Joie de Vivre jewelry

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f o u r   c o r n e r s 

Four Corners refers to the intersection of the state boundaries of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah; the only such four-cornered intersection in the United States. It occurs in the high, arid landscape of the Colorado Plateau, and the area is home to the Native American Navajo and Ute nations. The cliffs of Mesa Verde are to the north, and the stark and beautiful Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly are to the south. The turquoise jewelry from the region is famous for its distinctive beauty and elaborate design. Before the Spaniards arrived in the 1800s, most jewelry included turquoise and shell beads along with feathers strung on sinew, yarn or leather. In the later 1800s, the style of gemstones set in silver became more popular, especially for trading. The blue turquoise nuggets in this necklace and bracelet are from Nevada mines and the green turquoise is a relatively inexpensive import, and both have been resin-stabilized to improve durability (a common treatment for all turquoise). Like turquoise, copper and malachite occur naturally in the region, though lapis lazuli and coral beads would be items likely acquired by trade. Brecciated jasper is a common quartz with larger quantities of hematite for red-brown color and pattern.

Cost: $124.00 USD

m a k e   i t   a   g i f t   s h i p m e n t :

Looking to ship this item separately as a gift? Gift shipment includes gift boxing and an occasion specific card sent to the recipient via USPS Priority Mail. Fill out the fields below including this jewelry item name, the recipient name and address, and occasion and this item will be sent to the recipient with a card and note. See the gift box section for samples of shipments with different occasion specific cards.

Cost of gift shipment (domestic shipping only): $5.95 USD

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M a t e r i a l s  &  C a r e 

Length: necklace - 22", bracelet - 7 1/2"

Materials:

  • blue and green turquoise nuggets (stabilized)
  • lapis lazuli chips
  • malachite chips
  • dyed red coral beads
  • brecciated jasper pebbles
  • copper beads
  • sterling silver beads
  • sterling silver cones and hook & eye clasp, lobster clasp
  • Soft Flex moderate duty nylon coated stainless steel wire (30 lb. load test)

Care & cleaning: Beading cord may be kinked or broken through hard jerks or severed through prolonged exposure to rough or sharp edges; store necklace flat when not in use to prevent stretching or kinking cord. Clean with warm soapy water and avoid chemical or abrasive cleaners. Use a soft jewelry polishing cloth to clean tarnish appearing on metal.

The smaller, lightweight stones on strong beading cord are likely to withstand some rougher treatment without ill effects. The turquoise and coral are softer, more porous materials, but they should be robust to tugs and pulls, though they may break if they get underfoot. As with all beaded jewelry: do not let young toddlers chew on it.

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W h a t  t o  W e a r 

This 22" necklace is a classic Southwestern design and can be worn with casual tops (crew necks, V-necks) and higher-neck blouses or deeper V collared shirts. The bracelet can add a nice pop of color to an outfit.