ttstansfield

tulsa

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Joined: 01/30/2006

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Do any of you know of a reputable jeweler who does jewelry repair in New Mexico? I purchased a second-hand turquoise bracelet at a Native American market near Santa Fe last summer. I wear it all the time. It is a silver bracelet with a chevron pattern. Last week, I noticed that one of the turquoise stones had split in half and fallen out of the bracelet. I took it to a local jeweler and they want $135 to replace the stone. Since the stone is about 2 centimeters long and 1/2 centimeter wide, I feel that is too much money to repair it. Plus, that is nearly 3 times what I paid for it originally! They tell me that it costs so much because they will have to waste a large amount of turquoise to get the small stone. Since it was probably a "waste piece" that was used to make the bracelet initially, I am having doubts about having it repaired here in Tulsa.
I am hoping that if I send it to New Mexico--which is where I purchased it--they might be able to repair it more expertly and use native turquoise. Can any of you help me with a recommendation?
Mrs. TTStansfield
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CatandJim

Tulsa, as in Oklahoma

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Joined: 08/23/2004

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I sent you a PM that might be helpful.....
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle....
Live simply, love wholly, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly.
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Hgarnerno1

Tyler, Texas USA

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Look around your area and see if there is a gem and mineral society. These people are very skilled at the type of repair you are talking about. I used to do this kind of work and could still do it if needed. The cost you mentioned is way out of line, but I could understand why a jewelery store would quote a price like that. They really did not want to do it. If you are ever in my area give me a call and I will take care of it for you. Good Luck.
Howard, USN Ret
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ttstansfield

tulsa

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Thank you both for your helpful hints. It gave me some more avenues to pursue. The bracelet isn't worth much in monetary terms, but it has sentimental value. It makes me happy when I wear it and that is worth a lot!
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eubank

Angel Fire, NM, USA

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If you happen to be in Gallup, that's where many of the Native American artisans have their shops and market to buyers from gallieries, museums, and high-end shops in Santa Fe and New York. I'm sure one of them would be able to help you out.

Lynn
http://forum.aardvarkrv.com/blog/
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ttstansfield

tulsa

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DH and I will be out in Utah in October visiting Arches, Zion and Bryce. So a quick trip to Gallup wouldn't be out of the question. Now, if I could just find a job in New Mexico! DH and I fell in love with the state last year. We have been there three times already. My mouth is watering just thinking about New Mexican cuisine!
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CatandJim

Tulsa, as in Oklahoma

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Best of luck Tamra, I hope the place I told you about can do what you need done so you can enjoy your sentimental jewelry. 
It sounds like you have a great trip planned, I know you will have a great time!
Hey, if y'all wanna go camping the third weekend of September we're getting together with some friends. PM me and I'll give you the details.
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eubank

Angel Fire, NM, USA

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ttstansfield wrote: DH and I will be out in Utah in October visiting Arches, Zion and Bryce. So a quick trip to Gallup wouldn't be out of the question. Now, if I could just find a job in New Mexico! DH and I fell in love with the state last year. We have been there three times already. My mouth is watering just thinking about New Mexican cuisine! 
The Native American folk are down on old main street, which was also old Route 66.
While in Gallup, pay a visit to the old El Rancho Hotel, which I have yet to be able to see! It's supposed to be a really fine example of Route 66 lore!
http://www.elranchohotel.com/

Lynn
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ttstansfield

tulsa

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Since we are going right through Gallup, I'll try to convince DH to stop for a short break and check out the hotel and the shopping. A girl can never own too much turquoise! We live within a mile of Route 66 and I drive part of it during my daily commute to work. DH and I enjoy seeing the Route 66 icons like the Blue Whale when we go to Claremore. I would love to take the 5th Wheel and drive the entire route--perhaps when DH and I retire! Sir Paul McCartney and one of his friends in the U.S. were traveling Route 66 from coast to coast just over a week ago. They made stops in Tulsa and OKC and Tucumcari.
In the meantime, we are stopping overnight in Winslow, Arizona on our way to Utah. DH and I are planning to go and stand "on the corner in Winslow"! Only two months to go until I get to go camping again. I haven't been out since DH went back to sea in June and it has been a LONG summer without any camping. Can you tell that I am counting down the days?!!
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eubank

Angel Fire, NM, USA

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ttstansfield wrote: ...In the meantime, we are stopping overnight in Winslow, Arizona on our way to Utah. DH and I are planning to go and stand "on the corner in Winslow"! Only two months to go until I get to go camping again. I haven't been out since DH went back to sea in June and it has been a LONG summer without any camping. Can you tell that I am counting down the days?!!
Oh, Winslow! Be SURE to go by the La Posada Hotel and the train station there. It is an absolutely magnificent example of Mary Jane Coulter's work!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winslow_(Amtrak_station)

Lynn
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