A Lifetime of Relationships
By: Hanna Sitting Crow
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 find 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.
Annie Tice-Poseley and her family have been proudly designing and cultivating this family-owned multi-generational business for over five 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 first 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.
“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, 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 first 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 “fixing 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 definitely walk out as a friend for life!”
Turquoise Tidbits
Sunnyside Turquoise
- Found in the Sunnyside mine in northern Nevada
- Sunnyside turquoise is extremely hard and contains bright blue ripples against a darker host rock
Kingman Turquoise
- Found in Kingman, Arizona.
- Kingman turquoise can range from pale to dark blue, and sometimes includes shades of green. The color is determined by the copper and iron in the stone, with copper creating a blue tone and iron creating green hue
- Matrices can be white, light brown, or black
Royston Turquoise
- Found in the Royston Mining District, Nevada
- Royston turquoise can be two-toned, with both light and dark green or blue
- Known for heavy matrix dark brown to gold in color
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are artist relationships central to this family’s story?
The relationships began with Ginny and Clinton’s visits to artists in Arizona and continued through later generations. Business connections grew into friendships that remained part of the family’s work for decades.
What did Ginny originally share with friends in South Dakota?
Ginny brought back treasures from different tribes and artists, including turquoise, beadwork, and quilting. Her enthusiasm for sharing that artistry helped inspire her first store.
How did Nettie become involved in the family tradition?
Nettie visited reservations with her mother while she was young. Those experiences introduced her to Native American beliefs and artistry, and she later continued the business with her husband Jim.
How did Annie build her own connections with artists?
Annie traveled with her mother and grandmother while growing up. She developed friendships with artists whose relationships with the family had begun with Ginny decades earlier.
How old was Annie when she opened her first store?
According to the article, Annie opened her first store at 19, continuing the family’s commitment to culture, tradition, and quality art.
What inspired CJ to pursue the jewelry business?
CJ enjoyed stones and rock hunting as a child. After opening a coffee shop next to Dakota Sky Stone in Wall, a trip to meet artists and learn about Native American culture deepened his interest in the family’s work.
Who represents the fourth generation in the article?
Zoe and Reeder James represent the fourth generation. The article highlights Zoe’s eye for style and connection with clients, along with Reeder’s enthusiasm for helping his grandfather and Uncle CJ and sorting stones.
What kind of relationship does the family hope to build with visitors?
The article emphasizes a welcoming, personal experience. Its closing message is that customers may enter the stores to shop but leave feeling like friends for life.
Family Owned Since 1971
Deadwood & Wall, SD | 605.390.5500
dakotaskystone@gmail.com
