Turquoise Set In Gold?

Q: I'm not a jeweler, just someone who loves jewelry and is looking for some information. I love southwestern Indian turquoise jewelry. I would love to have a squash blossom necklace!! However, I'd prefer it in gold instead of silver. I do have a turquoise ring, bracelet, and pendant that are set in gold, so I know it is done, but it must be pretty unusual because I have rarely seen it. I have never worked with a jeweler before. Does anyone have any information as to where I could get something like this? Stores? Custom made? Whatever...

A: Turqouise and gold jewelry is sometimes done, but it's expensive (obviously) and non-traditional so it's not as common. Talk to a custom jeweler or look in the phone book (I'm assuming you're LA area) and check some of the better Indian crafts stores. If you can find them, you might also want to look

at some turqouise books from your local library. Arizona Highways magazine put one out a few years back that included pictures of a number of gold-and-turquoise pieces. Gold work is done by the Native American artists, but you probably don't see it a lot because it doesn't sell nearly as well as the silver jewelry. Several silversmiths do produce what is called a mini squash in gold filled, with prices starting at about $1,200. To do a squash in gold would be almost cost prohibitive. Another method often used, is to create the entire piece in sterling silver and then over-lay 18 karat gold over the leaves, etc. This gives a very nice effect.