The Power Of Turquoise Jewelry
Of all the precious and semi precious gems there is, the beauty
and the history of turquoise is very difficult to beat! Turquoise
is seeped in history and mystery that dates back over 6000 years.
Truly a captivating stone!
There are literary references and archeological
findings to turquoise that predate the Christian era by five millennia.
That's a very long history!
Turquoise has been found in the ancient tombs of Egypt. The four
bracelets found on Queen Zar's mummified arm contained, you guessed
it, turquoise. These date back to the second ruler of the Egypt's
First Dynasty, approximately 5500 B.C.
Aristotle and Pliny both refer to turquoise. Even Marco Polo
wrote about Turquoise. In many of these ancient writings turquoise
is referred to as the stone of life. Today in many cultures it
is still considered a stone of life.
The history of turquoise with the Native Americans is well over
a 1000 years old. Native Americans have used turquoise extensively
for protection and healing. The stone was also used in religion,
art, trade, treaty negotiations, and jewelry.
Turquoise's use as a healing stone is far reaching. It has been
used for headaches, fever, insect bites and eye problems to name
just a few. It has been ground to a fine powder then drank to
cure stomach ailments.
Turquoise is also recognized for its metaphysical properties.
It is thought to be a harmonizing stone that will alleviate nervousness,
help with problem solving, relieve stress from a hectic life,
and promote friendship. It is also well known for its protective
qualities which is why many cultures carry a turquoise stone with
them at all times.
Turquoise is often strung on beads and worn as a necklace, and
carved into animal like creatures. It is often combined with other
stones such as onyx, amethyst, or coral.
Its range of color is quite varied. Traditionally it ranges from
brilliant sky blue to green with black or brown veins running
through it. It is a very popular stone for setting in sterling
silver jewelry because silver enhances the natural colors of the
turquoise much better than gold.
Turquoise is found in many places around the world. In North
American it is found in Arizona and New Mexico. It is also found
in Mexico, China, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Persia.
Turquoise from China is often wax treated. Wax treatment deepen
and stabilize the color of the turquoise, but the treatment only
affects the surface. Turquoise can be rather porous and chalky
and so it is often not suitable for jewelry until it is treated.
There are various processes that are used on turquoise.
Stabilization is a treatment which uses a resinous substance
that uses heat and pressure to fill the microscopic gaps in the
turquoise. When cured the product is a treated stone that is hard
enough to cut and polish. Stabilization allows genuine but lower
grade turquoise to be used in jewelry and it helps prevent chipping
and color change from contact with skin oils.
Some jewelry may be made from what is called reconstituted turquoise.
This is inferior turquoise stones that are ground and then molded
together with epoxy resin. They are then dyed and pressed into
stone like forms. They look very nice but are completely worthless.
Another process that is used is called block. This is where a
mixture of plastic resin and dyes are produced in blocks the size
of a bread loaf. This is entirely man made and contains no real
turquoise although it looks very real. It should be sold as synthetic
but not it is not always marked.
If you are in the market for some beautiful turquoise jewelry
be aware of what you are purchasing. Simulated turquoise, and
a natural piece of turquoise jewelry look great and wear well
but they are not worth much money. What ever your needs are just
be certain the product you are purchasing is priced according
to its composition. Enjoy this truly captivating stone and the
mystery that travels with it!
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