Turquoise for December...

We have lots of stunning turquoise jewellery in the shops, including plenty of one off and unique pieces, as well as some beautiful simple classics on the website. This vibrant stone also has the added benefit of suiting almost all colourings so makes a great choice as a gift whether it is a birthstone or not.

Turquoise forms in a range of colours from sky blue to green grey. The brighter blue colour is due to a higher quantity of copper, while iron gives a deeper green hue. Brown and black veins in the stone can occur during its formation known as matrix. Turquoise is a valuable mineral, and possibly the most valuable opaque mineral in the jewellery trade, the best quality being a pure, sky blue, with or without its matrix.

Turquoise deposits can be found in Iran, from where the most beautiful turquoise comes, Kazakhstan, China, Australia, Tibet, China, Mexico, Brazil and Egypt. The states of Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and California are also producers of light coloured turquoise.

The name turquoise comes from the old French word turquoise meaning "Turkish Stone" as turquoise originally found its way to Europe from Persia (Iran) via Turkey. It is one of the world’s earliest used gemstones and has been revered for thousands of years. It was worn by Pharaohs of early Egypt. In Iran, turquoise was the national gemstone. The Incas crafted beads and figurines out of it, and the Aztecs in Mexico made pendants and decorated their ceremonial masks with the stone. Turquoise also has a rich history in the American southwest, with Native Americans using the stone to create stunning jewellery and ornaments for around 3000 years.

Turquoise is regarded as the protective stone of pilots, aircrews and any other people who have a high level of risk in their work. Turquoise is often given as a stone of friendship and affection, as it is said to be responsible for faithfulness and consistency in relationships.

Turquoise is the birthstone for December and for the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21). It is can also be given as a gift to celebrate the 5th and 11th wedding anniversary.