Show me your turquoise jewelry!

[Autumn in New England]

I agree with @stracci2000... it's definitely genuine NA (70's or 80's) even without a hallmark, because the turq is obviously American. I can't quite pinpoint the mine. Could be royston, as was mentioned, or kingman (our most productive US mine and therefore most common US turq). But if I had to bet, do you know what I would say it is? Blue carico lake. A few stones in there are dead ringers... and I've looked at a lot of this material. Whatever the case, it's beautiful!! Congrats!!

 

[stracci2000]

I agree with @stracci2000... it's definitely genuine NA (70's or 80's) even without a hallmark, because the turq is obviously American. I can't quite pinpoint the mine. Could be royston, as was mentioned, or kingman (our most productive US mine and therefore most common US turq). But if I had to bet, do you know what I would say it is? Blue carico lake. A few stones in there are dead ringers... and I've looked at a lot of this material. Whatever the case, it's beautiful!! Congrats!!

Once again, Autumn nails it!
I think she's right about Carico Lake!
Lovely stuff, it is.

 

[newtojewels]

New World Gems seems to be closing but still has quite a bit of Carico Lake if you want to see (and maybe look for something to match!). Anything over $100 is 40% off.

Search: 72 results found for "Carico"

New World Gems provides an extensive collection of precious and semi precious gemstones and rare turquoise beads as well as handmade jewelry and clasps!

www.newworldgems.com

 

[Eli22]

@Eli22 this would look amazing with a little black dress in the summer, someplace near the water.

Ahh thank you for that visual @RRfromR ! I can’t wait to try it on

wow !
we need neck shots when it arrives !

@Daisys and Diamonds will definitely share pics when I get it!

Its beautiful!
I'm sure it's Navajo, maybe 1970s and possibly Royston turquoise.
Nice find!
I want you to be aware that turquoise is addictive!

We shall see what Autumn thinks when she comes by....

Thank you for the input @stracci2000 !! I’ve been wanting one for such a long time but didn’t trust my ability to get an authentic piece. When this came up, I couldn’t get it out of my mind, so finally took the leap! Re: addictive - I realize that now. I haven’t even received this piece yet and I’m looking for its “family members” (ring, earrings…) already

I agree with @stracci2000... it's definitely genuine NA (70's or 80's) even without a hallmark, because the turq is obviously American. I can't quite pinpoint the mine. Could be royston, as was mentioned, or kingman (our most productive US mine and therefore most common US turq). But if I had to bet, do you know what I would say it is? Blue carico lake. A few stones in there are dead ringers... and I've looked at a lot of this material. Whatever the case, it's beautiful!! Congrats!!

Thank you so much @Autumn in New England!! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the piece, esp the potential mine! I can see it now looking closely at the photos. I was so stumped because none of the photos I found online (I searched for “turquoise types”) quite matched it. Now Google “light blue Carico Lake” and boom. I can’t wait to see it in real life!

Once again, Autumn nails it!
I think she's right about Carico Lake!
Lovely stuff, it is.

New World Gems seems to be closing but still has quite a bit of Carico Lake if you want to see (and maybe look for something to match!). Anything over $100 is 40% off.

Search: 72 results found for "Carico"

New World Gems provides an extensive collection of precious and semi precious gemstones and rare turquoise beads as well as handmade jewelry and clasps!

www.newworldgems.com

Thank you for sharing this site @newtojewels - how did you know I wanted matching pieces?? I love how jewelry lovers think (and enable each other)

 

[Autumn in New England]

New World Gems seems to be closing but still has quite a bit of Carico Lake if you want to see (and maybe look for something to match!). Anything over $100 is 40% off.

Search: 72 results found for "Carico"

New World Gems provides an extensive collection of precious and semi precious gemstones and rare turquoise beads as well as handmade jewelry and clasps!

www.newworldgems.com

Oh that's too bad! I've bought quite a few bead strands from them to make necklaces. They were very trustworthy.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Ahh thank you for that visual @RRfromR ! I can’t wait to try it on


@Daisys and Diamonds will definitely share pics when I get it!


Thank you for the input @stracci2000 !! I’ve been wanting one for such a long time but didn’t trust my ability to get an authentic piece. When this came up, I couldn’t get it out of my mind, so finally took the leap! Re: addictive - I realize that now. I haven’t even received this piece yet and I’m looking for its “family members” (ring, earrings…) already


Thank you so much @Autumn in New England!! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the piece, esp the potential mine! I can see it now looking closely at the photos. I was so stumped because none of the photos I found online (I searched for “turquoise types”) quite matched it. Now Google “light blue Carico Lake” and boom. I can’t wait to see it in real life!





Thank you for sharing this site @newtojewels - how did you know I wanted matching pieces?? I love how jewelry lovers think (and enable each other)

Eagerly awaiting your review and pix!! Congrats again!!

