SONORAN GOLD TURQUOISE Mined in Mexico near the city of Cananea this turquoise is relatively new to the industry. Unlike most turquoise Sonoran Gold is not mined in veins but rather as individual nuggets typically found in clay deposits. Accents of blue and gold against a green background make Sonoran Gold Turquoise a great selection for statement jewelry.
Navajo Nation Dineh, Diné
The Navajo people live on approximately 27,000 square miles of reservation in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah, and refer to themselves as Dineh, or Diné, which means The People in their native language.
The land of the Navajo Nation has an array of ancient ruins, including the world-renowned Navajo National Monument and the tranquil Chaco Culture National Historical Park. Here, you can step back in time and see how the ancient ones - the Anasazi people (Navajo Ancestors), lived thousands of years ago.
The Navajo people are prolific producers of fine jewelry, art, weaving, sandpaintings and pottery. Their artisans continue to make the world a more beautiful place with their unique traditional and modern works.
Tawney Willie-Cruz held out till she was nearly thirty before learning how to turn silver and stone into the beautiful jewelry her family is so well known for crafting. She began lessons with her father, renowned silversmith Lonnie Willie. Learning along with her were her husband, Allen Cruz, and her younger brother Cooper.
Tawney feels blessed to have parents who have provided her with two quite different native backgrounds to grow up with and enjoy.
Her father is of Navajo roots while her mother is from South Dakota and of Sioux ancestry.
Tawney is happy to share both native cultures and now draws from both in her jewelry designs with she describes as traditional with a bit of contemporary twist. The jewelry making techniques she enjoys most are the three S’s – saw work, stamp work and shaping.
Eight to twelve hours days at the work bench are common and welcome her these days. When possible she relaxes with her favorite activities-shopping, hiking cooking and more shopping!
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