A big day for turquoise fans

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Fashion Writer

'Tea & Turquoise' 1-5 p.m. tomorrow, Native Winds Gift Gallery Free. Call 734-8018.

To educate island turquoise enthusiasts, Native Winds, a Kaimuki gift gallery and craft supply shop, is planning "Tea & Turquoise," showcasing the work of Santa Fe Indian Market artists from various tribes: Ray Tracey (Navajo), Andy Lee Kirk (Isleta Pueblo/Navajo), Melanie Kirk Lente (Isleta/Navajo) and Tommy Jackson (Navajo), as well as other Navajo, Zuni, Hopi and Pueblo jewelers.

The work of local artists who have been influenced by or have studied with Native American silversmiths will also be featured.

In addition to the more common blue-green turquoise gemstones, Native Winds will introduce white buffalo turquoise, a rare form found only in Nevada. White turquoise occurs where there is an absence of copper or iron, the two elements that give turquoise its recognizable blue and green hues.

For those who enjoy crafting their own jewelry, turquoise beads, nuggets, chips and cabochons will be available, with information about where each stone was mined and how it was processed.

Educators will explain turquoise terminology, processing methods and the difference between inlay, overlay, mosaic, needlepoint and other styles of Native American jewelry.

A collection of jewelry, art and cultural books will be available for reference or purchase.

Jewelry will be modeled and explained by Navajo women from New Mexico: Sarayl Yellowhorse, Raedena Brooks and Misty Cly.

Native American herbal teas will be offered.