Turquoise silver jewelry is extremely popular as the lovely blue turquoise gem is perfectly complimented by the silver setting. The gemstone is also used in December birthstone jewelry is the turquoise, a blue green mineral that is a phosphate of copper and aluminum. It’s a rare stone that has been used in ornamental pieces and jewelry for many thousands of years and was used from around 6000 B.C. by the Ancient Egyptians. It was a valued gem worn by the Pharaohs and Aztec kings. It has also been used in lovely ornamental pieces by the Persians and Native Americans. Most specimens found are extremely small, often so small that they need a microscope to be visible. Gemstone quality turquoise is found in Afghanistan, Australia, Iran, Arizona and New Mexico in the US.

silver turquoise pendantThe name turquoise is thought to derive from the French word meaning Turkey as it was erroneously thought that the gemstones came from that country as they were sold in the markets to European merchants. Actually they almost certainly came from the Sinai Peninsular or Persia (now Iran). It might also have come from the French word for dark blue stone, pierre turquin. It’s often found in copper deposits usually in arid, dessert conditions.

Before turquoise was found in the United States the highest quality gemstones, with a deep blue color, were found in Persia and ‘Persian Turquoise’ is still used in the present day to designate the finest quality gems. In the last part of the 19th century turquoise was found in the USA with deposits that matched the quality of the gems from Persia. At the present time the US is the biggest producer of this lovely gem.

How the Aztecs Used Turquoise

Turquoise was used extensively by the Aztecs, often with gold and many other minerals such as malachite, jade, quartz and jet as well as shells and corals. They used it in masks, shields, knives and mosaics. Some excellent mosaics that survived destruction by the Spanish Invaders can be seen at the British Museum.

How the Native Americans Used Turquoise

The Navajo, Pueblo and Apache tribes used turquoise as a talisman frequently believing it had power to perfect the aim of archers. The earliest turquoise jewelry made by Native Americans included mosaics, beads and carvings and only from in the last part of the nineteenth century was the distinctive silver jewelry made. Navajo craftsmen started to make jewelry in this style from silver coins for trade.

Taking Care of Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise is rather soft and must be looked after carefully to prevent it from being damaged. It can become dull if heated, or if it is exposed to to weak acids or sunlight so you should be careful to take off any turquoise jewelry before using household chemicals or hot water.
Silver Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise is the precious stone for December in the current birthstone jewelry system. In traditional systems the birthstones are zircon and ruby. Silver turquoise jewelry makes a lovely present whether set in bracelets, earrings, necklaces or charms.

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