of hair.

In addition to fine heishe, Percy Reano and his family also make
Turquoise and Shell Earrings and Pendants.

Percy Reano Penn Shell and Turquoise Heishe Necklace

Rarely Made 20 Strand Heishe Necklace
 with Handmade Silver Findings

25" long

$3750

Percy Reano Shell, Jet and Turquoise Pendant

Turquoise, Spiney Oyster, Jet, Lapis and Mother of Pearl

3 3/8" x 1 5/8"

$145

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Percy Reano Turquoise and Shell Earrings