White Buffalo Trading Company: A Rare Gem in Overland Park

The amount of quality turquoise mined in the U.S. is dwindling.

“Getting quality turquoise is becoming very difficult,” noted Pamela Minick, owner, White Buffalo Trading Company, Overland Park, Kansas. “Many mines have been mined out. Environmental concerns limit the availability of some turquoise. Now, the price of the turquoise is so high some Native American tribes can’t purchase it. Turquoise is beautiful, but that beauty has caused it to be mined out; now much of it is gone. White Buffalo is constantly searching and acquiring much-sought-after and collectible turquoise and precious natural stones, and we have resources around the country for turquoise, coral, charoite and other stone jewelry.”

Pamela, whose lineage includes Potawatomi and Dakota, has been dealing in and acquiring turquoise for decades; she’s knowledgeable when it comes to this semi-precious stone. “Not all of our turquoise mines in the United States are closed. The Kingman mine in Kingman, Arizona, is still open and operating, and there are other turquoise mines in Arizona and Nevada. 

Pamela has acquired the inventory of some shops that have closed and many pieces are from the 1970s. “I carry the largest selection of fine Native American jewelry in this area, new, vintage and many museum-quality pieces,” remarked Pamela. “The stones have been hand selected, and everything is made from sterling silver or 14-karat gold. Most importantly, I stand by everything I sell. If I don’t have it, I’ll try to find it for you.”

Pamela has owned White Buffalo Trading Company for 22 years; 12 of them have been in Kansas. She offers the KC metro the only store dedicated to sharing Native American art and craftsmanship. In addition to jewelry, White Buffalo offers vintage clothing, cradle boards, framed art, sculpture, pots, baskets, pottery and more. White Buffalo Trading Company also offers jewelry cleaning, ring sizing and repairs, demonstrations, one-on-one bead classes, handcrafted specialty gifts, a liberal layaway program, free gift wrapping and shipping to anywhere in the U.S.

“White Buffalo Trading Company is known for the quality and quantity of our Native American jewelry. I love talking with people, educating them and learning from them. If you don’t see what you have in mind, let me try to find it for you. I love seeing the excitement in a customer’s eyes when I find that special piece for them. Much of my selection is exclusive to White Buffalo. You won’t see what you’re wearing on anyone else.” ■