Turquoise might lack the sparkle and clarity of transparent colored gemstones like ruby, emerald, and sapphire, but its multi-layered history and soul-satisfying color make it a desirable gem. Generally pure saturated blue shades are the most valuable. But some consumers prefer a greenish blue, and some contemporary designers actively seek avocado and lime green turquoise. The most prized turquoise color is an even, intense, medium blue. So, quite often, you’ll hear people in the trade call turquoise of this beautiful color “Persian Blue,” whether or not it was actually mined in Iran. The traditional source for the top color, sometimes described as robin’s-egg blue or sky blue, is the Nishapur district of Iran, the country formerly known as Persia. Top-quality turquoise has inspired designers to create elegant jewelry.ĬOLOR - The even blue color of the turquoise would be called Persian blue in the trade. LEGACY - A legacy of turquoise appreciation spans the globe, from ancient Egypt to Mesoamerica to China.ĬOPPER - Turquoise is colored by copper, which creates some of the most vivid blues and greens in gems.ĬUTS - Although turquoise is usually cut into beads and cabochons, but it might also be cut into beads or flat pieces for inlays. Interesting Facts to Know SPIDERWEB - The spider-web of veins that appear in turquoise are matrix: evidence of the surrounding rock. It’s often fashioned into talismans with Native American significance, such as bird and animal carvings, called fetishes. Artists in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas choose turquoise as a medium for carved jewelry and art objects. Turquoise is the national gem of Tibet and has long been considered a stone that guarantees health, good fortune, and protection from evil. Turquoise is relatively soft, so it’s ideal for carving. Archeological excavations revealed that the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry, and Chinese artisans were carving it more than 3,000 years ago. Turquoise is one of the world’s most ancient gems. 4,000 BC - Turquoise buried in Ancient Egyptian tombs is among the world’s oldest jewelry.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |