White Buffalo Teardrop Sterling Silver Earrings

A wide band of bright white runs across each stone, with deep black matrix above and below, cut into a matched pair of teardrops and set in sterling silver. These White Buffalo teardrop earrings carry 19 carats of stone between them, so they have real presence without tipping into heavy. The strong white-and-black contrast makes them eye-catching enough to feel like a small statement earring, but still comfortable for everyday wear.

These stones came from our family's claim at the White Buffalo mine near Tonopah, Nevada, and were cut at Cutting Edge Turquoise, our family lapidary, then set in silver there by Joyce Benavidez. Her JB hallmark is on the back. The claim, the cutting bench, and the silver bench are all the same family operation, so nobody in the middle has marked them up along the way. Each pair is one of a kind, handcrafted by our family from rough stone to finished sterling silver earrings.

White Buffalo is not turquoise. It has none of the copper that makes turquoise blue, which is why you get white and black instead of blue. If you already own turquoise and want something that reads Southwest without repeating yourself, these are that pair. The unusual high-contrast pattern has the kind of look that appeals to collectors and anyone who loves distinctive, natural stones.

While December is traditionally associated with blue stones, many people choose White Buffalo as an alternative December birthstone look. The crisp white and black palette feels wintry and modern, which makes these earrings a thoughtful December birthday gift for someone who likes jewelry that is a little unexpected.

Details

• Stone: Genuine White Buffalo, Tonopah, Nevada, from our family's claim, black matrix
• Total stone weight: 19 carats for the pair
• Shape: Teardrop cabochons
• Metal: Sterling silver
• Closure: French hook ear wires
• Length: about 1 3/8 inches from the top of the ear wire to the bottom of the stone. The teardrop itself is a little under 1 inch.
• Maker: Joyce Benavidez, Cutting Edge Turquoise, hallmarked JB
• Type: One of a kind, only one pair available

Style and wear
White and black goes with everything, which makes these an easy everyday pair. They look as sharp against a black sweater as they do with denim, and they pair well with a turquoise ring or pendant when you want one spot of color. The teardrop silhouette and bold pattern give them enough presence to read as an artisan statement look, without being too heavy for daily wear.

Is it a good gift?
This stone comes from our own ground, and there is only one pair. That is a story worth telling when she opens the box. For someone who collects unique jewelry, loves unusual stones, or has a December birthday and wants something different from the usual blue birthstone, these one-of-a-kind earrings make a special, personal gift.

Care
Treat White Buffalo gently. Keep it away from lotion, perfume, hairspray, and cleaning products, and take your earrings out before showering or swimming. Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, and use a silver polishing cloth on the metal only, not the stone. Store them in a dry pouch or box so harder pieces do not scratch them.

Handcrafted in the American Southwest. Ships from Santa Fe within 2 to 3 business days, ready to wear or to give.

Learn more. Read more about White Buffalo and where it comes from, see the stones that get mistaken for turquoise, or check the Turquoise Glossary for terms that come up when you shop Southwestern stone.