Prized from the dawn of ancient civilizations for its unique color and beauty, turquoise has played an integral part in the art and design of many different cultures. The stone itself is a mineral which is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum. With its opaque blue-green color which is often flecked with black or gold, the turquoise not only has been used in jewelry, but also in mosaics and sculpture.
The ancient Egyptians employed turquoise frequently in ornamental pieces ranging from jewelry and armor to sarcophagi and mosaics. Similar uses arose in Persia (Iran), China, and the ancient Americas. The stone is strikingly beautiful against a variety of colors, taking on the richness of gold, the coolness of silver or acting as a brilliant counterpoint to precious gems.
During the mid-to-late Victorian era, when England’s fascination with other cultures swelled to its apex, many pieces of jewelry were deigned to incorporate exotic turquoise and to emulate the masterworks of the finest of the world’s jewelers.
Turquoise remains popular today. Frequently imitated, you’ve got to be sure that the turquoise you’re buying is natural. Similarly, natural lower-grade turquoise is often treated to enhance the color. These stones are markedly less valuable than vibrant natural specimen.
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