A LIFETIME OF Relationships
By: Hanna Sitting Crow
AuthenticTURQUOISE
For decades, visitors have traveled from all over the world to South Dakota, one of the only states in the U.S. still known for tourism. Visitors near and far make the journey because of the state’s rich history. Over the course of the next several months, you will get a behind-the-scenes look at Dakota Sky Stone, a four-generation turquoise business in the heart of the state that started with one woman’s vision and her appreciation for the culture still prevalent in this state.
Nestled in the heart of Wall and downtown Deadwood, South Dakota, you will fnd a unique business of turquoise and family. From beautiful handmade, authentic turquoise masterpieces made by Native Americans all over the United States, as well as local artists, Dakota Sky Stone provides a one-of-a-kind experience with treasures that tourists and locals have known and loved for decades.
“I get excited even now when I see a piece of jewelry that just calls to me…it’s amazing,” Nettie shared.
Nettie and her husband Jim Tice (originally from Nebraska) carried on this family legacy business, traveling to the reservations, handpicking stones for pieces they would design and carrying on the family tradition with their two children, Annie and CJ, working side by side. This dynamic duo is often found working on jewelry or welcoming their newest friends into one of their stores.
The entrepreneurial spirit is strong in this family. Annie and CJ worked alongside their family growing up…even before they were tall enough to see over the counter. Although CJ wasn’t sure if this was his calling, Annie was in awe of the artistry. With CJ working at the store during the summer, Annie would travel with her grandmother and mother (a tradition she would continue with her own daughter), building business relationships that would grow into friendships with local artists who had started decades ago with her grandmother Ginny.
Annie Tice-Poseley and her family have been proudly designing and cultivating this family-owned multi-generational business for over fve decades. The story begins with a traveling insurance salesman, Clinton, and his wife Ginny. Clinton and Ginny fell in love with the people of the Navajo reservation in Arizona; their artistry was a craft that Ginny wanted to share with her friends in South Dakota. Ginny was known locally for the treasures she would bring back from various tribes and artists. This rare turquoise beadwork and quilting would only be the start of their family legacy. In 1971, Ginny opened her frst store, Ginny’s House of Turquoise. Working directly with the artist and in the mines choosing the best quality turquoise, Ginny was able to offer the highest quality stones and beadwork for the best price. Over the course of the next 50 years, these long-lasting friendships with various tribes throughout the U.S. still prevail, four generations strong.
Nettie (Clinton and Ginny’s daughter) exudes the same passion. She visited the reservations with her mother at a young age, learning Native American beliefs and falling in love with their culture.
Annie, like her mother, has a beautiful spirit about her; you feel like you are the only person in the room when she is beaming about their family’s jewelry. Opening her frst store when she was 19, Annie was passionate about continuing this legacy of culture, tradition, and quality art and sharing it with the world. Today, Annie carries out this tradition with her daughter Zoe and son Reeder James.
CJ always had a passion for stones and rock hunting as a small child. After opening his own coffee shop adjacent to Dakota Sky Stone in Wall, SD, he decided to go on a trip down south as well to build relationships. After meeting the artists and learning about Native American culture, CJ was hooked. He is without a doubt, a master of his craft, creating and polishing truly unique and beautiful pieces.
Zoe and Reeder James (named after his grandpa Jim), are the fourth generation working in this family business. Whether she’s at a trade show or in one of the stores, Zoe is sure to stand out. With her impeccable eye for style and ability to talk with clients, this “trendista” has for sure found her niche! Reeder is always up for anything and loves helping his papa and Uncle CJ in the stores “fxing things” and sorting stones! The drive and work ethic paired with charisma is alive and thriving in these young entrepreneurs.
With some of the rarest turquoise in the Midwest, Dakota Sky Stone has become a favorite for many! The jewelry is timeless, and each piece is built to last. From turquoise to Navajo pearls, you are sure to fall in love with this family, as well as the exquisite artistry.
For more information about Dakota Sky Stone, visit one of their stores in Wall or Deadwood, South Dakota or online at dakotaskystone.com.
“When you visit our stores, you may walk in as a customer, but you’ll defnitely walk out as a friend for life!”
