Southwest Symbols

Southwest Symbols and Their Meanings

Butterfly -- Everlasting life
Sun -- Happiness
Arrowhead -- Alertness
Bird -- Carefree and lighthearted qualities
Bear Claw -- Good luck, good omen, protection of the Gods
Thunderbird -- The sacred bearer of unlimited happiness

Image Copyright 2010 Milne Jewelry

Turquoise Folklore

Turquoise, Coral and Silver



Turquoise has its roots deep in Southwestern mythology and folklore. It has long been not only an ornamental stone, but also a ceremonial stone, worn during ceremonies by virtually all Southwestern tribes.

According to Southwest traditions: "The eye is strengthened by looking at a turquoise." "One who sees a turquoise early in the morning will pass a fortunate day." "The turquoise helps its owner to victory over his enemies, protects him against injury, and makes him well liked by all men."

Most of the turquoise used by the Southwest artists comes from Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Colorado. It can be blue, green, or combinations of the two, often in the same stone.

American Southwest jewelry - made of the earth, wind, sea, and the spirits of the Gods. Turquoise represents the clear blue skies of the Southwest desert. Silver, introduced by the Spaniards, represents the white clouds of the Southwest skies. Coral signifies the red sands of the desert. Coral, especially red coral, offers an electrifying contrast to both silver and turquoise.

Copyright 1978-2010 Milne Jewelry
Image Copyright 2010 Milne Jewelry

Utah Museum of Fine Arts Exhibition

The Continuing Allure:
Painters of Utah'sRed Rock
On view through June 27, 2010




To love the western landscape is to embrace the subtlety of a vast and mysterious desert terrain. Among the artists who conquered the obstacles of painting Utah's red rock country were Maynard Dixon, Edgar Payne, and Conrad Buff, just a few of the notable painters represented in this exhibition.






Utah Museum of Fine Arts
University of Utah Campus
Marcia & John Price Museum
Building 410 Campus Center Drive
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
(801) 581-7332

Museum Hours
Tuesday – Friday: 10 am – 5 pm
Wednesday: 10 am – 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
Closed Mondays and Holidays


An exquisite collection of American Southwest turquoise and silver jewelry from Evening Star is being offered for sale at a generous discount in the Museum of Fine Arts Gift Shop. Creations of art you will cherish a lifetime.

Logo Copyright © Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Used with permission.
Photograph provided for use by Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

Proper Care of Southwest Jewelry

Silver and Turquoise Jewelry

- Sterling silver is used in your fine Southwestern jewelry. Silver will tarnish and may be maintained with a jeweler's polishing cloth. Do not use chemical or abrasive cleaners.

- Turquoise is a fairly hard stone, but is brittle and can be broken. Avoid crushing or striking your jewelry. Dealers will not warranty stones from breakage. Be cautious and you will have no problems.

- Turquoise will in time absorb skin oils, dirt, soap, and chemicals. Please avoid contact with these.

- Immersing inlaid stones and shells into any liquid will weaken or dissolve the adhesive behind them and loosen the stones.

- You can avoid problems with bracelets by sliding on the side of your wrist. Avoid bending it back and forth as this may break the bracelet and dislodge the stones.

- Exercise a certain amount of care and your jewelry will give you years of enjoyment and pleasure.

Copyright 1978-2010 - Milne Jewelry Company
Image Copyright 2010 Milne Jewelry