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Turquoise - oldest known gem |
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 Turquoise has been a treasured jewellery stone around the world for thousands of years. It was used for beads by the Egyptians as early as 5500 B.C. Combined with other ornamental stones, the turquoise was inlaid in gold by Sumerians and Egyptians to produce very sophisticated necklaces, bracelets, anklets, belts, head-dresses and earrings. Turquoise is one of the oldest known gem materials. The Egyptians were mining turquoise in 3,200 BC in Sinai. The blue of the turquoise was thought to have powerful metaphysical properties by many ancient cultures.
 The Apaches believed that turquoise helped warriors and hunters to aim accurately. The Zuni believed that it protected them from demons. In Asia it was considered protection against the evil eye. Tibetans carved turquoise into ritual objects as well as wearing it in traditional
jewellery. In Europe even today, turquoise rings are given as forget-me-not gifts. Pre-Columbian Indians used turquoise for beads and pendants from 500 B.C.
 Turquoise
jewellery, has always been popular in the Orient. In the seventeenth century, Englishmen travelling brought the style back with them, but not until Victorian time was it fashionable for European women to wear the stone. Turquoise has been believed to confer foresight as well as protect the wearer from danger. In various countries, it is believed to fade when illness or danger is near. Another belief is that a fading stone indicates a lover's faithlessness or a friend's disaffection. Turquoise is porous and should be kept away from chemicals. Clean it with warm soapy water only.
 In many cultures, the stone is regarded as a harbinger of good fortune, success and health. Aztecs and Egyptians considered it as a symbol of prosperity. In India, it is customary to wear a turquoise on the little finger and look at the stone after seeing the new moon to gain great wealth. According to American Indians, the stone brought together the spirits of the sea and sky to bless warriors and hunters; a turquoise arrowhead assured accurate aim. It was said that a fine turquoise was hidden in the damp ground at the end of the rainbow. Another belief is that a piece of turquoise cast into a river, accompanied by a prayer to the god of rain, will cause rainfall.
 Ancient doctors exploited the stone's medicinal potential by making it into a paste to treat ailments of the hip. The Egyptians also mounted turquoise in silver to treat the eyes suffering from cataract. Since the fourteenth century, harnesses of dogs, horses and other animals have been decorated with turquoise to protect the animal and master from injuries. The turquoise from Iran is characteristically an intense medium blue colour and takes a fine polish. The American and Mexican turquoises range from light blue to greenish-blue to bluish-green. The Egyptian turquoise contains more green, showing greenish-blue to yellowish-green.
 Turquoise may be fashioned to include portions of the rock in which it was found. This rock is referred to as matrix. The matrix often forms a pattern called "spiderweb," which many people prefer to stones without matrix. A stone worn to advantage by men and women of all ages, the turquoise offers a great variety. It can be set in silver or gold or in combination with other gemstones to produce an unlimited number of design possibilities for rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, belts, watchbands and tie ornaments.
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