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Navajo Traditional Teachings

White Heishi Tapered Turquoise Choker

White Heishi Tapered Turquoise Choker

Regular price $129.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $129.99 USD
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Simple, balanced, and rooted in generations of Navajo artistry, this handcrafted choker by Darlene Huskie celebrates the timeless beauty of turquoise. Carefully arranged tapered turquoise beads frame a center of bright white heishi shell, creating a clean, classic design that draws attention to the natural color and character of every stone. Each turquoise bead features its own unique matrix patterns and subtle variations, making every necklace one of a kind.

The contrast between vibrant turquoise and crisp white shell creates a look that is both traditional and versatile. Lightweight enough for everyday wear yet distinctive enough to stand on its own, this choker pairs beautifully with other Southwestern jewelry or serves as an understated statement piece on its own. The sterling silver clasp provides a durable, elegant finish while allowing the natural materials to remain the centerpiece.

For the Navajo people, turquoise has long been treasured as one of the most meaningful stones, representing protection, blessings, harmony, and a lasting connection to the earth. It is considered a gift from the Holy People and has been incorporated into Navajo jewelry for generations. The white heishi shell provides a traditional complement, creating a balanced design that reflects the enduring beauty of classic Southwestern craftsmanship.

Each necklace is individually crafted by Navajo artist Darlene Huskie, who has spent nearly 30 years creating traditional jewelry after learning the craft through her husband's family. Every bead is thoughtfully placed to highlight the natural beauty of the materials while honoring generations of Navajo craftsmanship and artistry.

Because authenticity matters, every turquoise piece from Navajo Traditional Teachings includes a Certificate of Authenticity. In a marketplace filled with imported imitations and misleading claims, you can wear your jewelry with confidence, knowing exactly who created it and where it came from.

A Darlene Huskie Original

Materials: Tapered Turquoise, White Heishi Shell, Sterling Silver

Length: 16"

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Meet The Artist

Meet Darlene... Navajo Jewelry Artist

Darlene Huskie is a Navajo jewelry artist with nearly three decades of experience creating hand-strung turquoise necklaces and traditional Diné adornment. Taught within her husband’s family, she carries forward a lineage of beadwork that blends patience, precision, and cultural memory.

Working with turquoise, sterling silver, shell, and glass beads, Darlene carefully selects and arranges each element by hand, allowing color, balance, and natural beauty to guide every design. Her pieces are not mass-produced — each necklace is individually made, reflecting the quiet skill and steady hands of an artist who has spent a lifetime perfecting her craft.

Darlene is of the Nakai Diné Clan, and her work reflects the enduring Navajo tradition of jewelry as both personal adornment and cultural expression.

Authentic Turquoise

With only 5 active turquoise mines left in the U.S.—led by the iconic Kingman Mine—much of today’s turquoise comes from past sources. Check the map… your piece may be rarer than you think.

Turquoise Map
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How We Test Turquoise

Testing is a skill. Some pieces of turquoise you can tell right when you pick them up. Others require a more scientific approach. Click here to See The 4 Ways To Test Turquoise:

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