Greeting all! I’ve been hiding away in a darkened room for quite a while due to eye problems that caused extreme sensitivity to light, tearing and diminished vision. After multiple visits to ophthalmologists and other specialists, I’m finally a fair amount better, and am able to spend limited amounts of time online. So here’s my question:
Has anyone heard of Tia Maria turquoise. This heavy tab necklace was purchased directly from Ray Lovado (late 1990s) and stated to be natural Tia Maria. I spent time years ago trying to research this and came up empty, so hopefully one of you knowledgable folks can shed some light. If I get to Market this year (doubtful due to my eyes) I’ll ask Ray or his family (or maybe stop by Kewa before or after),
It’s definitely hand carved and rolled natural turquoise, but where the heck is the turquoise mined. It’s been rarely worn, so no color change due to handling…looks like the day it was made.
So sorry to hear about your eye trouble, but glad it’s beginning to improve. 
for you!
Did you mean to attach a photo? I have never heard of that turquoise. When I get home later I might have to try to do a Google dive.
Crap! Did I mention one of the medications I’m on causes brain fog? Poor excuse, but it’s all I got😄.
Here’s the photos:
Wow! Gorgeous!! They had some of his necklaces at Twin Rocks, but none like this!
Oh my! Extremely beautiful.
I love the color of the turquoise, whatever it is.
That’s an incredible tab turquoise necklace. Fabulous! Haven’t heard of that turquoise, either. Very sorry to hear you’re having issues with your eyes. Hopefully, your vision will continue to improve. Take care.
ETA: A quick search yielded: Tia Maria is a copper mine in southern Peru. I’ll keep digging 
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ETA - Could it possibly be “Mina Turquoise”? This turquoise is mined in Sonora, Mexico. Nice looking turquoise.
Thanks @Patina, Ill have to dig out the information from when it as purchased…sometimes his handwriting is almost illegible, but Tia Maria is stuck in my mind. I appreciate you checking for me, everything gets really fuzzy if I spend too much time looking at computer screens. A copper mine makes sense, but if much was produced, I’d think there would be more information out there. I’m really hoping to ask Ray directly. The last time I saw him he was having health problems, so who knows.
I suggest that you contact Jorge Ruvalcaba who is available on Facebook. Jorge is a big producer of Sonoran turquoise but would also know if it was a Baja mine, or whatever.
Tia Maria turquoise isn’t commonly discussed, which might explain the difficulty in finding information. It’s possible that the name refers to a specific mine or a particular batch that Ray Lovato worked with. Since Ray Lovato was known for using high-quality, natural stones, it’s likely authentic and valuable. If you ever make it to the Market or Kewa, reaching out to his family or other local artisans might provide more insights. Meanwhile, enjoying your beautiful piece sounds like a great idea! Take care and wishing you continued recovery.
Thanks for your thoughts @Robyn!
Yes, I know Ray and have visited his family at Kewa couple times. If I’m able to go to Market this year, Ill check in with him. I hope he is doing OK. Last year he was not at his booth when we stopped by to visit, and I heard he was having health problems (?). If he’s not there maybe one of his kids (who helped him) may know. I know he used a lot of Fox! The turquoise in this piece looks surprisingly similar to my Fox tab necklace of his (as I recall).
Welcome to the group, and thanks again for your input!
I was just watching some videos on Twin Rocks Trading Post YouTube channel, and ran across this. I wonder if you contacted them if they might be able to tell you more about the turquoise in your necklace. They apparently have worked a lot with Ray Lovato. They mentioned in the video that he was having some health troubles, and this video is about 8 years old.
Thanks @Ziacat. I can tell it’s an older video…Steve looks so much younger😄. I always have wondered where Ray was able to find the quantity of natural turquoise to make these heavier pieces. Actually, I’d love one of his delicate pieces like the graduated beads in the video; don’t believe I’ve seen his beads quite that small. If the stars align I’ll be able to see him at market, but checking with Steve or Barry is a pretty good idea. Even better…I should take to take it to Steve personally…sounds like a good idea to me and good excuse to get another Utah red rock fix!#!
I wish I could go back and join you!! Although I will get back again since it’s not far from my nephew.
Maybe he was having a Tia Maria while making your stunning necklace 
(j/k)
https://www.homebarmenu.com/recipe/tia_maria
Oooh…yummy @chicfarmer! Don’t think I’ve had one of there, but looks like it’s heavy into coffee liqueur😋
Wish they’d show the necklace a little closer up in the video.
@Bmpdvm the last couple of years it’s seemed to me that Ray Lovato isn’t going to market personally. He has a booth but his family members are there selling for him.
Yes, closer would be so much better. I linked it, because it seems like not only do they know Ray Lovato, but they are very knowledgeable on turquoise (they have quite a stash) and the mine owners, so I thought they might have heard of Tia Maria, or even if there is such turquoise.
Yep, you are correct.@OrbitOrange. I know last the couple years we didn’t see him; I can’t remember if he was there the in 2020 - 2022, time is going so fast! but I’m sure he was there in 2019, because I took off my necklace (of his) and got a picture of him with it! He’s such a kidder; he initially looked at it and said “I didn’t make this!” I almost believed him, but fortunately one of his sons started to smirk…then the whole family laughed! Glad I give them some humor, I must have looked horrified! 
Here’s the picture:
This one was purchased at Hubble in 1991.
I hope he is OK, but I know that for many years his family have worked turquoise for him. His grandson, Andrew makes some really nice pieces and won an award at Market a few years ago (I’m assuming he also used natural turquoise).
Lol, funny story. Beautiful necklace! I have a single strand #8 of his, not as impressive as your necklace but I love it. I hope he’s doing alright as well.
No 8…wonderful 
. I’d love a simple strand of good American turquoise beads by Ray or Andrew. I love mine, but rarely wear them except when I’m in the Southwest. It would be a different story with a nice single strand:blush:. His pieces are special, I really appreciate that Ray and family continue to make beads and tabs the painstakingly time-consuming traditional way, and use natural turquoise. He once told us he has a large % loss when cutting turquoise.
I’d love to see yours sometime @OrbitOrange