Silver & Turquoise : For every Hippie and Gypsy

I truly believe Burl Ives got it wrong when He sang "Silver and Gold"... It should've been more like Silver and Turquoise... Because, duh? I not only wear and collect turquoise religiously, but I would also like to one day buy and sell turquoise too! That's why I thought I'd highlight some of my favorite online dealers who I happen to have bought an excess amount of accessories from and talk about just how wonderful they are. If you weren't a fan of this stone now, your about to be. You're welcome.

Turquoise in the Native American community is very much a spiritual and valued stone within individual tribes. Legend has it that Native American's danced and rejoiced when the rain came thus making their tears of joy mix with the mother earth stone, creating what they call the "Fallen Sky Stone", aka Turquoise. Buuut, really what happens is it's formed by a chemical reaction which occurs when water containing specific minerals such as copper and aluminum leak through a rock. Thanks Jesus! You're super cool. To make it simple, turquoise has been around for quite a while and doesn't appear to be going on a hiatus anytime soon. Turquoise REALLY started getting placed in jewelry after the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and other Pueblo artisans realized how in demand the stone was. In many Native American tribes, negative tendencies after settlers came became more frequent. Thus making alcohol addiction and poverty in the forefront of many old communities. With very little left (Thanks Americans!) , they sold all the value they had, that being their mothers turquoise! In Native American communities this is actually looked down upon, because selling your families belongings was an act of shame. This is what people call "dead pawn". If you speak to the majority of turquoise consumers and sellers today, they'll tell you to purchase directly from current makers of the jewelry. You can find gold mines of Turquoise anywhere in the SouthWest territory. Be careful though, because once you start, you literally can't STOP. These online dealers are what started my addiction. I am simply a turquoise glutton.

>> F a y e R a v e n C o l l e c t i v e <<

First, I would just like to say a major thank you to the lovely people behind this beautiful jewelry. I contacted them and they were so willing and kind to be apart of my blog post today. Thank you again lovelies ! I follow quite a bit of Turquoise dealers on Instagram and one day I came across this new account with breathtakingly unique pieces. I must say, go comp some while you can, because the minute they start getting more followers, you won't be able to put that paypal email in the comment section fast enough ! Lol. I received my package very quickly, and when opening the actual package itself, I was greeted with beautiful gold wrapping paper and a thoughtful note. Not everyone appreciates the little things, or even recognizes them - But, when I saw that, it made me A. Want to brag on them more for their overall professionalism, and B. Go back immediately and buy more! As a consumer, I was impressed to say the least. (middle finger ring) Here is a current picture of their collection right now. (clink photos to shop)

>> T r a d e W i n d V i n t a g e <<

Just like I mentioned previously, this turquoise dealer is absolutely lovely ! I love how all jewelry was not created equal- meaning not one piece is ever the same. I like how every item is unique in it's own way! That's the great thing about Trade Wind Vintage ! She just has beautiful pieces, including black onyx, coral and obviously loads of turquoise. Everything is reasonably priced and vintage. The one ring I purchased from her was literally form the 1940's. I think that's amazing ! Vintage that old I don't frequently see for the prices she marks them for. With that said, what are you still doing? Go check out her stuff now and BUY all da goodies!!!!

The reason I love turquoise is cause it makes me feel so put together. I could be feeling and looking like crap, but the minute I slip my turquoise on, I instantly feel a little bit more classy and a little less "Just rolled out of bed, I'm sorry" looking. Turquoise doesn't only apply to rings obviously, there is a plentiful abundance of bolo ties, belts, bracelets and arm cuffs out there for the taking if you're not into rings or simply just want more of it all (I speak for myself). I strongly advice giving turquoise a go at least once and see where it takes ya (: If you're interested in either of these awesome turquoise seller's I talked about today, here is where you can purchase the jewelry :

Faye Raven Collective - https://www.instagram.com/fayeravenco/

Trade Wind Vintage - https://www.instagram.com/tradewindvintage/

Go Follow em, Go love em, and tell em Carmen sent ya !

As always, thank you for reading.

With love,

Carmen xox

#Fashion