Santa Fe Sun Handmade

When most people think of turquoise, they picture the legendary mines of Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. Names like Sleeping Beauty, Kingman, Royston, and Number Eight have become synonymous with some of the finest turquoise ever discovered. But turquoise is not uniquely American. For thousands of years, cultures around the world have treasured this vibrant blue-green gemstone. In fact, some of the oldest turquoise jewelry on Earth predates the arrival of turquoise in the American Southwest...

Among America's most fascinating turquoise mines, few can match the remarkable color range and history of Nevada's Carico Lake Mine. Nestled in the rugged high desert of Lander County, Carico Lake has produced some of the most distinctive turquoise ever discovered, earning a devoted following among collectors, lapidaries, and Native American silversmiths alike.

With its vivid sky-blue color and remarkably clean appearance, Sleeping Beauty turquoise has become one of the most celebrated turquoise varieties ever mined in the American Southwest. Its color is often compared to a clear desert sky after a summer storm: bright, pure, and unforgettable.