Turquoise

Turquoise, a gem of striking blue and green hues, has a storied history spanning thousands of years, transcending cultures and continents. Its earliest known use dates back to ancient Egypt, around 3000 BCE, where it adorned the opulent jewelry of Pharaohs, and was prominently featured in the burial mask of the boy king, Tutankhamun. The ancient Egyptians believed turquoise held protective and healing powers.

In Persia, modern-day Iran, turquoise was extensively mined, with the revered deposits becoming synonymous with high quality. Persian turquoise, referred to as “pērōzah” in Persian, which translates to “victory,” played an integral role in the culture, symbolizing heaven on Earth due to its sky-blue coloration. Persian artisans crafted intricate tiles and elaborate jewelry, spreading their influence through the Silk Road trade routes.

In the Americas, the indigenous peoples treasured turquoise for its spiritual and ritual significance. The Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi) mined turquoise as early as 200 BCE and incorporated the gemstone into elaborate beads, inlay work, and ceremonial items. In Mesoamerica, the Aztecs and Mayans considered turquoise sacred, attributing it with divine qualities and using it in ceremonial masks, weaponry, and mosaics.

Turquoise’s magnetic allure carried through the Middle Ages into the Renaissance. The gemstone was transported to Europe via Ottoman traders, becoming a beloved item in medieval courts, encapsulating a blend of Eastern and Western influences. European aristocrats often set turquoise in gold, appreciated not only for its aesthetic charm but also for its associations with protection and luck.