Turquoise Necklaces

Turquoise is an effervescent aqua colored gemstone that is very popular in southwestern jewelry. Legend says that turquoise can actually warn its wearer impending danger or illness by changing color. Worn for over 5,000 years, this vivacious gemstone is also thought to bring good fortune and happiness to its wearer. It is given as the anniversary stone for the 5th year of marriage.

Turquoise jewelry is beautiful and vibrant and often associated with southwestern jewelry (in the U.S.). At one time, however, turquoise jewelry was prized by many ancient cultures, including the Aztecs and Incas, Egyptians, Tibetans and Persians. Many cultures and people have reveled in the striking blue color only turquoise gemstones possess. Fragments of turquoise jewelry, including turquoise necklaces, have actually been discovered on a mummy from 7,500 years ago. Indeed, turquoise jewelry, including turquoise necklaces and turquoise, rings may just be the first gemstone jewelry ever worn.

  Besides looking great as jewelry, turquoise gemstones were also used for money by Native American Indians. Additionally, turquoise gems were used for religious ceremonies by the Navajos and other Indian tribes. Today, turquoise jewelry and gemstones continue to play an important part in the life of Indians, which is probably why it is so popular in the southwestern states of the U.S. Most of the turquoise mines in the U.S. can be found in Arizona and New Mexico. The gemstone is relatively easy to mine with the deposits being close to the surface.

   When buying turquoise jewelry, always look for the best quality turquoise. It is often uniform in color, although good turquoise can also have “matrixes,” which are spider web patterns of other gem material mixed in. These matrixes come in a number of colors, most notably white, black and gray, which lend an exotic appearance to turquoise jewelry and turquoise necklaces. Turquoise gemstones have a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. The stone is compact and can be formed into turquoise jewelry quite easily.

  Those who wear turquoise jewelry are thought to benefit by being protected from illness. The stone is actually said to change color when impending danger is near and is also beneficial in helping people begin new projects. Turquoise is the birthstone of December and associated with the astrological signs of Aquarius, Taurus and Sagittarius. Couples traditionally give each other turquoise jewelry for their 5th wedding anniversary.