Heishe necklaces are made from hand-drilled shell or stone beads by the USA Santo Domingo Indians.
I went to see National Treasure: Book of Secrets this past holiday weekend and wanted to give you some info on the fantastic necklaces Helen Mirren wore in this movie. She wore two necklaces that were in the same type of style.
The necklaces were what is referred to as ‘heishe’ style. Over the years heishe has kind of become the generic name for necklaces strung with square cut beads. However, a real heishe necklace is one that is made from hand-drilled shell or stone beads by the USA Santo Domingo Indians.
The first necklace she wore was made from white beads – probably oyster shells – with what appeared to be a carved shell or stone fetish. The second necklace she wore, towards the end of the movie, appeared to be made from multiple strands of red coral.
Both these necklaces are faithful, authentic representations of the ‘heishe’ style. And, what is a fetish? Well, when speaking in terms of jewelry – a fetish is an object that is thought to have special powers – like a good luck charm.
