The Gallery features the finest of the old Turquoise Trail. The source for Rare Carrillos turquoise and original Peaker jewelry designs by owner and turquoise miner Riana Newman Peaker. Trading Bird Gallery also represents renowned Native American artists working with our local Cerrillos turquoise. As well as, a great selection of Santo Domingo Pueblo jewelry, mosaic overlay, Mata Ortiz Pottery, P
ueblo Pottery and Zuni Fetishes.The original family business, The Turquoise Trail Trading Post was established in Madrid in 1988 by Riana's father Waylan Peaker. Riana took over the business in 2002 and continues the tradition. Miner and Artist History:Riana Newman Peaker is a second generation turquoise miner and jewelry artist. Her father, Waylan Peaker was renowned for the turquoise he mined, his mosaic masks and his innovative inlay jewelry designs. Riana's family has mined Cerrillos Turquoise for decades. She creates beautiful overlaid shells, and specializes in inlaid jewelry, continuing many Waylan Peaker designs.Cerrillos Turquoise History:The Cerrillos Turquoise Mines, located 20 miles south of Santa Fe, are the oldest and largest prehistoric mines in North America. Anasazi mining activity dates back to about 500 A.D. Pueblo Indians mined Cerrillos turquoise extensively and traded it with many other cultures. Cerrillos turquoise was part of a sophisticated trade route. Sea shells and other exotic items were carried vast distances to trad for this "Sky Stone".Cerrillos turquoise is in the Crown Jewels of Spain. In the late 1800's Tiffany & Co extracted milions of dollars worth of Cerrillos turquoise from these mines. Our mine produces turquoise that varies in color from pale blue to deep emerald green. Cerrillos turquoise is some of the finest and most rare turquoise available.
