Stone Care

Of the many semi-precious stones used in Southwest jewelry (coral, jet, shell, lapis lazuli, malachite, sugelite), turquoise is most associated with this jewelry style and remains the favorite gemstone of Native American jewelers. Turquoise is formed by surface waters seeping through rocky deposits. It often contains veins of the host rock (matrix). Bluer colors of turquoise come from copper connections while the greener turquoise is associated with iron. This raises a care question as turquoise is a softer stone and can "die" by absorbing everyday substances you come in contact with, e.g., soap, cooking oil. Avoid wearing turquoise when cleaning or cooking to protect the luster of your turquoise.

When putting on a bracelet, especially one set with stones, e.g., Zuni inlay, use care to avoid bending the bracelet. Bending a bracelet each time it is put on will certainly loosen stones in their settings and may crack the stones or the bracelet itself. A bracelet should be put on from the inside of the arm above the wrist, with a rolling motion.