Turquoise On The Road
August 14th, 2006 by MaryBeth
Some months ago I took a trip out to New Mexico to visit a friend of mine. Though we were great friends and sorority sisters through college, we both went our own ways after graduation and never seemed to make it out to see one another. Well last year I promised myself that I would head out to visit her this year and that’s just what I did!
After thinking about it for a while, I decided to drive all the way to New Mexico. Not only had I never taken a road trip of any consequence, I had never even traveled anywhere on my own! I’m sure you can imagine how scary and exciting this was for me: hitting the road, teeny small town gas stations, local greasy spoon diners, and family owned motels. I met many interesting people and saw many wonderful sites along the way. You just wouldn’t believe how many pictures I took! Hundreds! Once I arrived in New Mexico, my friend and I spent four, really great, long awaited days together (with more pictures)!
Now you may not know this, but New Mexico is one source for the most beautiful Turquoise in the world. Even the Aztecs were known to mine for this beautiful blue green stone! Of course, being the lover of gems that I am, I screeched to a dusty stop at the side of the highway when I saw the sign for ‘one of a kind, handmade, turquoise jewelry.’ Turning off the highway onto the narrow, unpaved road decorated here and there with handwritten signs pointing the way to the promised beauties, I was somewhat apprehensive. Was this really handmade jewelry? Was this a waste of time? Was I going to get lost?
Well, after a few minutes, a dilapidated shack appeared just down the road. I almost turned around and drove back to the highway, but in the spirit of my new courageous travels, adventures and experiences, I decided to continue on.
How happy I am that I did! I have never in my life seen such magnificent handmade turquoise jewelry at such a fair price. The family who mined the stone and created this jewelry were some of the nicest people I have ever met, even inviting me to stay for lunch (the food was delicious). They said their family had been working with turquoise for generations. They couldn’t even say if their ancestors had ever done anything different. It was just their way. It was what they did. The craftsmanship was amazing. I even picked up a very large piece of carved turquoise for my mother to set on her display case!
When I finally arrived home, I was delighted to present my friends and family with these beautiful pieces of jewelry: brooches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, even a pair of cuff links for my father. In the end I had a great adventure, filled with gems and memories I will never forget!
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