I have been working on a reference library for myself as well as I enjoy looking at all the beautiful creations and turquoise. I own the book from the Lowry’s about turquoise and a number of others with the history of the jewelry of the Southwest. I am thinking of one last book and it is between Turquoise: The Jewel of the Southwest by Osburn or completely different, Fine Indian Jewelry of the Southwest: The Millicent Rogers Museum Collection by Tisdale. I have a few different turquoise books and a number of jewelry books including the 3 volumes by Schaff. Just wondering if anyone has either of these books and has an opinion. Could always save the $$ toward buying another beautiful piece.
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Personally, I suppose it would come down to what you’re more interested in. If you desire more knowledge on turquoise itself, then it would appear that Turquoise - Jewel of the Southwest would be a great choice.
My vote goes to Fine Indian Jewelry of the Southwest: The Millicent Rogers Museum Collection.
But I have an affinity for the earlier works, am passionate about history and hold a deep respect for the “originators”, the Navajo and Pueblo smiths that were working silver before it became commercialized. This publication also touches on Millicent’s early life and her living at Taos, but it’s packed with early era silver and turquoise adornment, geting 
from me.
Either book would be a great choice. Don Siegel, the proprietor of Chipeta Trading Company, a highly respectable and renowned gallery of fine early silver, often shares his three rules of collecting: “Be a collector, not an accumulator; find a trusted mentor; and buy the best you can afford.” He also stresses reading, reading, and more reading. With some thought applied, these four principles are easy to get on board with, especially the idea of reading.
One way of thinking about purchasing books is that they aid you in your future endeavors. They provide you with a more informed mind when considering acquisitions, and are something you can return to time and time again for reference or enjoyment!!
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Thank you so much for your very thoughtful response @Ravenscry. I will most likely follow your advice as I am partial to the history. I only wish I had heard your words of wisdom years ago when I was not as particular about the jewelry that I purchased, but then it was a matter of what I could afford at that time. Now far less purchased but definitely more discerning. I will look forward to another book with creations that I am in awe of. So many wonderful artists.
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Although I love turquoise and aim to be educated and discerning when choosing turquoise, I also tend to focus my learning more on Native American jewelry and its history and construction than turquoise itself. So my vote would also be for the Millicent Rogers Collection book. And in fact, I do have that but, but not The Jewel of the Southwest. It’s filled with great examples of early jewelry and some interesting history on Millicent’s life story, as @Ravenscry said. And good reminder of Don Siegal’s advice–I’ve heard him say that also and agree that it is very good advice.
I think most of start out less discerning in our collecting and become more knowledgeable and discerning with time; I know I did. It’s easy to go a little crazy at first with lower priced items. But now I definitely abide by the buy less, but buy the best you can motto.
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I know you were discussing the books, but I would also agree Mr. Siegel’s advice is wise. However, for me I have one more very important guideline. I must absolutely love whatever I’m purchasing. Truthfully, that’s my first rule.
I don’t have either book, so I don’t have any constructive advice to add about that 
Along with learning about the artists, jewelry construction, turquoise, etc, I am also very interested in the land and the people from where it all originates. For me it’s impossible to separate those things; when I see my jewelry (and our other Native American art) I think of the beauty of the Southwest where it originated. To be honest, that’s what truly made me fall in love with it all.
Please let us know what book you get, and how you like it!
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