Women's Turquoise Jewelry and Its History

Turquoise is a blue-green mineral that has been prized by mankind for thousands of years due to its beautiful color. The stones range in hue from pale blue to aqua to almost pure green. They might also contain flecks of pyrite or dark veins of limonite.

Turquoise has been mined for centuries. In fact, it was one of the first minerals actively sought by humans. The ancient Egyptians were probably the first to mine the mineral, and it often adorned the pharaohs. Historians state that the Egyptians mined turquoise as early as 3000BC, largely on the Sinai Peninsula. Tutankhamun’s famous gold burial mask is inlaid with turquoise.

Another ancient site for turquoise mines was Persia, which is present-day Iran. The mineral has been mined there for over 2,000 years and was probably the source of turquoise for Europe. China has been mining turquoise for even longer – 3,000 years, although in small quantities. There, the mineral was often carved in much the same manner as jade.

The United States is a major source of turquoise, especially the Southwest. Arizona, New Mexico, California, Colorado, and Nevada are all rich with turquoise. Native Americans have been mining and crafting the mineral for hundreds of years and continue to do so today.

Turquoise is my absolute favorite stone. Not only is it my favorite color, but I also like many of the traditional settings for the stones. When turquoise jewelry made a big splash in the 1970s, I was a teenager and was very fashion conscious, like most teens. I had numerous pieces of turquoise jewelry. Although it fell somewhat out of favor in the 80s and 90s, I continued to wear the beautiful bluish-green stones because I liked them so much. Now, of course, turquoise is “in” again!

I have turquoise necklaces, turquoise rings, turquoise bracelets, turquoise pendants, and turquoise earrings, and I’m always on the lookout for some new piece of turquoise jewelry that’s unique or unusual. The best deals I’ve found for turquoise jewelry are online.

What kinds of turquoise jewelry can you find online? Just about every type imaginable - handmade turquoise jewelry or handcrafted turquoise jewelry, Navajo turquoise jewelry, turquoise beaded jewelry, turquoise and sliver jewelry, turquoise and coral jewelry, native turquoise jewelry, and Southwest turquoise jewelry. Check out the selection and prices on turquoise necklaces, turquoise bracelets, turquoise pendants, and turquoise earrings below.

If you’re looking for deals on red coral jewelry, coral and turquoise jewelry, or other attractive jewelry, click the article links below the products.