BC 1337 Albert Jake single stone bracelet

Sonoran Blue Gold Canyon Turquoise is an interesting turquoise from Senora, Mexico, near Nogales, Arizona, and its neighbor: Nogales, Mexico, which is the northernmost point in all of Mexico. The series of mines bearing this name are on several sites contingent to the American border. Very little hard natural material has been mined here. Most has needed stabilizing to be useful. The high-grade natural material is a medium blue, with darker blue matrix, forming a “birds’ eye” pattern. This is usually accompanied by iron pyrite, giving it a similar look to a high-grade Morenci. The high-grade turquoise from this mine is rare and is considered both esoteric and valuable.

Albert Jake: was born in 1959 in the Zuni Pueblo south of Gallup, New Mexico.  He learned silversmithing from his parents. He specializes in traditional set stones and cluster jewelry with intricate stamp work. He has been smithing since 1987.  He also creates sand-paintings and makes pottery. During the summers he works as a forest fire fighter. He lives with his wife and two daughters today in Rahmah, New Mexico, near the Zuni Pueblo.