Turquoise is known to be one of the world's ancient gems.
"Turquoise was a ceremonial gem and a medium of exchange for Native American tribes in the southwestern US. They also used it in their jewelry and amulets. The Apaches believed that turquoise attached to a bow or firearm increased a hunter’s or warrior’s accuracy." -GIA
The Turquoise color varies from a light pale blue, blue-green to deep green.
It has been said that Turquoise is a purification stone, dispelling negative energy and instilling an inner calm.
"New Mexico’s turquoise gems are famous for their wide array of colors and matrices. New Mexico’s turquoise mines are some of the oldest mined in the southwest and the Cerrillos turquoise mine, near Santa Fe, the most extensively mined operation in America with the largest known turquoise deposit on North America by Native Indians." -Southwest Gallery
Cerrillos, New Mexico is thought to be the location of the oldest mines and prior to the 1920s was the country's largest producer. It is more or less exhausted today making Cerrillos Turquoise all the more rare and unique.
To see more Turquoise and Southwestern styles visit our EBAY shop.
Sources:
Photography Elizabeth Wells Photography
Model/Client Jocelyn Montoya
Jewelry ABQ Gold and Silver