#7114 novelty Victorian turquoise rat pin. 

My heart goes boom boom boom when I think about antique turquoise jewelry. Turquoise might be considered less than 
aristocratic, but to me, like many other jewelry enthusiasts, it is really royal. Turquoise, more than any other gem, 
precious or semi-precious, will flatter the wearer. More than any other color, it will make you look good. To quote a 
connoisseur: I wish that I was born in December so that my birthstone could also be turquoise.

Turquoise is one of the birthstones for December. Others are aquamarine and tanzanite, which will be discussed in other posts.

#6085 Wiese ring with turquoise. 

Antique Turquoise Jewelry in History:
The first turquoise to hit Europe came from Iran via Turkey. Consequently, the name 'turquoise' comes from the French for Turkish.
Turquoise was used in ancient Egypt thousands of years ago. It was mined in the Sinai Peninsula and is greener than the 
turquoise from Persia, which is considered the best quality.  Turquoise is mined in many other geographic locations, 
including the USA and is popularly used in American Indian and Mexican jewelry.

   Magnificent turquoise earrings. #7169 

Color of Antique Turquoise Jewelry:
Naturally, turquoise is more blue, turning a greener shade when dehydrated. It is sometimes treated to enhance the color. 
Since it is easily discolored, especially by oil, perfume and cosmetics, care should be taken to protect your jewelry. 
First spray on your perfume, wait a few minutes and then put on necklace and earrings.

Attributes of Antique Turquoise Jewelry:
Amulets incorporating turquoise are very common thanks to the myriad magical properties attributed to this gem
 (for example wealth, wisdom, health, protective etc ). Not surprisingly, turquoise is often favored above other gems exactly because it's quiet elegance enhances the physical attributes of the wearer. 

#6695. Turquoise Snake brooch.

Antique turquoise jewelry is found across the globe. Native American and Mexican jewelry has already been mentioned. 
Chinese and other Asian jewelry makes much use of locally found turquoise. 

#7334 Superb Native American, vintage Navajo earrings.  

The use of turquoise in antique jewelry varies from the super sophisticated to the simple and ethnic. It is used in various combination with other gems, from diamonds and pearls, which show it off to perfection, to rubies, which make a wonderful 
contrast in color. Antique turquoise jewelry might use uniformly shaded smooth turquoise, but the Arts and Crafts 
Movement of the late Victorian era reveled in the complexities of the natural stone. 

Because of the combination of beauty and relatively affordable price, turquoise was often incorporated into objects of 
vertu and silver articles to enhance their beauty and value. Boxes, picture frames, napkin rings and goblets set with turquoise are stunning. (Prices and values have risen since writing this). 

I know of no stories about turquoise.  No OMG turquoise moments in history circulate.  But I do know that antique 
turquoise jewelry is beautiful and everyone loves it.

Wear it. 

#7130 superb turquoise parure.