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