Looking for nice turquoise

[Upgradable]

I''m expecting delivery of a vintage halo mounting. I''d like to set a nice blue turquoise cab in it. Opening measures 7x5mm. I''ve seen some beautiful vintage pieces like this and am trying to recreate one. Budget ~ $200. Can anyone help me?

 

[VapidLapid]

http://indianvillage.com/Nevadaturquoisemines.htm

Also I think wildfish has some persian turquoises

Also also this ebay seller has real untreated natural turquoise well cut and backed. It would seem likely that he could cut something for you or cut something you see and like down to size. This then could be way under your budget

http://shop.ebay.com/seagull52/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25

these are some of mine from him and some chipmunk nuggets from somewhere else

 

[T L]

I''m thinking more of a robin''s egg blue without veining for that halo, or even a moonstone. It might be easier to find a moonstone for it. As for turquoise, beware of dyed and composite material.

 

[soberguy]

I agree with TL. I''ve learned a lot about turquoise after making my Ithaca Peak set. Turquoise is very much about what YOU want, green? blue? matrix? no matrix? type of matrix?

 

[Harriet]

See if you like the material from the Sleeping Beauty Mine in AZ

 

[Upgradable]

I can get a piece of Sleeping Beauty calibrated from Rio Grande. Is that a cheesy route to go?

 

[T L]

I think Rio Grande sells dyed and/or composite material. A true untreated Robin's egg blue can be pricey, and they often get a patina over time.

 

[Harriet]

Uppy, there are other sources. Besides, a patina would add to the antiquey look you''re after.

 

[VapidLapid]

Just some examples of the look circa 1890

 

[VapidLapid]

 

[Upgradable]

AAAAAAHHHHHHRRRRGGGGGG!!!!! You are killing me!! That''s exactly what I''m looking for!

Okay, so anyone want to help me find a vendor that has something blue to blue green without visible matrix that hasn''t been treated to death? I don''t mind some color stabilization and/or sealing.

I only need a small oval, so someone that may be willing to cut for me would be good too. So far I''m not having any luck with my usual gemstone sources. My local man has some Tibetan, but it is all too big and would have to be cut down.

 

[VapidLapid]

Uppy, do check out that guy jim saunders aka seagull52 on ebay. He used to have his own website (americanturquoise) but it''s gone. I think he got more visibility on ebay. His stuff is real, he cuts them himself.

 

[Upgradable]

I''ve gone through his ebay store and will definitely contact him when the mounting arrives and I can more accurately measure for the stone. I hope he''s not insulted by my request for a bland, matrix free, tiny little cab! I''ve read his descriptions and he is quite a lover of the unique pieces produced by each individual mine. It''s kind of like going into Baskin Robbins and asking for vanilla.

 

[Harriet]

Date: 6/2/2010 8:51:58 PM
Author: VapidLapid
Just some examples of the look circa 1890

Perfect. Uppy, I'll keep my eyes out for other sources.

 

[VapidLapid]

Yes he does have a thing for the distinctions and uniqueness of all the different mines. i would think that since the piece you want is so small though you might be able to get nearly any type for the color and gradations you may want. That Lost Monte Cristo mine looks nice to me and the Damele and Bisbee too, though I think you might prefer the Kingman.
Well now you''ve got me looking in there too, and there are a few that are talking to me.

 

[soberguy]

This is the ring I made out of a 25mm Ithaca Peak Turquoise nugget. It is my personal favorite kind of turqoise. The blue is incomporable, and it has really beautiful quartz 6 sided crystals. I have also seen clean cabochons of Ithaca Peak that are just as blue as this one, and in the size you''re seeking, I don''t think you''ll have to pay very much. I tried to contact John Foutz, the man I purchased mine from, but he is ill right now, and not available.

 

[innerkitten]

It is possible to get some very nice untreated sleeping beauty turquoise without matrix. There are some vendors that specialize in turquoise.

 

[Upgradable]

I think I''ve found some vintage persian cabs that are going to fit the bill. Nice thing about turquoise is that I can get several and see if I like them without breaking the bank.

 

[packrat]

Ooo that''s going to be gorgeous Uppy!