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Turquoise is one of the earliest known gems used in jewelry, utensils and religious ritual items. The 5500 B.C. mummy of Queen Zer was found with her arm encased by four exquisite turquoise bracelets. Long considered Iran's national gem, ancient turquoise amulets were found inscribed with Persian proverbs and passages from the Koran. The robin's egg or sky blue variety from the Middle East is the most prized.
Turquoise has a legendary history in the Americas as well. Montezuma's treasure, now in the British Museum, contains a fantastic carved serpent layered by a turquoise mosaic. Southwest Native Americans made incredible jewelry from it, the blue symbolizing the heavens, the green symbolizing earth. Connoisseurs prize its veining as a miniature mapping of the canyons and fissures illustrative of the region.
The name turquoise is believed to originate from the French phrase "pierre turquoise." This meant Turkish stone because of its importation to Europe by Venetian merchants who first purchased it in Turkish bazaars.
Your Hyde Park Jewelers professional will assist you in selecting a turquoise with a mystic color from either side of the world.
World Sources
Iran, the US, China & Tibet
Enrichments
Sometimes treated with heat and resins to enhance the color, hardness & durability
Care
Clean only in warm, soapy water & dry immediately; avoid skin oils, perspiration, acids & strong solvents
Repair
Remove from settings before most repairs
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