• White Water Turquoise from the White Water Mine, Sonora, Mexico
• Large squash‑blossom‑style pendant in solid sterling silver
• Navajo‑made, stamped GP for artist Gilbert Platero
• Pendant size: 3 × 2 inches with a 0.5 in bale
• High‑grade sky‑blue stones with natural white matrix
This large squash‑blossom‑style pendant is built from vivid White Water Turquoise arranged in a traditional floral layout, each stone set cleanly in sterling silver by Navajo artist Gilbert Platero (GP). The piece measures 3 × 2 inches, with a 0.5‑inch bale that fits most chains, and carries that unmistakable White Water glow — bright sky‑blue with soft white matrix. The turquoise comes from the White Water Mine in Sonora, Mexico, a small‑yield deposit near the Arizona border known for producing electric blue stones in limited quantities. Local cutters say the mine got its name from the pale host rock that looked like “white water” running across the hillsides in the sun, and because production is sporadic, clean stones like these are increasingly rare.
Gilbert Platero is a Navajo silversmith known for his clean, traditional hand‑fabricated silverwork and his ability to frame turquoise in a way that honors the stone’s natural character. Working in sterling silver, he uses classic Navajo techniques — deep stampwork, balanced symmetry, and strong, stone‑forward layouts — to create pieces that feel both grounded and refined. His hallmark GP appears on many of his works, which often feature high‑grade turquoise and thoughtful proportions that highlight the beauty of the material without overwhelming it. Collectors appreciate his jewelry for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and the quiet confidence of his design style.
White Water Turquoise has that open‑sky clarity — the kind that steadies your breath and clears the field around you so your spirit can move cleanly and without noise. It’s a stone long carried for protection, truth‑speaking, and keeping your energy aligned with what’s real. Correspondence: turquoise is tied to the throat, the traveler, and the guardian — a companion for honesty, protection, and walking your path with clarity.
