Kingman Turquoise Lariat Necklace by Tatum Skeets

Tatum Skeets is a Master Navajo Silversmith.

This exquisitely detailed necklace features several different shapes of Kingman turquoise stones bezel-set in sterling silver and accented with classic rope detailing, strung together with flower-shaped spacers. The lariat design and long length make it the perfect layering piece that can even double as a belt. 

The Kingman turquoise mine in Kingman, Arizona is the last commercially producing American mine. Primitive stone hammers excavated from the surrounding areas by Chuck Colbaugh in 1962 suggest that turquoise was mined there as early as 600 A.D., and his grandson Marty Colbaugh still operates the mine today.

Kingman turquoise is one of the most highly valued types of recognizable American turquoise worldwide. Known for its bright, beautiful colors ranging from pale to dark blue and even shades of green, the intricate matrixes can be white, light brown, or black, depending on the materials found in the host rock such as quartz or pyrite.

• Dimensions: 46" end to end, 5" drop, 7/8" to 1 1/8" wide
• Hallmarks: T. Skeets, Sterling