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Sleeping beauty turquoise can be found in the southwestern part of the United States in Arizona. The highly sought after stone has made a tremendous impact on the history of turquoise over the years. The stone got its name because the mountain where it is mined resembles a sleeping woman laying on her back with arms crossed. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise is revered and highly sought after due to its pure sky blue color which shows very little to no veining or webbing. It is still being collected from the Sleeping Beauty Mine in Globe, Arizona where a small operation of workers mines, processes and ships the stones. The famous Sleeping Beauty Turquoise was actually discovered by accident. The mine was opened to pull copper and gold and it wasn’t until relatively recently that the first turquoise stones were discovered. Even in rough form, the stones are vibrant and bright, even more blue than the bright Southwestern sky overhead. It is one of the most prized forms of turquoise for jewelry and adornment and is often stable enough to be polished and used for turquoise jewelry without any treatment or stabilization. It’s pure color and natural strength make Sleeping Beauty Turquoise characteristics a favorite for jewelry makers and artists around the world.

Today, retailers, wholesalers and the public visit the mine to get their hands on the beautiful stone, and if turquoise history is any indication, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise won’t be around forever. The current turquoise mining in Arizona produces enough stones to meet commercial demand. Many of the most famous Southwestern turquoise mines have depleted their supply and ceased operation. The history of turquoise is ever changing as mines open, close and new types of turquoise are discovered. To this day, however, there has never been a stone that replicates the stunning beauty of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise. It is truly a gem of the Southwestern United States. Generally, approximately 4% of Sleeping Beauty turquoise is hard enough to use as natural, with most of the remaining turquoise being enhanced.

Ernest Roy Begay, Diné Silversmith

Ernest Roy Begay is a contemporary Diné of the Navajo Nation jeweler who was born in 1956. He has taught jewelry classes at Monument Valley High School. He is an award winner at the Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial for a number of years having won Best of Class for 5 consecutive years. Ernest Roy Begay signs his jewelry with a stamped STERLING and his initials ERB.