Turquoise Jewelry and the American Southwest

Salts of copper and aluminum are the two main ingredients of turquoise. So turquoise is often found in association with copper deposits, and since there are large deposits in the Southwestern states of Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Colorado, it follows logically that these states are also producers of the this blue gemstone. Turquoise was mined for decades near large operating copper mines such as Morenci and Bisbee in Arizona, and Tyrone in New Mexico. Nevada boasts of having the greatest number of turquoise mines in the US. Of note is the mine at Damali which due to the presence of zinc, produces turquoise that is a fairly unique shade of yellow. The first turquoise mining operation in the US was carried out at Cerrillos near Santa Fe in New Mexico.

Over the past few decades, southwestern jewelry such as a silver turquoise pendant and other jewelry has become very popular in the US. In fact, today turquoise is said to be the most valuable and sought-after opaque gemstone for jewelry. The history of turquoise in the Southwest however, goes back much longer. Records dating back to nearly a thousand years show native American tribes in New Mexico seeking out turquoise and using it in their religious ceremonies. Since their early finds, they associated this stone with the heavens and earth. Different tribes associated different properties to this stone. Some believed that the stone represented female energy and powers. Others believed that it represented male energy and therefore wore it during hunts and battles. They even decorated their bows with it, believing that it would improve their accuracy.

The natives started using turquoise in jewelry almost immediately after discovering this stone. Considering the beauty of turquoise, this is not surprising at all. However, the early attempts at jewelry designs were quite primitive and were generally limited to turquoise nuggets strung together. With time however, native artists honed their skills and began to make jewelry that was quite intricate. The European settlers introduced silver and silversmithing to the natives in the early nineteenth century. The combination of turquoise and silver came almost naturally, and soon southwestern jewelry that we know and love today was being made here. Today, there are numerous styles and designs of turquoise jewelry to choose from. Some involve combinations such as coral and turquoise, or turquoise accent beads in a white pearl necklace . However, no genre is as popular as the turquoise inlay work in sterling silver settings. These pieces are superbly crafted, have delicate patterns, and have captured the hearts of jewelry fans all over the country, and in many countries around the world.