OTHER JEWELRY
About Turquoise
Turquoise plays an important role in our Traditional Teachings.
Turquoise is known to our Navajo people as a gift from the Holy People. The Holy People are the ones who look after us. The ones who help us grow and gain in understanding. When we wear our turquoise, we are showing the Holy People... we know we came from their presence. And, when we pray while wearing our turquoise, the Holy People see and say, "There is one of our children who knows where they come from. What are they asking for? Let's give it to them."
The rich, blues and greens of Turquoise are meant to remind the Five-Fingered Being of the Blue World.
Of the four different worlds (or planes of existence)... Turquoise is the Spiritual one. It is the second world. This is where the Five-Fingered Being became spiritually aware. This place is also called, "The World With No Surface".
The word Navajo People call themselves, Diné, is a compound word. Di and Né. It means "from no surface to a surface people".
When the Five-Fingered Being is born into the Yellow World, they become a surface person. The Yellow World is the third world. This is where the Five-Fingered Being becomes physically aware. This place is also called, "The World With a Surface."
As Diné, we recognize that we came from a place with no surface to a place with a surface. From the Blue World to the Yellow World.
Wear your Turquoise proud.
Display it with honor.
Let it become part of your story.
Share the tradition with those that ask.
Meet The Artists
Meet Darlene, Navajo Jewelry Artist
Darlene has been making turquoise necklaces and other Navajo jewelry for almost 30 years.
She says she learned the skill from her in-laws.
Using turquoise, silver, glass beads, and shell she crafts these beautiful jewelry pieces.
Darlene is of the Nakai Diné Clan.
Turquoise to our Diné is important.
Representing the "Blue World", it tells the Holy People... "We know where we come from".
Turquoise is a semi-precious stone.
These small turquoise nuggets are stabilized to make them last the test of time.
Turquoise is also worn for protection when roaming outside of the sacred mountains.
Meet Etta, Navajo Jewelry Artist
Etta's specialty is beadwork. And not just any beadwork... but intricate beadwork.
She learned to bead several years ago from her eldest sister and has taken the craft on as her own.
Her favorite thing to make is beaded cuff bracelets. It takes her up to two days to complete a single work of art.
Etta starts with nickel plates and covers them in deer hide. Then she starts the complex art of beading while the plate is straight.
She says she goes one bead at a time and puts the colors together as she goes.
Once the beading is completed all the way around the plate, it is then carefully bent to the shape of the cuff.
Etta is of the Áshįįh (Salt) Clan.
Meet Shirley, Navajo Jewelry Artist
Shirley has been making jewelry since she was a very young child. This puts Shirley's skill level into the expert realm.
Growing up in the heart of the Navajo Nation, Shirley learned this skill from her mother.
Shirley is of the Many Goats clan and is born for the Tangle Clan.
Shirley says her favorite part of making jewelry is the ability to support her family. Her mother began making jewelry as a means to provide for Shirley and her siblings when they were young. She was a single mother trying to balance all that was required of her.
Shirley's mother taught all of her children to make jewelry with her and they made it a family business. The kids would help pay for their school clothes and anything else they needed. Shirley has kept this means of income for her own family ever since.
Shirley loves the art of putting odds and ends together of all her leftovers. She loves the hobby aspect of this skill.
Navajo Traditional Teachings Originals
All of our pieces listed as "Navajo Traditional Teachings Originals" are either made by Wally or his son Shane.
Wally was born an artist. He learned to Silversmith from his father and has enjoyed many forms of art throughout his life including singing, playing the guitar, painting, carving, silversmithing, beading, and much more.
Since 2016 after his stroke, he has lost most mobility in his left hand which has caused him to slow down in creating beautiful jewelry. It has also stirred the desire for him to teach his talents to his children.
Shane has inherited a lot of his artistic talents from his father and practices and learns new skills constantly. He finds Native American jewelry-making and other skills he has learned from his father very rewarding and loves sharing them with you.
Customer Reviews
Hugh C.
“...that large turquoise piece in Roy Huskies pendant Islands is the most beautiful turquoise I've ever seen. And being born and always living in S.W. Oklahoma, Native Country, I've seen plenty. I've got to take a picture of it. It just grabs me and I love to just look and admire it.”
Jennifer B.
“This afternoon, I had a discussion with my niece and nephew about wearing turquoise and why it’s important especially when we do not reside in the four scared mountains. I didn’t know all the other details mentioned... now I can provide more context to my niece and nephew about wearing turquoise and silver when I see them again.”
Nattalia N.
“…I am delighted to find the necklace that you are offering and to know that it is authentic and that it represents a return to traditional teachings. Thank you so much for helping me to put through my order. Blessings.”
Mike C.
"I just wanted to let you know that my wife just got her Abalone Feather Turquoise earrings. She is delighted with them, as am I. Thank you for offering these items."
Beryl P.
“...I love turquoise. Something about it intrigues me greatly and makes me feel very peaceful. Thank you for shining Light on Mother Earth.”
Kelley H.
"So happy with the special Traditional Way necklace. We went to Angel Oak, a very old tree on Johns Island, SC to put it on."
Michael S.
"Thank you All — Thank you so much! Yesterday I received my Traditional Way necklace. It is beyond beautiful. The necklace was made by Darlene Huskie with great artistry, care, and love. Already this grouping of vital symbols has improved my life spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. May each of you live the very best of life as you improve the lives of us all through your endeavors. The Internet is a vast place to be searching for insight; I am so happy that I came upon Wally in my searches."
Products That Tell a Story
All of our products tell a story. These products are made to encourage people to share more about themselves. We give a starting place, or we add to what is already there. Encouraging people to pass on their knowledge the traditional way. With heart, meaning, and symbolism.
OUR PROMISE
We guarantee our products to meet and exceed your satisfaction. If for any reason you are not satisfied or if your purchase is defective we will gladly work with you to get a refund or ship out a replacement. Just email info@navajotraditionalteachings.com with your concerns.