Antiqua Turquoise Necklace

On my first visit, I fell in love with Guatemala, its beauty and its people. The city of Antigua is a UNESCO National Heritage Site, and I saw why. Known for their turquoise and silver, the Mayan Empire once ruled from there. I immediately began imagining myself retiring there, working daily in programs for young teen moms who choose to keep their babies.

Along with four partners, we started teaching women to make jewelry to support themselves and to sell here in the U.S. We’ve held conferences, medical clinics, trainings, and more. At one medical clinic, those needing help sat in the room of a safehouse waiting for the American doctors to treat them upstairs. We sat on the porch making jewelry, and one woman sat with her face slashed from ear to ear, her daughter cuddled up to her. She’d rescued her own daughter from abuse and capture, and this slashing was the price she paid. She smiled the whole time, however, thrilled to know she was getting first-world health care. I witnessed her joy with awe. To most of us, we’d think she had nothing to be happy about. Her joy at us caring about her medical needs and the recovery of her daughter humbled me.

This necklace was made for me that day by another woman rescued from domestic violence. Hanging on thread, these turquoise-colored stones go with everything from a t-shirt and jeans to a suit or dress. I was told the stones were turquoise, but they may be dyed howlite as well. Howlite’s veins create a beauty that is stunning.  Worn for years with pride, this statement piece has had the gentle watering of tears of sorrow turned to joy as I’ve rocked countless wounded in my arms. Wear this necklace knowing it was crafted with love and that it’s witnessed the transforming power of rescue and work with dignity.