Gemstones have enhanced the beauty of jewelry for a long time now. They are valued for their brilliance, uniqueness, and healing properties. One of the oldest gemstones, Turquoise dates back to 3000 BCE in the Sinai peninsula in Egypt. It is a famous semi-precious stone with a refreshing greenish-blue hue and is a highly valued gemstone for jewelry.
The gemstone was called mefkat in Egypt, meaning joy and delight. However, the gem also found a place in Persia. Persians believed Turquoise to symbolize protection and decorated their palace domes with Turquoise since its sky-blue color represented heaven. Besides adorning their daggers and horses’ bridles with Turquoise, Persians also wore it as jewelry around their neck because of the belief that it protects by changing color to warn of incoming danger.
Turquoise traveled through Turkey to enter Europe. Since the gemstone was coming into Europe via Turkey, the country also had a significant role in influencing the gemstone’s name. The gemstone’s name is derived from an old French word, tourques meaning Turkish stones.
Turquoise Jewelry and Its Development Over Centuries
Turquoise has traveled a long way from being used to decorate palace domes to transforming into beautiful necklaces, bracelets, pendants, earrings, and brooches. However, what has not changed is the healing power turquoise carries with it. The use of Turquoise in jewelry has also developed over centuries since the gemstone has such a rich and old history.
The gemstone is beautiful due to its wavy texture and rich blue color reminiscent of vast oceans. Turquoise, although, comes in shades of blue to greenish-blue. The stone has been worn as an ornament for thousands of years across the world. A semi-translucent stone, Turquoise ruled the ancient jewelry space due to its alluring appeal. In addition, the smooth surface of the stone made the stone perfect for fashioning into various designs. Indigenous Native American tribes found Turquoise a beneficial stone and used it to make amulets. As artisanal techniques continued to evolve, Navajo and Apache people of the native tribes transformed the amulets into silver and turquoise jewelry. These pieces of jewelry are today worn by people living in the desert states of Southwestern US. Artisans from Mexico and Spain taught the Native American artisans the art of silversmithing. By the late 19th century, turquoise jewelry featuring chunky engraved rings and geometric necklaces became synonyms with the region.
While Persians wore turquoise-heavy pieces of jewelry, Egyptians adorned mummies with gemstone before burying them. The discovery of King Tut’s death mask in 1925 led to a boom in Europe’s jewelry market, inspiring a wave of new art designs with turquoise stones. The hysteria around the discovery of the death mask also revealed the magic of turquoise ornament and decoration across the world.
Turquoise Uses in the Older Times:
- There are so many beliefs related to the metaphysical properties of the gemstone.
- Many tribes believed that the gem was a symbol of good luck, wealth, and happiness. According to the belief of the Navajo tribe, you could please the gods by wearing turquoise jewelry.
- The Zuni and Hopi made carvings of animals and Gods using the gemstone. They also created turquoise jewelry. In modern times also, the gem is used in tribal ceremonies and private offerings.
- The gemstone was used on the traditional garments worn by Zunis during the ceremonial dances.
What Makes Turquoise Jewelry Special?
- Turquoise and silver are the classic combinations. The accessories have a brilliant appearance and unique healing powers.
- Turquoise is the best gemstone to take care of your emotional and mental health. Its healing energy will give the wearer a sense of calm and serenity. It will lift your spirits if you feel let down.
- The gemstone will work on your throat chakra. If you lack the skills to look friendly and gentle in your, then Turquoise will support you. It helps the Sagittarians, who are very direct in making comments. It is also beneficial when it comes to public speaking.
- The crystal has powers to eliminate depression and anxiety issues. It will calm you and fill you with hope. It promotes creativity and keeps you away from negativity.
- Turquoise takes care of the health of the respiratory system. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can cure pain and fever.
Where to Buy Turquoise Jewelry?
The popular gemstone is loved for its refreshing green and blue colors. There are many options for buying turquoise jewelry online. But for authentic gemstone jewelry, you need to pick the one that is trusted for its quality. You can check out Rananjay Exports. They have earned the trust of many customers and are known for their genuine quality. You can find a variety of designs in turquoise pendants, rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Their jewelry is made in 925 sterling silver and rose gold vermeil.