The Allure of Turquoise [Paperback]

Arnold Vigil (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 16, 2005

This revised second edition of The Allure of Turquoise, originally published 10 years ago, offers an illuminating look at the cherished gemstone that has come to symbolize the culture and history of the Southwest. Two brand new chapters, updated original chapters, additional photographs and a revamped format mark this absorbing, informative and visually stunning book. The powerful allure of New Mexico’s crown jewel comes alive through a diverse collection of feature stories contributed by some of the state’s best writers. Their work delves into many facets of turquoise, from the miracle of its geological creation and its centuries-old mining history to its significance and use in the lives of Native Americans.Intriguing chapters touch on the mystery of old pawn, the treasures that reside in the world’s first Turquoise Museum, the innovative artistry of New Mexico’s contemporary native jewelers and how to distinguish the genuine article from cheap imitations. Readers will find plenty of turquoise lore and a fascinating essay on the strange-but-true relationship between ants and the blue-green stone.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Arnold Vigil is book editor for New Mexico Magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 107 pages
• Publisher: New Mexico Magazine; 2nd edition (November 16, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0937206873
• ISBN-13: 978-0937206874
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,148,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chapters mix history and cultural and geologic insights with tips on locating authentic pieces, valuation and more, March 6, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Allure of Turquoise (Paperback)

One of New Mexico's symbols is turquoise, so it's fitting that a discussion of jewel would come from New Mexico Magazine's publishing arm. Any who wish to learn about the stone must have The Allure Of Turquoise: it appears in its second updated edition to pack color photos on every page with discussions ranging from the history of turquoise in both jewelry and Native American circles to issues surrounding its sale, authenticity and preservation. Chapters mix history and cultural and geologic insights with tips on locating authentic pieces, valuation and more: turquoise collectors will find this essential.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, January 13, 2007

By 

Amy Brown (greater Kansas City, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Allure of Turquoise (Paperback)

This is a wonderful in-depth examination of turquoise and its makers. It is somewhat scientific in the portion about the formation of the stone. There are terrific photographs and lots of information about the handling of turqoise and the art that turns it into expensive jewelry! Recommended for the turqoise lover.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For those who THINK that they know everything about Turquoise..., March 28, 2007

By 

Chuck "Dusty" Rose (Coastal South & Barrier Islands) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Allure of Turquoise (Paperback)

This is the same review I gave to "Turquoise Unearthed"...and for all intents and purposes, they could be classified as companion volumes...both doing an exceptional job in words and images!

"I have been a gem and mineral dealer for over ten years...and a rockhound for a lot longer than that...but this book taught me more in a single sitting than all my years in the buisiness and in the hobby.

I have dug, traded, bought and sold a whole bunch of "Turq"...natural, treated and "color-shot"...and this book instantly became one of my favorite references for the rest of my life.

If you are planning on investing in real American or Persian turquoise jewelry or stones...and it is an investment...then this book is a "Must Have!"

No sooner did I put this book down than I called up one of my suppliers and bought all of the Blue Gem and Turquoise Mountain stones they had left in stock...I am sure they are wondering what precipitated that call!"

My many thanks to Mr. Vigil for his labor of love, a compilation of articles from New Mexico Magazine...on everything from the Lowry "Turq" Museum...to the history and significance of the Cerrillos Mines...to the myth of "Old Pawn" jewelry...and much, much more!