Turquoise Jewelry from the American Southwest

Turquoise is primarily comprised of hydrated phosphates copper and aluminum. It is typically found in desert areas with low rain fall and since copper is a key ingredient for turquoise, it is usually in the vicinity of known copper ore deposits. The Southwestern states of Arizona and Nevada are the primary producers of turquoise in the United States. Although the first turquoise mining occurred near Cerritos, New Mexico, this state today has been relegated to a secondary producer of this mineral. Colorado is also a minor producer of turquoise. The best specimens of this beautiful blue gemstone are found in the Kingman and Bisbee mines in Arizona. Volume wise, Nevada is the largest producer of the turquoise in the US, although the quality of the specimens from Nevada is not as good as those from Arizona. Records suggest Native Americans first discovered turquoise nearly a thousand years ago, and were trading this gemstone with tribes in present day Mexico nearly six hundred years ago. Turquoise jewelry from the Southwest is very popular with jewelry fans the world over. The skills, designs, and products from artists here have come a long way since the early days of turquoise jewelry when nuggets were strung together to form necklaces and bracelets. Today, Southwestern artists design and create some stunning sterling silver turquoise pendants with colorful inlays of a variety of gemstones found in the southwest. Artists from each tribe such as the Hopi, Navajo and Zuni use patterns and motifs that reflect their own traditions and beliefs.