Mined in the Lavender Pit near the quirky town of Bisbee (hence the name), Bisbee turquoise hails from the unlikely depths of an Arizona copper mine. Known for its deep, captivating blue hue, crisscrossed by a matrix of chocolate brown, this gemstone has become a sort of Holy Grail for collectors. It's the kind of stone that doesn't just add bling to your ring; it adds a story to your swagger. So, if you're lucky enough to snag a piece of Bisbee turquoise, wear it with pride - you're donning a slice of Arizona's history, and quite possibly, the envy of gemstone aficionados everywhere!
Revered by ancient civilizations as a symbol of wisdom and nobility, and embraced by modern fashion as a statement of bohemian chic, turquoise seamlessly bridges worlds. Beyond its beauty, it's a globe-trotter too, with each mine, from the arid deserts of Arizona to the high altitudes of the Himalayas, churning out its unique version of this age-old showstopper. Each variant, from the deep, unblemished blues of the Sleeping Beauty to the intricate webbing of the Bisbee, tells a unique story.
Join us on a journey through history, culture, and geology as we explore the myriad shades of this enchanting gemstone
Bisbee Turquoise
Tibetan Turquoise
Renowned for its durability, Tibetan turquoise is often used in traditional Tibetan jewelry and is highly valued for its spiritual properties. It's believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil, making it a cherished stone both for its beauty and its cultural significance. Unlike its American counterparts, which often display a sky-blue hue, Tibetan turquoise presents a richer palette, ranging from deep greens to vibrant blues. These colors are not just visually striking; they carry deep meaning in Tibetan culture, symbolizing the sky and the earth, and are believed to offer protection and healing.
Royston Turquoise
What sets Royston Turquoise apart is its delightful unpredictability. Originating from the Royston mining district in Nevada, it's like a canvas where Mother Nature went wild with her paintbrush. Every stone is distinct, often adorned with a matrix in rich brown or gold, adding depth and intrigue. For those who adore the vibrant unpredictability of the natural world, Royston Turquoise is a perfect choice. Whether set into a pendant or a pair of earrings, it brings a piece of the earth's vibrant beauty to any ensemble.
Kingman Turquoise
Nestled in the scenic heart of northwestern Arizona, Kingman Turquoise is known for its spectacular color show. It struts a palette ranging from sky blue to deep navy, often accompanied by a fashionable white or silver matrix that's the envy of its turquoise cousins. It’s not just about good looks though; Kingman turquoise is often stabilized, which is a fancy way of saying it’s toughened up to handle the rigors of being your favorite accessory. Whether it's adorning a chic pendant or sitting pretty on a ring, Kingman turquoise is the kind of gem that doesn’t just sparkle, it practically winks at you with its Arizona charm!
Pilot Mountain Turquoise
Pilot Mountain Turquoise, mined from the Pilot Mountain range in Nevada, is a favorite among both collectors and jewelry designers for its distinctive qualities. What sets this variety apart is its impressive color spectrum, ranging from deep blues to rich greens, often within the same stone. But the real character comes from its matrix - the dark, sometimes reddish-brown veins that create intriguing patterns unique to each piece. This type of turquoise is known for its exceptional hardness, making it not just visually appealing but also durable for various jewelry applications.
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Sleeping Beauty - the gemstone equivalent of a cloudless summer sky! This gem hails from the rugged terrain of Arizona, specifically from the Sleeping Beauty Mountain, which, contrary to its name, has been anything but asleep in churning out this stunning mineral. What sets Sleeping Beauty turquoise apart is its delightfully consistent, light blue hue – think of it as the Audrey Hepburn of turquoise: timeless, elegant, and always in style. It’s practically void of any matrix, which in the gemstone world means no intricate webbing or veining, giving it a sleek, modern look that can make any piece of jewelry pop. Its simplicity is its superpower, proving that sometimes, less really is more. Whether set in a dainty pendant or a bold cuff, Sleeping Beauty turquoise is like a breath of fresh Arizona air for your jewelry collection – refreshing, serene, and unapologetically beautiful.
Morenci Turquoise
Morenci Turquoise, straight out of Arizona's Morenci mine, is like the cool kid of the turquoise family. Its claim to fame? A striking bright blue color that catches your eye like a beacon. But what really sets it apart are those shiny iron pyrite inclusions – they're like little specks of gold caught in the blue, giving it a unique sparkle. Plus, the metallic matrix patterns add an edgy contrast, making it stand out in a crowd of gemstones. Morenci Turquoise isn't just for show; it's for those who appreciate a gem that's bold and unapologetically different. It's like wearing a piece of the Arizona sky, with a twist of rugged, mineral bling.