Birthstone Jewelry for December – Turquoise
The precious stone used in December birthstone jewelry is the turquoise, a blue green stone which is a phosphate of aluminum and copper. It's a rare gem that has been used in ornamental pieces and jewelry for many thousands of years and was used from about 6000 B.C. by the Egyptians. It was a valued precious stone worn by the kings of the Aztecs and the Pharaohs. It was also used in stunning ornamental and decorative work by the Native Americans and Persians. Most specimens found are extremely small, often so small that they can only be seen using a microscope. The best quality turquoise is found in Australia, Iran, Arizona, New Mexico and Afghanistan.
The name turquoise is believed to come from the French word meaning Turkey as it was wrongly supposed that the gemstones came from that country as they were sold in the bazaars to European merchants. In fact they almost certainly came from Sinai Peninsula or Iran. It may perhaps also have arisen from the French word for dark blue stone, pierre turquin. It's often found in deposits of copper usually in very dry, arid conditions.
Before turquoise was found in the United States the highest quality gems, with a deep blue color, were from Persia and ‘Persian Turquoise’ is still used in the present day to designate the best quality gemstones. In the later years of the 19th century turquoise was found in the USA with deposits that equaled the quality of the Persian gemstones. At the present time the United States is the largest producer of this beautiful gem.
How the Aztecs Used Turquoise
Turquoise was used extensively by the Aztecs, often with gold and various other minerals such as quartz, jade, jet and malachite as well as corals and shells. They used it in masks, mosaics, knives and shields. Some splendid examples of mosaics that were not destroyed by the Spanish Invaders are exhibited at the British Museum.
Use of Turquoise by the Native Americans
The Navajo, Pueblo and Apache tribes used turquoise as an amulet often believing it had power to perfect the aim of archers. The earliest turquoise jewelry made by Native Americans included mosaics, beads and carvings and it was only from in the last part of the nineteenth century was the distinctive jewelry made from silver produced. Navajo artisans began making jewelry in this type from silver coins for trade with white men.
Looking After Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise is quite soft and must be looked after carefully to prevent it from being damaged. It can lose it’s lustre if it is heated, or exposed to sunlight or weak acids so you should be careful to remove any turquoise jewelry before using hot water or household chemicals.
Turquoise is the gemstone for December in the contemporary birthstone jewelry scheme. In traditional systems the birthstones are zircon and ruby. Turquoise jewelry would make a lovely present whether set in necklaces, earrings, rings or pendants. You can read more at December Birthstone Jewelry.
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Tags: birthstone jewelry, december birthstone, december birthstone jewelry, turquoise birthstone
