Because Bluegreen mentioned Los Cerrillos, I believe Madrid, NM deserves an honorable mention! It’s just south of Los Cerillos. A very cute, smaller arts community. There are several galleries and shops.
My boyfriend and I decided to take the Turquoise Trail on the way to Albuquerque. It ended up being one of the best parts of our trip! I bought my bolo tie at Crystal Dragon in Madrid and I’m kind of obsessed with it. It’s a tufacast piece made by Dino (Gilbert) Garcia. I’ve seen several of Dino’s beautiful pieces floating on the forum! Especially on the “corn jewelry” thread.
I love reading the recommendations and travel plans you all have! Enough to inspire any travel bug. I’ve never been to Tucson, Gallup, El Paso.
Thank you, @Ravenscry! Yes, I love the texture of tufa, and I think once the corn maze (pattern?) gets a little more patina it will really stand out. And the fact that it has motifs on both sides is amazing.
The coat I bought years ago in a Goodwill! Absolute steal!
That’s a superb bolo tie & that turquoise cab is a beauty! On one of our trips to NM, we journeyed on the Turquoise Trail. It was a highlight of our trip, too. Such a fun and delightful drive.
What a gorgeous bolo! Did the seller happen to know what mine the turquoise is from? It’s lovely too. I am also a fan of his work; I have several of his pieces (including one I wear as my wedding band). I don’t know if the maze pattern is corn or not, but my ring has it. Now I’ll have to try to find out I believe he usually has work on the backs of pieces which makes them extra cool. Now you have me wondering why I don’t have at least one bolo Since I have way too many cuffs (is that possible?) maybe I should look for a bolo next!
We have driven the Turquoise Trail, but never had much time to stop (except once at a fun rock shop to pick up something for my nephew), but it was a great drive. I think I have seen that shop online, and noticed that they carry a lot of Mr. Garcia’s work. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful bolo!!
@Ziacat I have certainly noticed your beautiful cuffs and rings! Between your cuffs and rings and my bolo, that makes a set! I thought I read somewhere that the pattern refers to maize growing, but don’t know the name specifically for it. Or I could be completely off.
Seller didn’t know the stone origin, some guessed Kingman. I’m guessing Persian?
To digress a little bit, I’m a cuff girl too ! however, I’m trying to find statements pieces elsewhere that can be versatile with my wardrobe. Now I’m on the hunt for a concha belt! A lady on Homeworthy (youtube interior design show) was wearing this stunner!
I bet you are right about the maize pattern. I just had no idea. So now my wedding band may also be corn jewelry As far as the stone, I don’t really have a clue. I feel like I guess Kingman all the time, but I don’t know about yours. And I’m not super familiar with Persian turquoise.
That belt is stunning! Although I must admit when I saw the smaller conchas (are they referred to as butterfly conchas?) I was immediately reminded of dog bones
It’s always fun to be on the hunt for something new. Maybe while you’re looking for a belt I’ll be looking for a bolo!
You’re right on track, Zia. The components you’re questioning are referred to as either spacers, butterflies, or a blending of the two: butterfly spacers. Any ideas on what you’re looking for in a bolo?
Sorry, we were out running errands, and had to stop and get red chile posole (no kidding, here in Indiana!!) so didn’t see this.
No clue on what I would look for in a bolo, but I am not buying anything till the market I’m not necessarily wanting one, but they do look cool. Before we went to Twin Rocks last year I was eyeing a bolo on their site (it was simple with a beautiful #8 stone), but it sold before we got there - in the end I prob would still have purchased my cuff instead.
I have no idea what I’m looking for yet in a concha belt. Gleaning from the exhaustive “Belt Buckles & Concho Belts” thread, there’s a lot to consider.
Step #1 is to build a budget, while I’m doing that, I’ll be reading more about the phases, how they’re made, technique etc. So far, I’m attracted to simpler Phase 1 belts.
I see that you have quite the hoard of belts. Any advice/suggestions you have while searching for my first concha belt? Let’s move the convo to the proper thread.
@Bmpdvm I think you were replying to me about being a “Tucson gal.” I think everyone has responded with the most pertinent information for the area. I hope you do enjoy your visit and that the weather is still pleasant. Just be aware that Medicine Man and Mac’s are not anywhere near one another. Mac’s and American Antique Mall are fairly close, though. I would suggest stopping in at the antique mall…they have a huge selection of NA jewelry worth perusing. At Mac’s, I believe you have to request beforehand to see anything kept in the vault.
If you happen to make it down to Tubac (hour’s drive south), Old Presidio Traders is a great stop.
Thanks @BlytheEcho! Thanks for the info. We’ll have some time in Tucson, so a drive down to Tubac is a possibility. Yes, I’m hoping the weather is not too hot in mid-April, although a friend who went to the Gem and Mineral show said it was very hot! I always enjoy perusing shops in small off the beaten path places. We’ll likely make the decision when we get there.
Especially on the “corn jewelry” thread.
I believe he usually has work on the backs of pieces which makes them extra cool. Now you have me wondering why I don’t have at least one bolo 
Since I have way too many cuffs (is that possible?) maybe I should look for a bolo next!
As far as the stone, I don’t really have a clue. I feel like I guess Kingman all the time, but I don’t know about yours. And I’m not super familiar with Persian turquoise.
Any advice/suggestions you have while searching for my first concha belt? Let’s move the convo to the proper thread.
