December:
Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the oldest and best-known opaque gemstones,
found widely among ancient Egyptian, Sumerian and Mesopotamian
artifacts dating back before 3000 B.C.
The name turquoise means "Turkish stone," because
the trade route that brought the gem to Europe came through
Turkey. The first known deposits were found in ancient Turkey,
then later in Egypt. Turquoise, with its robin's egg blue
hue, has graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs and adorned
early native Americans in their ceremonial dress.
Cleopatra probably used ground-up turquoise for eye paint,
as well as wearing turquoise in her jewelry. Tutankhamen's
tomb was filled with examples of turquoise inlay, beads,
sculpture, and slabs used in everything from jewelry and
furniture to the great sarcophagus and death masks.
From its beginnings, turquoise was not exclusively a gem
for the rich. Cavalry soldiers in most ancient armies carried
pieces of turquoise or wore turquoise rings to keep them
from falling off their horses. Children in several cultures
were given turquoise charms to protect them from harm, prevent
nightmares, and to grant them restful sleep.
During the 16th century, turquoise was used as currency
by the southwest Indians. They believed the gem could bring
spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter and happiness
to all. Four centuries later turquoise became December's
best-known birthstone.
Lighter pieces are sometimes impregnated with a colorless
wax or plastic to seal the pores and deepen color. As with
any gemstone, ask the jeweler if the stone has been treated
in any way that might affect its care or cleaning.
Lynn Ramsey of the Jewelry Information Center advises, "Clean
turquoise in warm, soapy water. It is possible that perspiration,
skin oils and cosmetics can discolor some turquoise over
time, as the gem is sensitive to acids. Don't use ultrasonic
or steam cleaning on turquoise. With a little care, your
turquoise jewelry will stay lovely for years."
Turquoise is as beautiful, popular and affordable as it
was 5,000 years ago. With new sources being found in China
and Australia, as well as the established mines in the U.S.,
Mexico and Chile, turquoise will continue to be a gem that
is as easy on the budget as it is on the eye.
Styles
