Beads, Graduated Kingman Turquoise Discs on Sterling

Beads, Graduated Kingman Turquoise Discs from 22mm to 10mm. 17-20"

The Kingman turquoise mine, operated by the Colbaugh family in Arizona, is the last remaining commercially producing mine in the United States. Evidence suggests turquoise was mined in the surrounding areas dating as far back as 600 AD.

The mine where a piece of turquoise was found—not its color, nor its matrix, which refers to the veins and patterns of the stone—is the primary factor in determining its value. Historically speaking, the finest turquoise came from the mountains of Asia. In the 20th century, however, the copper-rich American Southwest supplanted them as the primary source of rare, and valuable, specimens, including collector favorites such as Bisbee, Lander Blue, and Number 8 (Black Web). Tibetan Turquoise is highly prized.  Hubei also has some of the most beautiful natural Turquoise.