JSW743 Easter Blue Turquoise

Sterling silver hand stamped cross by Navajo silversmith Paul J. Begay. The 2 1/4” x 3” hand stamped cross has six Easter Blue turquoise cabochons. A 3/4” hand stamped bale makes a total length of 3 7/8”. Hallmark: P J Begay

The Easter Blue mine is located northwest of Tonopah, Nevada a few miles from the Royston district. Turquoise from this claim has also been called Blue Mountain and Blue Gem. Compared to some of the other deposits in Nevada, the Easter Blue was never considered a large producer and changed hands a number of times. It was discovered in 1907 and the first material found was a fine blue color, usually occurring in thin veins. Later the mine produced a blue green turquoise with a light to dark brown matrix.

Paul Begay began making jewelry at age 32, learning skills from the local Zuni artists. He also worked with renowned Navajo smith Harry Morgan for some years during the time when Harry ran a production studio and employed other smiths to help him meet demand for his "old pawn" style jewelry.