shape
carat
color
clarity

Show me your turquoise jewelry!

:) 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!!
 
:) 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.
 
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.

 
@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! :wavey:

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 :lol:

:) 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! :dance:

Once again, Autumn nails it!
I think she's right about Carico Lake!
Lovely stuff, it is.
:kiss2::kiss2::kiss2:

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.

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) ;)2
 
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.


Oh that's too bad! I've bought quite a few bead strands from them to make necklaces. They were very trustworthy. :confused2:
 
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! :wavey:


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 :lol:


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! :dance:


:kiss2::kiss2::kiss2:


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) ;)2

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. :lol:
 
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. :lol:

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 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!
 
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
Screenshot_20240521-171027.png

I wear it everyday! I took this pic just now.
IMG_20240521_172351893.jpg
 
Last edited:
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
Screenshot_20240521-171027.png

I wear it everyday! I took this pic just now.
IMG_20240521_172351893.jpg

Absolutely gorgeous!! :love: 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.

Lapis pendant and neaded necklace.JPG
 
Absolutely gorgeous!! :love: 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.

Lapis pendant and neaded necklace.JPG

Ooh! You have a Lyle Secatero, too? Wow!
He does fine work, doesn't he?
Beautiful lapis!
 
Oh my goodness. The addiction is real. I haven’t even received my necklace yet :lol:

@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

IMG_6539.jpeg

Are these areas I circled a cause for concern? Is there such a thing as turquoise doublet (like opal)?
IMG_6543.jpegIMG_6544.jpeg
 
Oh my goodness. The addiction is real. I haven’t even received my necklace yet :lol:

@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

IMG_6539.jpeg

Are these areas I circled a cause for concern? Is there such a thing as turquoise doublet (like opal)?
IMG_6543.jpegIMG_6544.jpeg

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!!
 
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:
IMG_20240522_213259557.jpg

IMG_20240522_213254218.jpg

IMG_20240522_213237350.jpg
 
Last edited:
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.

25587168_504829096569227_3468895294330383454_o.jpg

25443025_504829033235900_4630667114803707280_n.jpg

25399193_504829043235899_6636658550015740792_n.jpg

25445950_504828999902570_8685757877781505802_n.jpg

25488447_504829006569236_8250375011573229666_o.jpg
 
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.

25587168_504829096569227_3468895294330383454_o.jpg

25443025_504829033235900_4630667114803707280_n.jpg

25399193_504829043235899_6636658550015740792_n.jpg

25445950_504828999902570_8685757877781505802_n.jpg

25488447_504829006569236_8250375011573229666_o.jpg

Delicious stones @Autumn in New England !
I use JB Weld when I back my stones.
 
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).
thumbdwn23.gif
 
Calling @Autumn in New England & @stracci2000 again :wavey:

I received both pieces:
IMG_6943.jpeg

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?
IMG_6935.jpeg
IMG_6932.jpeg
IMG_6520.jpeg

It has these markings (could not find online)
IMG_6936.jpeg

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 :think: I do like both of them! TIA for any feedback!
 
Calling @Autumn in New England & @stracci2000 again :wavey:

I received both pieces:
IMG_6943.jpeg

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?
IMG_6935.jpeg
IMG_6932.jpeg
IMG_6520.jpeg

It has these markings (could not find online)
IMG_6936.jpeg

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 :think: 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!!
 
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).
Navajo sleeping beauty turquoise squash blossom necklace.JPG

Carico lake turquoise by Barryl Dean Begay.
Carico lake turquoise squash blossom necklace.JPG
 
Calling @Autumn in New England & @stracci2000 again :wavey:

I received both pieces:
IMG_6943.jpeg

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?
IMG_6935.jpeg
IMG_6932.jpeg
IMG_6520.jpeg

It has these markings (could not find online)
IMG_6936.jpeg

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 :think: 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.
 
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 :lol:

@stracci2000 so happy you like them, here are some neck shots:
IMG_6993.jpeg
IMG_6999.jpeg

To show the difference in size:
IMG_7001.jpeg
 
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 :lol:

@stracci2000 so happy you like them, here are some neck shots:
IMG_6993.jpeg
IMG_6999.jpeg

To show the difference in size:
IMG_7001.jpeg

Wow, wow, wow!
They look so great. I'm glad you rescued them!
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP

Featured Topics

Top