|
||
Turquoise, which is recognized and respected throughout the world as a gemstone, is an opaque mineral that ranges in color from blue to blue-green and greenish-gray. The actual color depends on the varying levels of copper present. Although turquoise is extremely popular in today's jewelry market, it has an equally impressive historical past. Early jewelry artisans used turquoise with silver and included the duo in such creations as neckwear, bracelets and even belt buckles. Today, turquoise and sterling silver is one of the most identifiable combinations found in southwestern jewelry, which is a leading trend in modern jewelry.
Because of it's popularity, genuine turquoise is expensive. For this reason, many jewelry connoisseurs turn to simulated turquoise for the same beautiful shades of color without the hefty price tag. Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver and cubic zirconia jewelry designs, offers simulated turquoise and complimentary accessories. One such design is offered in the form earrings, which features simulated turquoise briolette drops dangling at the bottom of an elongated line of simulated diamonds. Because these earrings are crafted in sterling silver, they are easy to compliment and will look terrific when paired with other white metals, cubic zirconia designs and various shades of turquoise.
One of the most unique characteristics of turquoise, including both genuine and simulated, is the fact that it is opaque. When you think of most gemstones, you think of clarity and light reflection. With turquoise, there are no concerns with clarity because the gemstone itself is not transparent. When it comes to this popular gem, color is the most appealing factor that most buyers look for. The sky blue version, also known as robin's egg, is the most popular shade used for jewelry design.
Speaking of popular jewelry design, the cross pendant is a wonderful way for individuals to show their faith while enjoying a beautiful necklace. Almost Diamonds also offers a large simulated turquoise filigree cross pendant w/ cubic zirconia flower accents. The background of the pendant is done in a soft blue shade of simulated turquoise, while the perfectly seated cubic zirconia flowers add just a touch of sparkle to an already beautiful design.
When turquoise, whether it be genuine or simulated, is paired with cubic zirconia, the wearer will enjoy the perfect combination of diamond-like sparkle and shades of blue. Turquoise, itself, looks terrific when paired with apparel featuring navy, white, black and complimentary shades of blue.
In addition to being beautiful, simulated turquoise jewelry is easy to care for. If crafted in sterling silver, which is common for this gemstone often found in southwestern jewelry, proper storage is essential in maintaining the beauty of your jewelry. After having been worn, sterling silver jewelry should be cleaned with a polishing cloth and placed inside of a zip storage bag before being stored away from direct exposure to light in order to avoid tarnish. When using any type of jewelry cleaner and/or polishing cloth, make sure to read any directions or cautionary notices pertaining to using the product with specific gemstones. With the proper care and storage, your turquoise jewelry will never go out of style.
It has long been established that turquoise is revered as a sacred stone. The Mexican Indians and the Native Americans used it to decorate objects that are used for rituals. Today, turquoise jewelry is still considered a much cherished object amongst a lot of tribes. There is even a dedicated cottage industry that produces turquoise jewelry.
Turquoise adornments
Besides turquoise jewelry, the stone has been used for a variety of other purposes for thousands of year. Apart from its tremendous natural beauty, turquoise is also said to possess the powers to heal and this is perhaps one of the reasons that turquoise jewelry is so revered especially amongst those who possess it for more that it beauty value. While the Native Americans and the Mexican Indians used turquoise to adorn various sacred objects that they used and for things like jewelry and carvings, the use of this marvelous gem stones dates back to ancient Egypt where the stone was used to decorate the tombs of the dead. Because of its porous and soft nature the stone lends itself to drilling with relative ease and this also makes it easy to carve it into the shapes of fetish animals.
The healing powers
The healing powers of turquoise are well known. It is believed across many cultures that this stone has the power to heal and hence a lot of people make sure they have a piece of turquoise jewelry on them all the time. This is usually in the form of a pendant or a ring. Turquoise is said to reduce stress, help creative thinking and also help in the making of speeches. The stone is also said to have the power to detoxify the body of the person wearing it. It also strengthens relationships, friendships and gives the wearer a sense of self knowledge, wisdom and honesty.
Where does it come from?
We all love the stone and the jewelry that is made with it, but how many of us actually know where the turquoise in the turquoise jewelry came from? Turquoise mines are found in Egypt and North America. Apart and besides this there are also mines found in China. As you probably know, turquoise gets its color from the mineral present in it. The blue stone is the most sought after, and is used mainly in the production of turquoise jewelry. This blue stone is rich in copper. The green stones are rich in aluminum and the yellow stones are rich in zinc. The rarest of them all is the white turquoise; this has no minerals at all and is found in Nevada. This stones is known as White Buffalo turquoise.
Caring for turquoise jewelry
While it is a great feeling to own a piece of turquoise jewelry, equally great care needs to be taken to ensure that the jewelry stays in a pristine condition. Turquoise jewelry is delicate, more so because of the stone. Chemicals, steams cleaners etc can fatally damage the stone. Turquoise jewelry is best cleaned with a cotton swap that is dipped in a warm soapy solution. Once it piece has been cleaned satisfactorily, it needs to be wiped dry and preserved.