Vintage Purple Spondylus Shell Heishi Necklace

This is a vintage single-strand necklace composed of graduated shell heishi beads. The material appears to be Spondylus shell, commonly known as 'spiny oyster,' specifically in a varied lavender and white coloration. The beads are hand-cut into irregular, thin discs or heishi shapes, showing a natural gradient of color from deep violet to a creamy white. Each bead exhibits original texture with slight ribbing and natural pits, which are characteristic of biological origin rather than synthetic imitation. The necklace is approximately 18 to 22 inches in length, and is secured with a traditional brass-tone barrel screw clasp. This type of clasp is a common identifier for mid-20th-century costume or souvenir jewelry, likely dating from the 1960s to the 1980s. The craftsmanship shows a high degree of labor, with hundreds of tiny shell slices individually drilled and strung. The condition appears to be excellent for its age; the shell fragments maintain a consistent luster without significant chips beyond their organic shape, and the brass clasp shows a slight aged patina but remains functional. The piece represents a classic example of coastal or Southwestern mid-century shell jewelry craft.