Turquoise – The Gemstone For December Birthstone Jewelry

Turquoise is the lovely blue gemstone that is used in December birthstone jewelry. It is a bluish green stone that has been used since at least 6000 B.C. when the Egyptians used it in mosaics and decorative work and in the jewelry worn by their Pharaohs.

It was also used more recently by Aztec kings, in masks, shields and knives, and by Native Americans and the Persians in beautiful ornamental pieces and jewelry. Turquoise is a relatively rare gemstone. Turquoise of gemstone quality is mined in Australia, Iran (formerly Persia), Afghanistan and in the US in New Mexico, Arizona and other Southwest regions. The name turquoise is thought to come from the French word meaning Turkey as it was mistakenly believed that the gems were mined in that country as they were traded in the bazaars to European merchants. In reality they almost certainly came from the Iran or the Sinai Peninsula. It may possibly also have arisen from the French word for dark blue stone, pierre turquin. It is usually found in copper deposits generally in arid, dessert conditions. Before turquoise was found in the USA the finest quality gems, with an intense blue color, were found in Persia and ‘Persian Turquoise’ is still used these days to signify the finest quality gemstones. In the last years of the nineteenth century turquoise was found in the United States with deposits that were the equal of the quality of the Persian gemstones. Nowadays the USA is the major producer of this gorgeous precious stone.

How the Aztecs Used Turquoise

Turquoise was used extensively by the Aztecs, often with gold and several other minerals such as quartz, jade, jet and malachite as well as corals and shells. They used it in masks, shields, knives and mosaics. Some splendid examples of mosaics that were not destroyed by the Spanish are exhibited at the British Museum.

How the Native Americans Used Turquoise

The Apache, Navajo and Pueblo tribes used turquoise as an amulet often believing it had power to perfect the aim of archers. The original turquoise jewelry made by Native Americans included carvings, beads and mosaics and it was only from in the last part of the nineteenth century was the characteristic jewelry made from silver produced. Navajo craftsmen began making this type of jewelry from silver coins for trade with white men.  Turquoise is rather soft and must be looked after with care to prevent it from being scratched. It can become dull if it is heated, or if it is exposed to to sunlight or weak acids so you should be careful to take off any turquoise jewelry before using hot water or household chemicals.

December Birthstone Jewelry

Turquoise is the precious stone for December in the modern birthstone jewelry system. In traditional schemes the birthstones are ruby and zircon. Jewelry set with turquoise would make a lovely gift whether set in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings or charms.

Author: Janet Ashby

Birthstone Jewelry for December – Turquoise

The precious stone used in December birthstone jewelry is the turquoise, a blue green stone which is a phosphate of aluminum and copper.

The Gemstone for December Birthstone Jewelry – Turquoise

The gem used in December birthstone jewelry is the turquoise, a blue green mineral that is a phosphate of aluminum and copper. It is an uncommon gem that’s been used in ornamental work and jewelry for thousands of years and was worn.

Birthstone Jewelry – December the Turquoise 

Turquoise is the gemstone for December in the current birthstone jewelry scheme. In traditional systems the birthstones are ruby and zircon. Jewelry set with turquoise makes a lovely gift whether set in earrings pendants.

December Birthstone Turquoise

Turquoise is one of the most ancient of gems, worn by the Turkish, Native Americans, the Aztec, and mined over 6000 years ago in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. Today it is the birthstone for December and famous as a part of the beautiful silver jewelry and Turquoise is considered a semi-precious gemstone and is very fashionable in certain settings, particularly in Native American-styled silver jewelry and in hand-carved totems portraying animal or huma.

Birthstone Jewelry for December – Turquoise

Turquoise jewelry would make a lovely gift whether set in bracelets, earrings, necklaces or charms. You can read more at December Birthstone Jewelry. Mail this post. Technorati Tags: birthstone, crystal, december, gemstone, jewellery.

About December Birthstones

Unlike most months, you definitely have your pick of a December birthstone. You can choose between turquoise, blue topaz, blue zircon, & tanzanite. These cover all different styles & price points. Some are more difficult to find than others . Each gemstone offers something different. Each one will give your outfit a different feeling. You can even buy an entire jewelry wardrobe just from December birthstones. This will give you a lot of versatility.

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