Material: Sterling Silver, Turquoise
Dimensions: The inside of this bracelet measures 6-1/2" from end to end. The opening is 1-3/8" and the piece is 1-3/8" wide.
Weight (in grams): 164.1
Hallmark/Signature: Erick Begay, Sterling
Erick Begay is a master silversmith and goldsmith with more than 37 years experience. He is an award winning artist that has multiple awards, including the World Renowned Santa Fe Indian Market. His family has been involved in Native American Jewelry for generations. His mother, Frances Begay, taught him the art of silversmithing, while she sold her art in Santa Fe. Erick started making jewelry when he was eleven and became a full-time jeweler at the age of 16. Erick only uses sterling silver, 14k gold, and the highest quality gemstones. You can rest assured that his jewelry is 100% quality.
Situated in Globe, Arizona, the Sleeping Beauty Mine derived its name from the Sleeping Beauty Mountain which is also in the region. This area had once been part of the Copper Cities operation. The turquoise pieces produced from this mine have a uniform shade of light to medium blues. This quality has made it the Zuni Pueblo favorite. Jewelry makers often use this turquoise for matching silver jewelry sets. Compared to other kinds of turquoise, however, those which are mined from the Sleeping Beauty mine are not considered as a hard turquoise. It has been, however, a favorite among silversmiths because of its natural color which mirrors the blue sky. This is what truly makes the Sleeping Beauty turquoise a desirable piece of precious stone which is also called a "Skystone." The area was one of the large turquoise producers in the country, but today the mine has been closed.
