Journal

Large turquoise ring selection and the artisan lapidary process
Large turquoise ring selection and the artisan lapidary process
Finding a high quality large turquoise ring often feels like a gamble when the market is saturated with dyed howlite and plastic imitations that lack the soul of a genuine... Read more...
Royston Turquoise and the Character of Nevada Stone
Royston Turquoise and the Character of Nevada Stone
Greg Cordova recently sorted through a new parcel of rough Royston turquoise in our studio, uncovering stones that range from mossy greens to vibrant, electric blues. It's easy to feel... Read more...
Turquoise Necklace: A Guide to Authentic Stones and Artisan Craft
Turquoise Necklace: A Guide to Authentic Stones and Artisan Craft
Industry reports suggest that approximately 90% of the turquoise currently on the global market is either stabilized or outright imitation. It's a frustrating reality for anyone seeking the grit and... Read more...
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Remains the Standard for Sky Blue Gemstones
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Remains the Standard for Sky Blue Gemstones
What if the most famous blue gemstone in American history was never actually the primary goal of the mountain that produced it? You've likely felt the pull toward a clean,... Read more...
Turquoise stones define the character of handcrafted Southwestern jewelry
Turquoise stones define the character of handcrafted Southwestern jewelry
A turquoise stone that looks too perfect is often nothing more than dyed plastic or a piece of chalky howlite masquerading as the real thing. When you hold a piece... Read more...
Santa Fe Jewelry and the Art of Handcrafted Southwestern Design
Santa Fe Jewelry and the Art of Handcrafted Southwestern Design
Most of the turquoise sold globally today is actually 90 percent plastic resin, a reality that makes finding authentic santa fe jewelry feel like a difficult search. You want a... Read more...
Hopi Tribe: Discovering the Sovereignty and Artistry of the Peaceful People
Hopi Tribe: Discovering the Sovereignty and Artistry of the Peaceful People
The high desert of Northern Arizona isn't just a backdrop for tourism; it's the sovereign home of the hopi tribe, a people whose history on these mesas stretches back over... Read more...
Handcrafted Turquoise Rings: A Guide to Authentic Southwestern Style (2026)
Handcrafted Turquoise Rings: A Guide to Authentic Southwestern Style (2026)
Last Tuesday, a visitor stopped by our Santa Fe studio carrying a piece they bought years ago, hoping we could repolish the surface. When Greg Cordova examined the cabochon under... Read more...
Turquoise rings for women crafted with intentionality and hand-cut stones
Turquoise rings for women crafted with intentionality and hand-cut stones
Walking through the 2024 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, Greg Cordova pointed out rows of "stabilized" material that are often more plastic than mineral. It is a frustrating reality for... Read more...
One of a Kind Turquoise: A Guide to Rare Artisan Jewelry
One of a Kind Turquoise: A Guide to Rare Artisan Jewelry
Last Tuesday, Greg Cordova pulled a rough slab of Royston from the saw, revealing a deep emerald ribbon that no one had seen in millions of years. It was a... Read more...
The Artisan Guide to Authentic Turquoise Sterling Jewelry
The Artisan Guide to Authentic Turquoise Sterling Jewelry
Nearly 80 percent of the vibrant blue stones sold in major online marketplaces are actually white howlite or magnesite treated with artificial dyes. It's a discouraging reality when you're simply... Read more...
How to Spot Fake Turquoise Jewelry and Identify Authentic Stones
How to Spot Fake Turquoise Jewelry and Identify Authentic Stones
Last October, a visitor brought a vibrant sky-blue pendant into our studio, hoping to confirm its heritage. Beneath the surface of that "perfect" stone lay a core of white plastic;... Read more...