It's always so exciting when someone discovers and begins to find their love for NA, isn't it @stracci2000? In that regard, I feel we veterans are sherpas up the mountain of southwestern jewelry.

 

[stracci2000]

Eagerly awaiting your review and pix!! Congrats again!!

It's always so exciting when someone discovers and begins to find their love for NA, isn't it @stracci2000? In that regard, I feel we veterans are sherpas up the mountain of southwestern jewelry.

I grew up in PA, where turquoise jewelry was not common.
In the mid 70s, Mom and Dad were friends with a couple who used to go to Arizona every year. They gave some turquoise jewelry to my parents, and my folks were hooked.
Dad started buying turquoise jewelry wherever he could find it.
He found an Effie C. watch cuff, so I knew who she was way back then.
So now my Mom has a huge collection, including several squashes.
Dad has the buckles, bolos and cuff bracelets.
It's an inherited problem in my family!

@Eli22, I hope you enjoy your turquoise journey! It can be very long ....

 

[Autumn in New England]

I grew up in PA, where turquoise jewelry was not common.
In the mid 70s, Mom and Dad were friends with a couple who used to go to Arizona every year. They gave some turquoise jewelry to my parents, and my folks were hooked.
Dad started buying turquoise jewelry wherever he could find it.
He found an Effie C. watch cuff, so I knew who she was way back then.
So now my Mom has a huge collection, including several squashes.
Dad has the buckles, bolos and cuff bracelets.
It's an inherited problem in my family!

@Eli22, I hope you enjoy your turquoise journey! It can be very long ....

I love this backstory! Likewise, I'm in the northeast, and our local tribes are mostly known for casinos, not so much jewelry. lol Still, I bought my first dry creek turq ring at Foxwoods, and the rest is history. My dream is to head out to Indian Market some year!

 

[stracci2000]

I love this backstory! Likewise, I'm in the northeast, and our local tribes are mostly known for casinos, not so much jewelry. lol Still, I bought my first dry creek turq ring at Foxwoods, and the rest is history. My dream is to head out to Indian Market some year!

Oh, Indian Market is awesome!
The most fabulous, world class jewelry, direct from the artists.
We went last August.
I bought this bracelet from Lyle Secatero .
I made the ring, #8 turquoise


I wear it everyday! I took this pic just now.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Oh, Indian Market is awesome!
The most fabulous, world class jewelry, direct from the artists.
We went last August.
I bought this bracelet from Lyle Secatero .
I made the ring, #8 turquoise


I wear it everyday! I took this pic just now.

Absolutely gorgeous!! Maybe I'll see you there some day!!

I have this pendant from Mr. Secatero. It came with a teeny tiny, plain bail, so I had it replaced by Henry Yazzie. I thought he did a great job matching the design.

 

[stracci2000]

Absolutely gorgeous!! Maybe I'll see you there some day!!

I have this pendant from Mr. Secatero. It came with a teeny tiny, plain bail, so I had it replaced by Henry Yazzie. I thought he did a great job matching the design.

Ooh! You have a Lyle Secatero, too? Wow!
He does fine work, doesn't he?
Beautiful lapis!

 

[Eli22]

Thank you for being my turquoise guides, @stracci2000 & @Autumn in New England !!

I love all of your pieces and your impeccable taste, so I know I’m in great hands!

 

[Eli22]

Oh my goodness. The addiction is real. I haven’t even received my necklace yet

@Autumn in New England @stracci2000 what do you guys think of this piece? It’s much lighter than the one I purchased, which makes me think I’ll wear it more



Are these areas I circled a cause for concern? Is there such a thing as turquoise doublet (like opal)?

 

[Autumn in New England]

Oh my goodness. The addiction is real. I haven’t even received my necklace yet

@Autumn in New England @stracci2000 what do you guys think of this piece? It’s much lighter than the one I purchased, which makes me think I’ll wear it more



Are these areas I circled a cause for concern? Is there such a thing as turquoise doublet (like opal)?

It's quartz! And completely harmless!! I love to see it as part of the matrix in my turquoise. Yes, turquoise stones are often backed with epoxy to give them more depth and strength. It is not at all looked down upon in the community. It's really a way to better set the cabs, as Native Americans often use sawdust under the turq in the bezel cups. This gives the stones some impact absorption so they don't crack if knocked. Beautiful!!

 

[Autumn in New England]

P.S. That looks like sleeping beauty turq to me (the matrixed variety).

 

[stracci2000]

As @Autumn in New England said, that black area is called backing.
It is usually black epoxy that is used to strengthen the stone. Turquoise is sliced thin for cabochons, and the backing bolsters it for setting in jewelry.
Here is a piece of Royston that I have handy:

 

[Autumn in New England]

P.P.S. I wanted to show you this to ease your concerns about backing. I cut these Golden Hill turq cabs from two halves of one nodule. In order to make these into usable cabs, I had to back them with Devcon, or the underside of the stones would have been really uneven. Now they sit flat and flush in their bezel mountings.

