Human beings have been attracted by the blue-green semiprecious stones made of Turquoise stones for jewelry for more than 7 millennia. Besides the fact that the beautiful blue-green gem is attractive, it also has an extensive cultural meaning in a wide range of different areas. Its protective abilities, among other things, were what this stone was valued for by these people.
Why Ancient Cultures Valued This Blue Gem
The past turquoise use and its symbolic reference in the different cultural paradigms reflect the fascination of humans with the same mineral throughout history. To begin with, the Egyptians started mining it in the Sinai Peninsula around 3200 BCE. They also associated it with protection in the afterlife. Persian monarchs wore it as a protective shield against non-natural death. Indigenous Americans considered it as a medium that connects earth and sky.
Its distinctiveness of color gave water and sky images and the people who lived hundreds of years ago were reminded by these natural elements. In particular, those who lived in deserts were highly respectful of it. Not only they considered it spiritually significant, but also it was a source of life for them.
Turquoise in Ancient Egypt: A Royal Treasure
Pharaohs had themselves decorated with intricate turquoise stones that were crafted into jewelry. A bracelet of Queen Zer, found in her tomb, can be traced back to 5500 BCE. It is one of the oldest turquoise pieces known. Egyptians made use of the stone in creating amulets, rings and ceremonial masks.
They linked the stone with goddess Hathor. She was the ruler of joy, feminine love and motherhood. The miners in the Sinai invoked her for safety and security during the mining process. The stone was the symbol of wealth and divine blessing.
Egyptian artisans pulverized turquoise to use as a powder for the eyes which was part of the makeup. According to the story, Cleopatra wore turquoise eyeshadow. It was a practice that showed the value of the gem beyond mere decoration.
Myths and Legends Surrounding This Stone
Turquoise stone mythology spans numerous cultures. According to Persian myths, the turquoise was changing its color in order to indicate danger. For instance, when the owner is sick, the gem becomes pale. The Apache tribes believed that turquoise could help warriors to aim the arrows more accurately.
The Chinese have been using turquoise for carving over a long period of time. They produced delicate figurines and ornamental items. The stone in this case represented immortality and wisdom according to the Eastern traditions. Tibetan culture was particularly happy to accept turquoise as a material for the sacred.
Before reaching the Silk Road, turquoise was traded by Turkish merchants that introduced it to Europe. The word “turquoise” is derived from French and means “Turkish stone”.
Modern Appeal of Historic Turquoise Stones for Jewelry
Designers of jewelry in the modern-day take a lot of their ideas from the past time-honored pieces. Turquoise stones for jewelry keep the trend in fashion pieces of the present. Native American jewelry style is full of detailed turquoise inlay work. Bohemian styles are decorated with unrefined turquoise nuggets.
The stone is an excellent match with silver, gold, and leather. Its adaptability is perfect for both casual and formal designs. As a result, a lot of collectors are after authentic Native American turquoise jewelry.
Turquoise stones for jewelry can be either sky blue or green. The matrix is the pattern in each stone and that makes them different from each other. The most beautiful robin’s-egg blue color is that of Iranian turquoise.
Finding Quality Stones Today
One of the main things that is always taken into consideration while buying gemstones for sale is authenticity. There are different versions of the same product: treated and synthetic that are available for buyers to choose from. The natural turquoise is becoming more and more like a rare thing to be found. Certified dealers always hand over certificates of authenticity to the buyers of their products.
That is why the stone is made from a porous material and hence, it is very vulnerable to oils and chemicals. Giving it the right kind of care will ensure its beauty for a very long time. Keep away from exposing turquoise to harsh soaps or perfumes.
The resin-treatment provided to stabilized turquoise is for giving it more strength and durability. In no way does this method of production affect the value of the stone that has been around for ages. The only thing that this process does is make the gemstone more convenient to be worn everyday.
Connecting Past and Present
Turquoise symbolism in history is one of the main concepts of the history of human values. The most common themes are protection, healing, and good fortune, which are the main desires of everyone. The ancient gem is a bridge between this and all other humans’ experiences that happened in different times.
Turquoise will be there when you appreciate it for only one of the two, beauty or meaning. Its deep history is a big plus for the new jewelry collections that are the real ones. Each piece is like a bridge that connects you with the people who lived a long time ago.
In case you want different energetic qualities, but the same variety, buy rhodochrosite instead.
