LFC – Lowry Family Collection Lowry Family Collection<LFC Bonny Sandoval Blue Gem Screw Back Brooch

The now inactive Blue Gem mine situated in Nevada produced an incredible varied selection of turquoise from blue to green and every colour in between. The mine first started producing turquoise in 1934, and became known for it’s high grade stones of rich colour and density being of ‘gem stone’ standard when excavated and needing no stabilisation. This mine’s turquoise production had a notable influence on the fledgling Native American jewellery industries production.

The majority of the stones found are of a small size, and there is only a very small amount in circulation, making Blue Gem turquoise highly sought after and desirable. Known mostly for it’s intense blue gem stones reminiscent tropical waters with a translucent depth of colour, the hardness of the stone means the colour wont change as with other turquoise and is possible to get a high shine when polished.

The oval stone used on this brooch has a beautiful green tint to the turquoise, with a subtle cloudy matrix running though the stone.