For over two thousand years, civilizations all over the world have found turquoise to be useful for them in some way or fashion. Cultures such as the Aztecs, Native American Indians, and even the Egyptians had a fondness for turquoise and turquoise jewelry. In North America, turquoise is most commonly found in the southwest in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada.
Turquoise is quite eye-catching and can easily be identified by its color. It can actually span multiple colors, the most popular being light to sky blue and green. Both green and blue turquoise have a variety of shades consisting of blue and green or yellow green combinations. Turquoise has also been known to be white. One of the most beautiful features besides the color is the veins, which are multi-colored lines spread throughout the surface of the turquoise.
Turquoise Jewelry in Culture
Turquoise has become very popular throughout the years, making its way into almost every aspect of culture. In association with other elements like gold and silver, turquoise has been put to use for items ranging from fashion to health, spirituality to ornamental purposes, especially jewelry.
In the late 1800’s, turquoise and silver was combined for the first time to create jewelry. The turquoise is set in the silver, accentuating the beauty of the turquoise. This makes turquoise jewelry pieces like rings, necklaces, bracelets, and pendants high in demand.
In addition to being visually appealing, the popularization of turquoise jewelry can be related to positive spiritual attributes. Turquoise jewelry also has been known to strengthen the wearer both mentally and physically. This fact alone makes items like turquoise pendants very sought-after.
In addition to symbolizing friendship, courage and luck, it also promotes positivity while warding off negativity. These beliefs make jewelry pieces like turquoise pendants very popular.