Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in documented human use. That history isn't just interesting context — it's directly relevant to the work modern jewelers do and the prices they can command. Here's what you need to know, and why it matters for your practice.

Where It Started

The earliest known turquoise mining dates to the Sinai Peninsula around 6000 BCE. Egyptian pharaohs wore it; turquoise artifacts were found in the tomb of Queen Zer, one of the oldest pieces of jewelry ever discovered. The Persian Empire built a significant portion of its luxury trade around turquoise from mines in the Nishapur region of what is now Iran — material whose quality set the early global standard for the stone.

Simultaneously and independently, the peoples of the American Southwest were mining and working turquoise in what are now Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Colorado. Cerrillos, New Mexico has been mined for over a thousand years. This parallel development across disconnected civilizations isn't coincidence — it reflects the stone's genuinely exceptional combination of color, workability, and cultural resonance.

Why the Southwest Became the Standard

When the American jewelry market developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Southwest turquoise — particularly from Arizona and Nevada — became the reference point for quality. The Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi traditions of silver and turquoise work established an aesthetic that's remained commercially dominant for over a century.

This matters for modern makers because Southwest mine names carry recognition with buyers that other sources don't. Kingman, Bisbee, Number Eight — these names mean something to collectors. That recognition translates to premium pricing that's independent of the stone's raw material cost.

The Mine Closure Problem

Many of the most historically significant American turquoise mines are now closed or operating at minimal production. Bisbee's Lavender Pit, which produced some of the most distinctive blue turquoise ever found, has been closed for decades. Number Eight in Nevada closed in the 1970s.

Each closure means finite supply of that mine's specific material. This isn't artificial scarcity — it's geological reality. As existing inventory is cut and sold, the price of material from closed mines trends upward. If you're building a collection that includes Bisbee or Number Eight, you're working with material that can't be restocked.

International Sources and the Modern Market

The contemporary market draws from mines across the world — China, Mexico, and beyond. Chinese turquoise, particularly from Hubei province, now makes up a significant portion of the stabilized market. Mexican material — including Campitos, Nacozari, and Sonoran sources — offers vivid blue-greens that are increasingly sought by makers looking for alternatives to domestic material.

We carry material from multiple sources and label each by origin. Understanding where a stone comes from isn't pedantry — it tells you something real about the stone's likely characteristics, treatment needs, and market value.

How History Becomes a Selling Point

The history of turquoise is a legitimate part of the value story for any piece you make. When you use Cerrillos material — mined in New Mexico for over a millennium — you're working with something that connects to a specific, verifiable history. When you use genuine Bisbee, you can honestly tell a buyer that this mine is closed and this material can't be sourced new.

These aren't marketing embellishments. They're accurate statements that give buyers context for why a stone costs what it costs. In a market where "turquoise" can mean anything from natural Southwest cabochons to dyed howlite, provenance is one of the clearest differentiators you have.