Morenci Turquoise Bolo Tie Set In Sterling Silver

This fabulous bolo tie was made by Navajo silversmith Oliver Smith. The stones used in this bolo tie are from the Morenci mine. The Morenci mine is located in Morenci, Arizona, east of Phoenix. When the Morenci copper mine closed Mr. Brown was able to obtain the rights to the turquoise. The turquoise now being cut for market is from a sizeable collection of rock from the mine and is being cut and sold by the sons of the original owner of the turquoise rights. Morenci turquoise is prized for its beautiful color and the iron pyrite in the turquoise which often times gives the appearance of silver and sometimes looks like gold. The colors range from light to dark blue and sometimes green. Eleven small turquoise stones surround the center piece of turquoise. Center stone measures 2 in. wide by 1 3/4 in. long. Middle silver piece has three small stones and measures 1 3/4 in. wide by 3/4 in. wide. Dangle stones are about 1/2 in. wide by 1/2 in. long.