silver turquoise jewelry
 
silver turquoise jewelry
 
To view silver turquoise jewelry click image.
 

Turquoise is used as an ornamental stone for carving and for jewelry. Its name comes from a French word which means stone of Turkey. Silver turquoise jewelry is believed to have healing powers and symbolizes the wearer's status and wealth. The finest turquoise comes from Iran but is challenged by southwestern United States mines.

Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones dating back to 5000 B.C. when it was treasured by the Egyptian Pharaohs. It was also part of the ceremonial dress of early Native Americans.

Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is possibly the most popular non-transparent mineral in the jewelry trade. Gem is the very word evokes the feeling of luxury, legends, style and beauty. Through the ages gem stones have been sought after and displayed in sumptuous jewelry, crown jewels and statues.

Gem is a crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelry. Gemstone holds a deep fascination as the world's ultimate symbol of love. Nature is rarely perfect, so it is very rare to find a gem stone that is completely pure or free of inclusions - minerals or crystals trapped within the stone at the time it was formed.

Silver turquoise jewelry color is very attractive. Turquoise varies from greenish blue to sky blue shades. The color can change with exposure to skin oils, but usually turning green. Turquoise luster is dull to waxy, cleavage is perfect in two direction, fracture is conchoidal and smooth, hardness is 5-6, specific gravity is approximately 2.6 - 2.8.

The best silver turquoise jewelry quality shows a clear and light sky-blue. The color is highly appreciated, with or without the fine regular spider web lines. The quality decreases with the increase of green in color, and the increase of spots and irregularities in the spider web. The color of a turquoise will make you feel happy and relaxed, for it combines the light blue of the sky with the invigorating green of the seas.

Turquoise should be protected from cosmetics, heat and bright daylight. The gemstone does not really appreciate sunbathing. It is recommended to clean it from time to time after wearing with a soft cloth. Turquoise is a gemstone that has been used for centuries in jewelry. It is the birthstone for December. A woman lucky enough to have an august birthday receiving silver turquoise jewelry as a gift, as it is jewelry that everybody wants in their jewelry box.

Special gemstones have been linked to dates of birth for centuries. Many cultures originally assigned a specific stone to each sign of the zodiac, but over time the tradition shifted until it became common for a different gemstone to represent each month of the year. The tradition of birthstones is imbedded in our modern culture and birthstone jewelry is as popular as it ever was, and you can choose from an endless selection of items adorned with these special gems.

The rarity and natural beauty of silver turquoise jewelry has intrigued and inspired us for thousands of years. Virtually every culture throughout history has valued gem stones as objects of personal adornment and as symbols of wealth and status.