Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise Jewelry of the World

Turquoise jewelry has existed since the dawn of civilization. From the Aztec kings to the Egyptioan pharoahs, to the ancient Chinese Emperors, turquoise has long been a symbol of royalty and power. Most archeologists agree that turquoise was most likely the first gemstone used in jewelry. Turquoise jewelry is almost as ancient as jewelry, as art itself.

Aztec-style turquoise bracelet

Interestingly, fake turquoise has been used in jewelry for almost as long as real turquoise. In king Tutankhamen’s tomb ancient jewelry relics containing turquoise painted stone have been recovered. Rare and precious stones have always been coveted as a symbol of power and turquoise is certainly no exception. When one stone becomes a status symbol it is never too long until someone finds a replica to portray a higher status without the cost.

Today turquoise jewelry has many shapes and sizes, variations and qualities. Most turquoise in turquoise jewelry today is replica turquoise, usually plastic or dyed stone. However almost all turquoise, real or fake, is treated by an artificial process.

Turquoise inlay necklace

Stabilized turquoise

Almost all real natural turquoise is stabilized.
Natural Turquoise has the unfortunate quality of being brittle and easy to fade in color. To be made into turquoise jewelry the gemstone usually must be able to be cut, carved or drilled and should not fade in color over time.
To accomplish this, turquoise is placed into a sealed chamber exposed to high heat and pressure with an epoxy. The epoxy penetrates deep into the stone, hardening it and sealing the color.

TURQUOISE JEWELRY FROM AROUND THE WORLD