How do I clean my jewelry

Q. How do I clean my jewelry?

A. Caring and Cleaning Sterling Silver JewelryNever dip any silver jewelry in any kind of commercial cleaning solutions even though it may say that it is for silver jewelry. This is definitely not recommended for any stones. We do not recommend cleaning your jewelry with toothpaste and a toothbrush as you will be scratching the silver although dish liquid soap and a soft cloth are okay to use. The best way to clean your jewelry is with a professional jewelry polishing cloth. The cloth is treated with cleaning chemicals and not only will the cloth last a long time. Simply rub the part gently with the cloth and you will really be amazed how effective these cloths are!You can buy the clothes at Wal-Mart, Target, drugstores, jewelry stores, etc. It is best to keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined case or a box that has individual compartments. If you cannot do this, keep it in a dry place (bathroom not recommended). Moisture causes silver to tarnish quicker.

The Origin and Occurrence of Turquoise

The Origin and Occurrence of Turquoise
An article by Lee Anderson
http://www.americana.net/jewelry_turquoise_origin_article.html
Turquoise consists of the chemical elements copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), phosphorus (PO4), and water (H2O). It is described as a “hydrous basic aluminum phosphate of copper” or a “hydrous aluminum phosphate colored by copper salts.” Its chemical formula is:

CuAl6 (PO44)8 4H2O,

although this varies widely. This molecular structure permits the inclusion of other elements, principally iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), silicon (Si), and zinc (Zn). These additional elements, when incorporated in the molecular structure of turquoise, influence its color and hardness.

Turquoise is formed when the proper minerals, present in the proper proportions, are subjected to certain physical and chemical processes. These minerals are broken down, or “weathered,” from nearby “source” rocks and then dissolved, transported, and deposited in cracks, openings, and hollows in “host” rocks that lie beneath the surface. This mineral “solution” must remain in these host rocks for millions of years, at just the right pressures and temperatures, to form turquoise. (Keep in mind that over these enormous periods of time, mountains rise and wear away, and seas advance and recede.) It’s remarkable that a specific grouping of minerals could be subjected to the forces of pressure and temperature for such long periods, eventually forming something as beautiful as turquoise!

Chi-Nah-Bah

A synergistic combination of creativity, culture, and workmanship characterize the cutting edge Navajo Style of Ron Henry. The Tucson artist artfully blends the Navajo tradition and culture of his youth with bold and vigorous contemporary workmanship. He currently creates what many experts and customers believe to be the most exquisite and beautifully crafted Native American art in the Southwest.

Henry grew up in Coyote Canyon, New Mexico on the Navajo Reservation. He followed in the footsteps of his mother, Louise Henry, renowned for her excellence in both rug weaving and custom jewelry design. Later, Henry's brother, Ernie, taught Ron to design and make traditional style jewelry. In 1975, the Henry family moved to Rochester, Minnesota to both make and market their artwork. Their sales outlet, Chi-Nah-Bah, gained world wide acclaim. There, Ron flourished as a Native American craftsman and designer. He designed much of the art sold from the family business.

Henry moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1981. Although only twenty-one years of age, Ron began to operate independently. Since then, Henry's business has flourished, maturing yearly to reflect the artist's growing skill and creative talent. Ron Henry remains in Tucson where he lives with his wife and children.

Ron, the musician

"Try To
Forget"  by Ron Henry
of Tribe Azure

Brand
New Cadillac written by Unknown Author

"Same Thrill"

"Hero's Bye"

"Synthesized
Dreams"

"Pretty Cracked Jar"

NAVAJO HISTORY AND CULTURE

NAVAJO HISTORY AND CULTURE
Long before the theory of the 'land bridge from Asia to Norht America across the Bering Strait', Navajo elders told their own story about their own origin. The Navajo (DINE') creation is the story of their origin through a series of emergences through a series of different colored worlds.Accounts vary as to the exact number and colors of the worlds, for example, black, then blue, then yellow, then glittering, all of which lead up to their final emergence in the present world.The traditional Navajo lifestyle is characterized by:
Home.........Hogan (8 sided log home with mud chinking & roof)
Food...........Mutton stew and fry bread
Religion.....Traditional Medicine man and various ceremonies
Language..Navajo
Clothing.....Turquoise and silver jewlry for men and women Velveteen shirt, white pants, & mocasins for men Gingham dress and mocasins for women
Clans..........Originally 4, now over 75 distinct clans exist
Info provided by http://bird.kchs.k12.nm.us/nhs/nh00005.htm

Christmas orders

TAJ is now accepting Christmas orders. It is best to order as soon as possible. Ron creates all of his jewelry by hand. :)

New Pieces

Be sure to check men's rings and animal jewelry to see the new pieces we have added!

Thunderbird for Irene Kelley, Country Recording Artist

Ron Henry recently finished a design for Irene Kelley, country recording artist and singer/songwriter.

July Specials!

With the purchase of any piece of jewelry valued over 400.00, you will receive a Sterling Silver cross or bracelet valued at 80.00.