| Turquoise is a semi-precious gemstone frequently | | | | in addition to the Hubei Province, just to name a few. |
| incorporated into some of the most modern, beautiful | | | | As far back as approximately 1700 BC, Turquoise |
| handmade jewelry in the world. It is most often found | | | | was used in China mainly for ornamental carvings and |
| in blue and turquoise hues, and is widely recognized as | | | | other artistic purposes. In Beijing, at the Academy of |
| the December birthstone as well as the 11th | | | | Social Sciences, there is a bronze and turquoise plaque |
| anniversary gemstone. But beyond its modern-day | | | | on display which is thought to be from that era. |
| uses and associations, turquoise holds a decadent | | | | Chinese turquoise is almost always stabilized, and will |
| mythological, spiritual and etymological history that adds | | | | not be as likely to be affected by lotions or perfumes |
| nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic worth. | | | | when it is worn, protecting the color of the turquoise |
| Read on for more information that will help you fall in | | | | from outside elements. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise |
| love with your turquoise jewelry - or inspire you to buy | | | | comes from the Sleeping Beauty Mountain in Globe, |
| some today! Turquoise can range from grey to green | | | | Arizona, which is one of the largest mines as to date. |
| to blue and yellows, often veined by the brown matrix | | | | Sleeping beauty comes in many hues of light to dark |
| with varying textures, and is only found in dry, barren | | | | blue. Turquoise is mainly found in the US, Australia, |
| regions. As a far back as 6000 years ago, this stone | | | | Chile, Mexico, and historically, Iran. Mohs' Hardness |
| is one of the oldest to be used by man, for both | | | | score is based on a 10 point scale where 10 is the |
| jewelry and ornamental purposes. Around 5500 BC, | | | | most resistant, like a diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, |
| the ancient Egyptians found turquoise in the Sinai | | | | such as Talc. Turquoise gets a score of 5-6, meaning |
| Peninsula. Around 1900, Queen Zer's tomb was | | | | that it is fairly scratch resistant and therefore suitable |
| unearthed and she was found wearing a turquoise and | | | | as a component of everyday jewelry. Turquoise |
| gold bracelet around her wrist. Turquoise is said to | | | | gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a |
| bring luck and fortune to the wearer, and a feeling of | | | | professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and |
| calmness with its cool color tones, in addition to | | | | water. Other methods, including ultra-sonic clenares, |
| wisdom, and is often popular in Southwest, Native | | | | solvents and harsh chemicals should be avoided when |
| American, and Egyptian jewelry designs. Turquoise | | | | cleaning your handcrafted jewelry as exposure to |
| gemstones look best as parts of formal evening | | | | these elements can damage semi-precious and |
| jewelry when paired with black onyx, pearls or sterling | | | | precious gemstones and pearls. Learn more about all |
| silver. More casual combinations include softer | | | | semi-precious gemstones, including amethyst, apatite, |
| contrasts with black pearls, carnelian and ruby. To see | | | | black onyx, blue topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, |
| a selection of handmade artisan jewelry featuring | | | | coral, garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, |
| turquoise, visit is typically considered a sophisticated | | | | iolite, jade, Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, |
| gemstone that works well with any outfit. In earrings, | | | | prehnite, rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, |
| citrine works well to enhance the luster of hazel eyes. | | | | tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you check |
| Chinese Turquoise comes in both green and blue | | | | out this gemstone chart: chart.html. |
| colors, with many subtle color variations throughout the | | | | Sarah Stephens is the Fashion Director for Dasha |
| stone, and has spider web (matrix) veining. There are | | | | Boutique. Visit our online shop today, featuring hundreds |
| four to five regions in China where they are mined. | | | | of handmade jewelry designs. Customize orders ship |
| The Ma'ashan turquoise mine is located near Shanghai, | | | | in 3 business days. |