Taos Bracelet
Rustic yet perfectly feminine. Striking onyx, bright turquoise, labradorite, and silver accents have a distinctly Southwest pattern. I love the contrast of these stones together. Finished with a lobster clasp and adjustable length chain closure. Measures 7 1/4-8". Sterling silver, which has been oxidized and hand polished for an antique finish.
About Turquoise: The name turquoise means "Turkish stone" because the trade route that brought it to Europe came via Turkey. Turquoise is a non-translucent stone of which the most valuable specimens are robin's egg blue or deep-blue azure. It also comes in brown, yellow, and many shades of green. The veins are inclusions from nearby rock fragments or oxides that form during the creation of turquoise.
Turquoise, the gemstone worn by pharaohs and Aztec kings, is probably one of the oldest gemstones known. Native Americans and many of the Indian tribes in Mexico used turquoise for currency, and the stone is still associated with the religious rites of the Navajo. Because it remains fashionable, turquoise is quite highly prized, although it is fairly plentiful.
About Onyx: The name onyx originates from the Greek word onyx for "fingernail" or "hoof," probably because of its weak transparency or possibly its color. Onyx is one of the 12 stones mentioned in the Bible as adorning the breastplate of the high priests. The ancient Greeks and Romans used onyx for cameos and intaglios, and in India, onyx was worn for protecting against the evil eye. In the Middle East, onyx was used as a worry stone because people believed the gemstone absorbed negative energy — a belief that may have been produced by the Chinese miners who feared it and pulled the material out of the mine to immediately sell outside the country. The main sources of onyx are India and South America, but it is also found in China, Madagascar, Mexico and the U.S.A.
About labradorite: Labradorite is truly a fascinatingly beautiful mineral. Its a mineral whose charm is not fully noticed and may be overlooked if not viewed from the proper position. When the light hits this plain gray stone, flashes of blue, yellow and green, called labradorescence are revealed. Labradorite was first found in 1770 on the Labrador Peninsula in Canada. It is also found in Norway, and the former USSR. Legend says that Labradorite is a power stone, allowing you to see through illusions and determine the actual form of your dreams and goals. Sounds good to me!
Your jewelry will arrive beautifully gift wrapped in a small box. Multiple items will be combined, unless separate boxes are requested. If this is a gift being shipped directly to the recipient, please let me know. I will be glad to include a note from you.