Purple Spiny Oyster Shell & #8 Turquoise Pendant FJP2029

#8 TURQUOISE Found in Eureka County, this Nevada turquoise  has identifiable matrix and color range from pale to deep blue. An American classic, #8 Turquoise (Number 8) was first discovered in 1925. Today the mine is considered depleted and is no longer operational, making #8 Turquoise a rare & collectible American turquoise.

SPINY OYSTER SHELL Spiny Oyster Shell is often inlaid or used as cabochons in Southwest style jewelry. The color combination of Spiny Oyster and turquoise is as old as the human love for adornment.  Coming all the way from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, Spiny Oyster Shell is most commonly seen in orange, red and purple. The more strident the color, the more expensive the shell is.  Red and purple shells are found a much greater depth than the brilliant oranges and are rare and more expensive.

Spiny Oyster beads of good color are much coveted and can be worn with all of your turquoise and silver pieces.

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.