Turquoise Jewellery Collections
Turquoise Jewellery
Turquoise jewellery: An instant success
No other gemstone has a spiritual tradition like turquoise, which is why turquoise jewellery has stood the test of time. Even today turquoise jewellery has kept hold of some of the mysticism which made it so popular in antiquity – on both sides of the Atlantic. It has a vibrancy and strength which cannot be matched and the striking blue-green is often heightened by the gentle curves and lines of a well-carved stone.
Turquoise jewellery has been a success for so long – and will continue to be so – because the gem is so versatile. It is particularly striking when set in sterling silver jewellery, with the colours complementing each other perfectly. And because turquoise has such a depth of colour, the stones can be left relatively large, which is why turquoise jewellery works so well when the gem itself is offset with a delicate setting, chain or necklace.
Even modern turquoise jewellery has an ornamental look that seems to hark back to earlier times. But teamed with sterling silver, it has a high-fashion edge over its ancient counterparts – and it's far more suited to the office.
Turquoise jewellery: Ancient Aztec or Ancient Egypt
When tracing the origins of turquoise it's easy to get lost. Turquoise jewellery enjoyed popularity on both sides of the Atlantic thousands of years ago and it still does today.
The Ancient Aztecs made turquoise jewellery with a plethora of other stones and often inlaid the beautiful gemstone in ceremonial masks. But turquoise was also used in weaponry – like swords and shields – as well as a mosaic stone. The Aztecs used the best gemstones for handmade jewellery and this tradition was passed down through the Apache and Navajo tribes to modern Americans.
While the Aztecs were creating extremely ornate turquoise jewellery, on the other side of the Ocean, the Ancient Egyptians were creating their own turquoise jewellery masterpieces.
The most famous turquoise jewellery from Ancient Egypt was unearthed by British explorer Howard Carter in 1922. Carter found some exceptional turquoise jewellery in the tomb of Tutankhamun, a ruler buried in the Valley of the Kings.
As well as the world famous burial mask of Tutankhamun, Carter discovered a huge stash of turquoise jewellery when the grave was excavated – including rings, amulets, bracelets and necklaces.
But these are just two examples. Turquoise jewellery was also popular in Persia, Mesopotamia, Ancient Rome, China and most of Europe.
Modern turquoise jewellery: A little bit of history
Despite being used as an adornment for more than 5,000 years, modern turquoise jewellery never looks dated. The gemstone has a timeless quality which means it never goes out of fashion. Like other opaque gemstones it is often carved, shaped and polished. Strong blue spheres, ovals, columns and oblongs are all popular and, combined with sterling silver, modern turquoise jewellery can be adapted to almost any look.
So whether it's a modern oblong silver and turquoise pendant. a fabulously bold turquoise and silver ring or a stunning hammered silver bangle set with turquoise that you are looking for, Cavendish French jewellery is the best place to start.
