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Turquoise,Classic Versatility
Mention turquoise and most people will first picture Navajo Indians of the Southwest wearing massive squash blossom necklaces of silver and turquoise, weaving colorful blankets for the tourist trade.
Yet look again and you will realize that turquoise, one of the most popular gemstones throughout history, is as popular today as it was in the days of the Egyptian Pharaohs. Valued for it beauty and its versatility, turquoise ranges from pale to dark blue, from purest blue to almost green. The stones come in endless variations in the patterns and veins of colors that run through the turquoise.
Archeologists have turquoise being used in necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, and rings since the beginning of civilization in Mesopotamia. Turquoise was first mined in the Sinai Peninsula and then in Persia. The Egyptians valued these gemstones for their beauty, their durability, and for mystical powers. In 5500 BC Egyptian Queen Zer was buried wearing four turquoise and gold bracelets. Queen Ahhotep (reigning 1558 – 1554 BC) was buried with a gold bracelet with bands of turquoise stones. In other sites in Egypt and Samaria archeologists have found necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, buttons, belts, and headpieces of gold and turquoise.
Turquoise came to Europe during the Crusades. Knights traveling throughout Turkey discovered the exotic, opulent luxuries of the East, especially in the bazaars of Constantinople. Beguiled by exquisite gold and turquoise jewelry, knights brought it to their liege lords. Thinking is was mined in Turkey, they named it turquoise, French for Turkish stone. With the Europeans love of color, turquoise quickly became popular with the nobility. Its unique beauty gave it value, yet it was more affordable for the lower nobility than more precious gems. For color it was added to ruby bracelets, sapphire pendants, topaz necklaces, aquamarine necklaces, and crystal hair accessories.
Turquoise was mined by Native Americans almost 2000 years before Columbus. Southwestern and Central American tribes developed unique jewelry styles. Some historians think silver was not until the 1800s when white men brought silver coins. For Native Americans the true value of turquoise was spiritual. It was sky fallen from heaven combined with elements of earth, making it holy, protecting both body and soul. Turquoise was set in silver bracelets, ornate silver necklaces, handsome silver rings and beads were strung on silver anklets. Navajos used it in rain ceremonies - other tribes for good fortune to hunters and warriors and for healing properties.
New Age spiritualism focuses on Native Americans, their mystical desert experiences, and spiritual beliefs. Consequently, turquoise has had a rebirth as a powerful spiritual entity. Turquoise is used for being spiritually attunement, purification, protection and prosperity. Turquoise is added to crystal charms. Turquoise and crystal necklaces are supposed to protect from disease and injury. Some believe turquoise and crystal rings actually change color to warn of danger, illness, and betrayal. Those pursuing spiritual exploration believe
