Turquoise: The Beauty, History, and Meaning of this Timeless Gemstone Unveiled
Turquoise, with its captivating and soothing blue-green color, is a gemstone that has enchanted people across various cultures and epochs. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, turquoise boasts a rich tapestry of spiritual and healing properties, making it a gemstone of profound significance. Let's dive deeper into the world of turquoise, exploring its history, symbolism, and contemporary uses.
A Colorful History: The name "turquoise" has its roots in the French word "Turkish," a reference to the stone's introduction to Medieval Europe by Turkish traders. However, turquoise's history extends far beyond its European debut. Some of the earliest examples of turquoise jewelry can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times, where it was highly prized. It adorned the pharaohs and was buried with them to protect and guide their souls in the afterlife.
Spiritual Significance: Turquoise has been revered for its spiritual properties throughout history. It is often associated with bringing luck, peace, and protection to those who wear it. In many cultures, turquoise has been seen as a symbol of good fortune, tranquility, and hope. Its soothing color is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and spirit, promoting inner peace and balance.
Assessing Turquoise's Quality: When evaluating turquoise, the primary criteria for its value are the evenness and saturation of its color. The highest-quality turquoise is reserved for crafting cabochons (smooth, rounded, and polished gemstones), intricate carvings, and inlay work. Lower-grade turquoise is commonly used for creating polished beads or retaining its natural "nugget-style" appearance. It's worth noting that most natural turquoise stones contain characteristic black or gray veins, which are part of their natural charm. However, finding a turquoise stone with a pure blue hue and minimal matrix is a rarity and can command a significant premium.
Turquoise Paste Beads: The process of creatingTurquoise Paste Beads involves taking ground natural turquoise and filtering out the impurities to create a pure turquoise color. This paste is then molded into beads and polished to give them a natural turquoise color. These beads are particularly valued for creating small, delicate pieces of jewelry, such as our baby jewelry collection.
December's Birthstone: Turquoise enjoys the distinction of being the birthstone for the month of December. This makes it a meaningful and thoughtful gift not only for those born in this month but also for anyone who appreciates the unique beauty and spiritual significance of this remarkable gemstone. Gifting turquoise jewelry is a way to convey good wishes, protection, and positive energy to your loved ones.
In summary, turquoise is more than just a gemstone; it is a piece of history, a bearer of symbolism, and a source of tranquility and hope. Its unique qualities have made it a cherished gemstone for centuries, and its enduring popularity continues to shine brightly in the world of jewelry and beyond.
