Only a handful of mines in the United States still produce turquoise, a culturally significant stone for the Navajo. Carrie Jung

SANTA FE, N.M. — For Navajo silversmith Rodey Guerro, making jewelry is more than just a source of income — it’s part of his way of life.

“I’ve been at this for over 47 years,” he said. “I got started in the early ’70s and I’m still at it.”

On most weekends you can find Guerro in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Today he’s one of about 40 Native artisans selling their work along the central plaza sidewalk.

Guerro’s inventory is arranged neatly on a purple felt blanket. Smaller pieces such as earrings line the bottom half of his vending display, with larger items like pendants and bolo ties dotting the top. While Guerro uses a variety of materials in his work, it’s the turquoise that commands the most attention from customers.

“This is inlaid with different types of turquoise from Arizona and Nevada,” he explained to a couple eyeing one of his bracelets. “And here’s a little abstract dragonfly that I put in there.”

Guerro is asking $3,500 for the bracelet, a much higher price than he would have asked just a few years ago. He said several things impact the price of his work, especially raw materials. Right now, though, it’s the cost of natural turquoise.

The cost of turquoise has been steadily increasing for the last 60 years, but recently prices for the gem have skyrocketed. Growing demand for turquoise jewelry from Europe and Asia is partly to blame for the shift. The stone is also becoming harder to find and mine.