Carico Lake turquoise is a unique and collectible American turquoise known for its vibrant green hues and spiderweb matrix patterns. It's primarily found in a dried-up lake bed in Lander County, Nevada, and is characterized by its bright green color, which is caused by a high zinc content and sometimes classified as faustite. Besides green, it also comes in blue and blue-green shades with a black or brown matrix. 

Master jeweler and gemologist Donald Lanzer is known for his ability to transform raw materials into extraordinary works of wearable art. Working with precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum, as well as hand-selected diamonds and colored gemstones, Lanzer creates one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect both craftsmanship and imagination—each as unique as the person who wears it.

Inspired by the rich artistic and natural heritage of New Mexico, Lanzer’s designs often begin as sketches—ideas sparked by a gemstone glinting on his bench or a form found in nature. His creative process blends art and science: from alloying and texturing metals to studying gemstones with the trained eye of a gemologist. “My love of making jewelry comes from the joy of being able to create something of beauty out of raw materials,” he says. “It’s deeply satisfying to see beauty emerge from the elemental.”

Science and nature intertwine in his work. Early interests in chemistry and physics inform his technical precision, while organic textures and forms—pine cones, bones, and other natural objects—fuel his design inspiration. Many of his pieces are cast in Tufa, a soft volcanic stone that he carves by hand before pouring molten gold or silver into it. This ancient technique gives his creations a rich, tactile surface that captures the essence of the earth itself. “At its heart,” Lanzer says, “my work is about sharing joy—the joy of creating, and the joy that comes from someone appreciating what I do.”