Southwest Bear with Turquoise by Lexi Erickson

Description

The symbol of the bear is woven across cultures and continents.  Lexi’s Bear pendant carries a turquoise stone for protection, aka sky stone to many Native Americans.

Sterling Silver, Turquoise, measures 2″ wide by 1 1/4″ high.  Pendant only

Lexi Erickson, Colorado Artist

“Turquoise may be the longest used of all gemstones.  Beads dating back to 5000 bc have been found in Iraq.  The Egyptians were mining turquoise in the Sinai in 3200 B.C.  Throughout history, Turquoise has been fashioned into jewelry and decorations for a host of objects from weapons to amulets.  About 1000 years ago, Native Americans began to mine Turquoise. In Central Asia, the belief that Turquoise could keep riders from falling led to the use of Turquoise in decoration horse trappings.” Robert Simmons from The Book of Stones