Authentic Handmade Turquoise
Jewelry
Turquoise Jewelry is a
Southwestern American Native Tradition
Turquoise is a sacred stone "that has been used
for centuries to adorn ritual objects and is still considered a
cherished possession by Native Americans and Mexican Indians," says
Carol Karasik, author of The Turquoise Trail. An anthropologist as
well as a jeweler, Karasik has published several books on native
art, crafts and culture.
"Production of turquoise jewelry is a vibrant
cottage industry in the Southwest," she said, "where members of the
Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Pueblo and other nations...create [jewelry]
which hark back to prehistoric myths and traditional clam symbols."
For thousands of years,
turquoise has been treasured both for its natural beauty as well as
its presumed power to heal. Not only was turquoise used by North
American Native Indians for jewelry and carvings, its history even
dates back as early as to Ancient Egypt, as exquisite turquoise
adornments have been uncovered in tombs
The color of turquoise can
include a palette ranging from a greenish yellow to a dramatic blue,
and this semi-precious stone can be founded all across the globe. In
addition to its attractive appearance and the relative ease with
which it can be drilled for stringing on beads or be carved into the
shapes of fetish animals, turquoise has a more mystic property.
According to the myths and legends of several cultures, the stone is
believed to have the power to heal. In addition, it is reputed to
assist in creativity, aid in making speeches and reduce stress.
Furthermore, turquoise is said to have the ability to detoxify the
body, give its wearer a deeper sense of self-knowledge, strengthen
relationships, enhance friendships, and increase honesty and wisdom.
Besides North America and Egypt, turquoise
mines can be found in China, Iran and Turkey. The actual hue of the
stone is determined by different minerals present in the surrounding
earth. The presence of iron creates a more greenish turquoise, while
copper in the area generates a stone that is more blue in
appearance. If there is zinc in the adjacent soil, the gem will be
greenish yellow. Finally, there is a rare variety found in an area
of Nevada where no minerals are present that is known as White
Buffalo turquoise.
Care should be taken by one who wishes to clean
turquoise jewelry, especially if it is a valuable antique piece.
Dousing stones in chemical solvents can cause serious damage to the
porous structure. These gemstones must never be cleaned using
ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Instead, mix some warm water and soap,
and use a cotton-tipped swab dipped in the solution to gently remove
soil, after which the turquoise should be wiped with clear water to
wash off any residual soap.
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