Navajo Handmade Campitos Turquoise Earrings FJE1872

CAMPITOS TURQUOISE  Campito is derived from the Spanish word "campo" meaning "field" or "countryside". Mined in Mexico from the Pino Chueco and Cananea mines in Sonora, Campitos is a favorite for jewelry artisans. Campitos is unique in several ways. It grows in clay as free-form nuggets, rather than in veins which is typical of many North American turquoises. Its color closely resembles that of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and ranges from light to medium blue with no matrix. Occasionally you may find pyrite inclusions, which give it a little bit of sparkle.

RAINDROPS are seen frequently throughout Native American jewelry. Sterling silver drops or "raindrops" are a traditional design element. They can be smooth and highly polished or they can be starlike and oxidized.

TWISTED WIRE metalworking is a very old technique used by many Southwestern tribes. It can be found in both vintage and modern pieces.