Turquoise
Turquoise: Precious for Thousands of Years
The sky blue colors of fine turquoise graced the arms and head dresses of Egyptian mummies, yet the stone remains elegant and modern today. How is a natural material so versatile? The story begins in 3200 B.C., with major mining expeditions set up by the Pharaohs. Since the Southwestern U.S. and South America also featured rich deposits of this beautiful stone, it's not surprising it became featured in Aztec and Native American ceremonial wear.
Persian Treasures
For the medieval and Renaissance periods, the best turquoise came into Europe from the Persian Empire. Some of the most sought-after collectible pieces featuring turquoise beads and cabochons were crafted during this time. As the 1800s dawned, mines began to pop up in the New World, bringing a vast new supply of the stone to the market. Now a modern buyer can buy a strand of beads from a dozen different mines across the globe, creating an instant collection in one complete package.
Universal Appeal
The continuing legacy of this precious stone goes beyond just its surface beauty. While the light blue to green shades are pleasing to the eye, many cultures consider it a lucky talisman or charm as well. The Chinese used it for religious carvings and intricate jewelry, while it was in use as a form of currency as far back as the first century A.D. By investing in your own fine pieces of turquoise, you are joining a long tradition of appreciation for this unique stone.
Turquoise: Precious for Thousands of Years
The sky blue colors of fine turquoise graced the arms and head dresses of Egyptian mummies, yet the stone remains elegant and modern today. How is a natural material so versatile? The story begins in 3200 B.C., with major mining expeditions set up by the Pharaohs. Since the Southwestern U.S. and South America also featured rich deposits of this beautiful stone, it's not surprising it became featured in Aztec and Native American ceremonial wear.
Persian Treasures
For the medieval and Renaissance periods, the best turquoise came into Europe from the Persian Empire. Some of the most sought-after collectible pieces featuring turquoise beads and cabochons were crafted during this time. As the 1800s dawned, mines began to pop up in the New World, bringing a vast new supply of the stone to the market. Now a modern buyer can buy a strand of beads from a dozen different mines across the globe, creating an instant collection in one complete package.
Universal Appeal
The continuing legacy of this precious stone goes beyond just its surface beauty. While the light blue to green shades are pleasing to the eye, many cultures consider it a lucky talisman or charm as well. The Chinese used it for religious carvings and intricate jewelry, while it was in use as a form of currency as far back as the first century A.D. By investing in your own fine pieces of turquoise, you are joining a long tradition of appreciation for this unique stone.
No comments:
Post a Comment