Turquoise Around the World
The unique color of turquoise has endeared it to different cultures of the world throughout history. Turquoise beads were worn by important people of Egypt, the Aztecs, Persia, China.... Almost every country there is to be named except for India (where turquoise beads were not worn until the 16th century) and Japan (turquoise was not heard of until the 18th century). Despite the geographical features separating them, all of these cultures associated turquoise with fortune and health.
Egyptians are the earliest people known to use turquoise beads. The oldest piece of turquoise jewelry discovered is the turquoise bracelet worn by Queen Zer, dating as far back as 5000 BC. Also, Tutankhamun's burial mask was made almost completely of turquoise. Hathor, the goddess of the sky and the arts, claimed turquoise as her stone and protected miners. Turquoise beads were a staple of fashion in Egypt from as back as archaeologists have been able to study. Egyptians were the first to invent imitation turquoise since mining could never produce enough quality stones.
Persia enjoyed turquoise for thousands of years, using it in jewelry, carvings, tiles, bridles, and even buildings themselves. Persia introduced turquoise beads to India, where they ranked equal with gold and rubies. In India, turquoise also decorated important items, buildings, and jewelry. Often the artists of India would inlay gold religious verses into turquoise and place it as a decoration in their home.
Aztecs inlaid turquoise with gold to decorate their weapons and masks. Turquoise was also used in religious ceremonies. Like the Aztecs, Indians of the southwestern United States also inlaid turquoise with other gemstones. Warriors wore turquoise jewelry to better their aim and protect them from falling off their horse. Turquoise beads and pendants also became a form of crude currency as it was traded.
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Turquoise Articles
Imitations and Treatments of Turquoise
The first people to develop imitation turquoise was the Egyptians in a kind of pottery called faience. “Viennese turquoise” refers to an early imitation turquoise made with aluminum phosphate and colored with by products of copper.
Turquoise Beading Tips
The best thing about turquoise is that even the most inexperienced beader can have fun with turquoise beads. No matter the season, turquoise is the most fashionable stone around.
Turquoise Around the World
The unique color of turquoise has endeared it to different cultures of the world throughout history. Despite the geographical features separating them, all of these cultures associated turquoise with fortune and health.
More Turquoise Articles |
