In times past, the people of the southwest, wore, and treasured their turquoise jewelry as not only a thing of adornment, a protector of good health, but also as portable wealth.  Not having ready access to banks, or cash money, this  turquoise jewelry would often serve as the family "reserve" or "emergency" fund as  turquoise was thought to be a healing and protecting agent.  In times of need, this turquoise jewelry could be easily used as security with an authorized trader (pawned) for cash to meet the current crisis.  Then, when the crops came in, or the sheep were shorn - the turquoise jewelry could be redeemed and take its place back in the family. When family members passed on the “old pawn” became known as “dead Pawn” and would remain in the pawn shop to be purchased by tourists or other south westerners.