 

[Eli22]

Thank you thank you thank you @Autumn in New England & @stracci2000 !! I am learning so much from both of you! Thanks for providing examples too- now I see that’s a typical way to prep turq for jewelry. Lovely stones, btw

 

[stracci2000]

P.P.S. I wanted to show you this to ease your concerns about backing. I cut these Golden Hill turq cabs from two halves of one nodule. In order to make these into usable cabs, I had to back them with Devcon, or the underside of the stones would have been really uneven. Now they sit flat and flush in their bezel mountings.

Delicious stones @Autumn in New England !
I use JB Weld when I back my stones.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Delicious stones @Autumn in New England !
I use JB Weld when I back my stones.

They have more colors, which I like! I try to match the backing to the matrix, and Devcon only has this sort of gunmetal color (that I know of).

 

[Eli22]

Calling @Autumn in New England & @stracci2000 again

I received both pieces:


I have no doubts as to the authenticity of the bigger piece - it is quite heavy/substantial and the stones have visible imperfections and color variability. It looks and feels old.

The smaller/lighter piece - I’m not so sure. Does this look NA to you?




It has these markings (could not find online)


The turquoise is very bright and I can see and feel the “ridges” of the matrix. Maybe I’m just comparing the heft of the two necklaces and overthinking it I do like both of them! TIA for any feedback!

 

[Autumn in New England]

Calling @Autumn in New England & @stracci2000 again

I received both pieces:


I have no doubts as to the authenticity of the bigger piece - it is quite heavy/substantial and the stones have visible imperfections and color variability. It looks and feels old.

The smaller/lighter piece - I’m not so sure. Does this look NA to you?




It has these markings (could not find online)


The turquoise is very bright and I can see and feel the “ridges” of the matrix. Maybe I’m just comparing the heft of the two necklaces and overthinking it I do like both of them! TIA for any feedback!

Yes, it does! Cheap Chinese (no offense to our Asian friends) knockoffs would never use American turq, and that definitely is. Call me crazy, but I love the smaller one best!!

 

[Autumn in New England]

I wanted to show you a couple of my squash blossom necklaces (I tend to gravitate to the ones without the flutes on the side).

Sleeping beauty turq by LaRose Ganadonegro (I also have the Mediterranean red coral version, but can't seem to find a pic).


Carico lake turquoise by Barryl Dean Begay.

 

[stracci2000]

Calling @Autumn in New England & @stracci2000 again

I received both pieces:


I have no doubts as to the authenticity of the bigger piece - it is quite heavy/substantial and the stones have visible imperfections and color variability. It looks and feels old.

The smaller/lighter piece - I’m not so sure. Does this look NA to you?




It has these markings (could not find online)


The turquoise is very bright and I can see and feel the “ridges” of the matrix. Maybe I’m just comparing the heft of the two necklaces and overthinking it I do like both of them! TIA for any feedback!

I love both of them!
I'm sure they are both legit Navajo made.
How about a neck shot? They are gorgeous.

 

[stracci2000]

Now..... @Autumn in New England......
Darryl Dean Begay? Whaaaa?
It's stupendous!
Next you'll tell me that you own a Loloma.....*holds breath*

 

[Autumn in New England]

Now..... @Autumn in New England......
Darryl Dean Begay? Whaaaa?
It's stupendous!
Next you'll tell me that you own a Loloma.....*holds breath*

Sadly, no!

 

[stracci2000]

Sadly, no!

I'm always on the lookout.......!

 

[Eli22]

Thank you for the reassurance @Autumn in New England & @stracci2000 !! I am loving both of them for different reasons - good to know they are both NA with American stones!

@Autumn in New England it’s funny - my husband prefers the smaller one as well! I think it will get more use as it’s much lighter (60g vs 220g). Thank you for sharing your squash blossoms! They are incredibly beautiful!! I am in love with the green stones and would love a piece with similar colors! Uhoh the addiction has set in

@stracci2000 so happy you like them, here are some neck shots:



To show the difference in size:

 

[stracci2000]

Thank you for the reassurance @Autumn in New England & @stracci2000 !! I am loving both of them for different reasons - good to know they are both NA with American stones!

@Autumn in New England it’s funny - my husband prefers the smaller one as well! I think it will get more use as it’s much lighter (60g vs 220g). Thank you for sharing your squash blossoms! They are incredibly beautiful!! I am in love with the green stones and would love a piece with similar colors! Uhoh the addiction has set in

@stracci2000 so happy you like them, here are some neck shots:



To show the difference in size:

Wow, wow, wow!
They look so great. I'm glad you rescued them!

 

[Eli22]

Wow, wow, wow!
They look so great. I'm glad you rescued them!

Thank you so much!!!