Lee Yazzie Lone Mountain Turquoise Necklace

Lee Yazzie is known today as one of the best Master Navajo jewelers. The nuggets Lee used are all Gem-Quality Lone Mountain turquoise. The handmade silver pendant has two Lone Mountain stones in a shadow-boxed design. This beautiful necklace was made in the 1980s.

 

Dimensions

Necklace: 29″ L

Pendant: 2″ 3/8th L X 1″ W

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Necklace Length Guide – Find the Right Fit for Your Look

When selecting a necklace, the length makes all the difference in how it feels, looks, and layers. Whether you’re purchasing a fine inlay pendant or a hand-fabricated gold chain, this guide will help you choose the ideal necklace length for your body and style.

Standard Necklace Lengths for Adults

Length Name Where it falls Best For
14″ Choker Tight around the neck High-neck outfits, layering, bold statement
16″ Collar Base of the neck Everyday wear, delicate pendants
18″ Princess Sits at collarbone Classic choice, suits most necklines
20″ Matinee Just below collarbone Slightly longer pendants, high necklines
22–24″ Opera Above bust or mid-chest Statement pendants, layering
30–36″ Rope or Lariat Drapes below the bust Elegant evening wear, versatile wrap styling

Tip: Use a string and ruler to test different lengths before ordering.

Necklace Length Guide for Women

  • 16–18″ is the most popular length for everyday wear.

  • 20–24″ works well for longer pendants or statement pieces.

  • For a more dramatic look or layering, 30”+ lariats can be styled doubled or knotted.

Necklace Length Guide for Men

  • 18″ fits closely around the neck.

  • 20″ falls at the collarbone and is the most common men’s length.

  • 22–24″ offers a relaxed fit for pendants or heavier pieces.

Tips Based on Body Type and Face Shape

  • Petite frames: 16–18″ helps elongate the neck and keeps proportions balanced.

  • Broad shoulders or larger chest: Consider 20–24″ for a comfortable fit.

  • Round or square faces: Longer necklaces (20” and up) help create a more elongated appearance.

  • Oval faces: Almost any necklace length will complement this shape.

Pairing Lengths with Jewelry Styles

At Faust Gallery, many pieces are one-of-a-kind and deserve to be showcased at the perfect length:

  • Inlay pendants or large stones: Opt for 18–22″ to center the piece on the chest.

  • Gold and silver chains: Use 16–20″ for layering or 24″+ for a longer, refined look.

  • Artist-made lariats or figure pendants: Let them shine with 30″+ lengths, styled simply.

Necklace Fit and Styling Tips

  • Measure where you want the pendant or focal point to rest.

  • Consider the weight of the piece—heavier pendants hang lower.

  • Handmade or artist-signed closures may add extra length to the total chain.

  • Try on with the neckline you plan to wear it with for the most accurate look.

Need Help Choosing the Right Length?

We’re here to help you make the perfect selection.

  • Email us at sales@faustgallery.com

  • Visit us in person at our Scottsdale, AZ or Santa Fe, NM galleries

  • Request a photo or video of how the necklace hangs on a bust or model

Custom Chain Lengths Available

Some pieces can be adjusted to suit your preferred length. Contact us before purchasing—we’ll work with the artist when possible to ensure your necklace is tailored to fit your vision.

Lone Mountain Turquoise, mined in Esmeralda County near Tonopah, Nevada, is one of the most admired and collectible turquoise varieties in the American Southwest. Known for its intense sky‑blue to robin’s egg hues and signature black or brown spiderweb matrix, Lone Mountain has earned its place among the finest turquoise in the world.

A Brief History of Lone Mountain Turquoise

Originally known as the Blue Jay Mine, turquoise was first discovered at Lone Mountain in the 1920s by miner Lee Hand. It gained national recognition in the 1960s, with major production driven by Menliss Winfield and later Gene Waddell, who helped elevate the mine’s reputation through high-grade output.

In 2015, ownership transferred to the Smith family, who continue to mine the site in limited quantities. Lone Mountain remains one of the few American turquoise mines still producing, but its natural, untreated high-grade material is extremely rare and increasingly coveted.

What Makes Lone Mountain Turquoise Unique?

  • Color: Vivid sky-blue to robin’s egg blue tones
  • Matrix: Known for its tight spiderweb matrix in black, brown, or grey
  • Hardness: Naturally hard and typically untreated
  • Variety: Includes spiderweb, water-web, clear blue, and even fossilized turquoise
  • Legacy: Used by iconic Native artists including Charles Loloma, Mark Chee, and Lee Yazzie

Lone Mountain’s spiderweb material is considered second only to Lander Blue in desirability, with its crisp matrix and brilliant color elevating it above most turquoise types on the market.

Why Collectors Love Lone Mountain Turquoise

Collectors and jewelers value Lone Mountain turquoise for its durability, beauty, and rarity. Unlike most turquoise that requires stabilization, high-grade Lone Mountain stones are often entirely natural, which greatly enhances their value. The distinct spiderweb matrix makes each stone visually unique, and its proven track record in both vintage and modern fine jewelry has made it a cornerstone in turquoise collections.

As availability continues to decline, Lone Mountain turquoise remains one of the most treasured materials in the world of Southwestern jewelry.

Summary

Feature Details
Origin Lone Mountain Mine, Tonopah, Nevada
Discovery 1920 by Lee Hand; originally called Blue Jay Mine
Mining History Major output in the 1960s–1980s; limited today
Color Range Sky‑blue to robin’s egg blue
Matrix Tight spiderweb in black, brown, or grey
Hardness Naturally hard; often untreated
Varieties Spiderweb, water‑web, clear blue, fossil turquoise
Availability Scarce; high-grade material is rare
Collectibility Highly valued by collectors and jewelers