With striking sky blue to blue-green colors, turquoise has been prized by cultures all over the world for over 5,000 years. In America, the Kingman Turquoise Mine – originally discovered by prehistoric Indians well over 1000 years ago ­­– is one of the oldest producing turquoise mines in America. Kingman turquoise is best known for its gentle sky-blue color, a delicate shade provided by the presence of copper within the gem. Frequently seen in the stone is a white matrix, lending the stone a sometimes-mottled appearance which may look like spider webs. It is rare to find such a large slab of pure color.

In this particular piece of antique turquoise, I loved the gradual hue change from the center to the edge. And I was fixated by the tendrils that are just gently creeping into the big pool of blue. It was destined to be the hero of one of my favorite masterpieces.