Kingman Turquoise Pendant

• Kingman Turquoise
• Sterling Silver
• Hallmark Stamped
• Artist: Art Platero 
• 2" L x 1.35" W
• SW-140-P

Striking oxidation and handsaw work set off beautiful Kingman turquoise

Twisted wire metalworking is a very old technique used by many Southwestern tribes. It can be found in both vintage and modern pieces.

Kingman turquoise sets an industry standard for blue matrix turquoise. The mine became famous for its nuggets, which few mines produce. Today, the Kingman turquoise is highly prized and sought after by collectors everywhere, and it's one of the more easily recognized American Turquoises.

Most saw work involves a coping saw with a very fine blade.  The saw itself does the work and there is little pressure other than the up and down motion.  When cutting around corners the silver itself is moved, much like a mounted jigsaw.  Notching, scrollwork and overlay all use a coping saw.  Shaped wire such as triangle are often used.  They're notched and soldered on standing sideways to give the piece more depth and dimension.