Was rummaging through things today and found this turquoise necklace we purchased for my mom about 30 years ago from Richardsons in Gallup. She wanted a BIG turquoise necklace so we picked the biggest one they had at the time. The darn thing feels like it weighs a pound for a petite older woman that was slightly over five feet tall. She never wore it, too big. Now looking at it after all these years, I assume it’s stabilized, have no idea where the turquoise (again assuming it is as it was sold by Richardsons) comes from. Only the info that I was given that it came from Tonalea, made by a native American named John Fowler born in 1936. Any thoughts about this piece, maybe alternatives on how to use these large chunks?
I don’t think I would ever wear it and it is somewhat unfinished as it is. Open to your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks for looking at my big paperweight.
I have one that I bought which was pawn, and the turquoise reminds me a bit of yours, although my stones are cut quite thin in comparison (my necklace is very different in that it has a lot of heishi and way less turquoise). The pawn ticket with mine says Kingman turquoise, and I am pretty sure they are stabilized; I would guess the same with yours. I think I spy a little bit of pyrite in some of the stones? Mine have a bit also.
I really have no suggestions for what to do with the stones, but it does make a nice paperweight
As opposed to the paperweight idea, that strand could easily make two necklaces. I’m picturing the shadowbox as well - think I might play around with that. Thanks for the suggestions.
Oh my! What a great photo. If I didn’t know better it reminds me of my mother, shoes, garb, and all. I was left with four suede fringed jackets, actually five if you count the one she bought in the Southwest in the 50’s. Thanks for the encouragement, just don’t know if I could stand up straight with it around my neck, but might give it a try.
