Getting to Know Turquoise
Joe and Angie Reano Mosaic Fan Necklace
In Native American jewelry, the artistry of the jewelry is primary, with turquoise being secondary. If you travel anywhere else in the world, turquoise is primary and the artistry is secondary. The skill and craftsmanship that has been developed by Native American artists over the generations is exceptional, and in the Southwest, we get to feel and touch our history with this stone and the people who represent it.
Turquoise is formed when water enters an iron-rich limonite or sandstone that contains copper, aluminum and other minerals. It takes millions of years and the right conditions for turquoise to be formed from this combination. The gemstone’s blue color can be attributed to the presence of copper, while the presence of aluminum adds a greenish hue to the gem.
To learn more about this fascinating stone, we highly recommend Joe Dan Lowry’s book and our discussion with the author.
Explore the many ways in which Native American jewelers have incorporated turquoise into their creations by visiting our turquoise collection. We thank you for trusting Indian Pueblo Store as your connection to authentic Pueblo art and artists.
10 comments
Several years ago I purchased a beautiful turquoise bird fetish necklace ($345). On the tag is written “V KU…” Are you able to tell me the artist from this? I apologize that I didn’t know enough to ask at the time.
I have a few pieces from you and I love them . When I buy from you I know it is authentic.
I love Turquoise and native stuff
Good info. I love turquoise. It would be nice to know how to recognize the different turquoise patterns which come from different sites.
Good info. I love turquoise. It would be nice to know how to recognize the different turquoise patterns which come from different sites.