The vibrant blue-green gemstone, turquoise, holds a prominent position as the birthstone for December. Revered for centuries for its captivating color and perceived protective qualities, turquoise continues to be a popular choice for jewelry, particularly bracelets, as evidenced by its availability on major online retailers. While the provided sources offer a limited scope of information, they allow for a focused exploration of turquoise’s modern presence as a birthstone and its association with gifting and personal adornment.
History and Lore
The sources primarily highlight turquoise’s contemporary role as a December birthstone, referencing its use in bracelets and rings offered by retailers like KAY Jewelers and Zales. One source specifically mentions a Le Vian Couture Turquoise Ring with diamonds in 18K Vanilla Gold, priced at a significant $3743.25, originally $5347.50, indicating its value as a luxury item. This suggests a continued appreciation for the gemstone beyond its birthstone association.
While the provided materials do not delve into the ancient history of turquoise, its long-standing cultural significance is implied by its established status as a birthstone. Turquoise has been used for millennia, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Egypt and Persia, though these details are not present in the provided sources. The sources do not offer any specific lore or historical anecdotes surrounding the gem.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not contain any information regarding the geological formation of turquoise or its mining locations. Therefore, this article cannot provide details on these aspects of the gemstone.
Gemological Properties
The sources do not provide any specific gemological properties of turquoise, such as its chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or clarity characteristics. However, the descriptions of turquoise jewelry available for purchase – bracelets, rings, and pendants – indicate that it is a gemstone suitable for various jewelry settings. The materials do not specify whether the turquoise used is natural, stabilized, or reconstituted.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources do not explicitly state the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with turquoise. However, one source mentions an “evil eye bracelet,” suggesting a connection to protective symbolism. This aligns with broader cultural beliefs surrounding turquoise as a safeguard against negative energy and a bringer of good fortune, though this is not directly stated within the provided materials. The emphasis on turquoise as a gift for birthdays, mothers, sisters, and best friends suggests an association with affection, well-being, and positive relationships.
Turquoise Jewelry on Amazon and Beyond
The sources heavily feature the availability of turquoise jewelry on Amazon, alongside selections from KAY Jewelers, Zales, and Anthropologie. Amazon offers a wide range of turquoise pieces, including bracelets, necklaces, and rings. The sources highlight the convenience and affordability of purchasing jewelry online, with price points ranging from under $20 for a simple necklace to over $3700 for a high-end designer ring.
One source specifically mentions turquoise bracelets with silver knot designs, emphasizing their adjustable fit and suitability for adult fashion. These bracelets are often accompanied by a message card identifying the gemstone as “June Alexandrite,” which is an error, as turquoise is the December birthstone. This highlights the importance of verifying information when purchasing gemstones online.
The sources also mention other jewelry options available on Amazon, including earrings, necklaces, and rings featuring various gemstones and designs. This underscores the platform’s extensive selection and its appeal to a broad range of consumers.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources offer limited guidance on the care and cleaning of turquoise jewelry. One source advises that the silver knot bracelets can be worn in the shower or bath, but cautions against contact with swimming pool or ocean water. This suggests that turquoise may be sensitive to chlorine and saltwater, which could potentially damage the stone or affect its color. More comprehensive care instructions, detailing appropriate cleaning solutions and storage methods, are not provided within the sources.
Turquoise as a Gift
The sources consistently position turquoise jewelry as an ideal gift option. The description of a silver knot bracelet specifically mentions it as a “perfect birthday, best friend, mother or sister gift.” This suggests that turquoise is perceived as a thoughtful and meaningful present, suitable for a variety of occasions and recipients. The availability of personalized options, such as birthstone bracelets, further enhances its appeal as a customized gift.
A Note on Bracelet Safety
One source includes a safety disclaimer regarding bracelets containing small parts, stating that they are intended for adult fashion use only and are not suitable for infants or children under the age of 12. This emphasizes the importance of responsible jewelry purchasing and ensuring that items are appropriate for the intended wearer.
Turquoise in the Broader Gemstone Market
The sources do not provide information on the broader gemstone market for turquoise, including its price trends, grading standards, or treatment methods. The single example of a high-end turquoise ring suggests that the gemstone can command significant value, particularly when combined with diamonds and set in precious metals. However, the overall market dynamics of turquoise remain outside the scope of the provided materials.
Table of Turquoise Jewelry Examples (Based on Sources)
| Retailer | Item Description | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| KAY Jewelers | Le Vian Couture Turquoise Ring with Diamonds (18K Vanilla Gold) | $3743.25 (originally $5347.50) |
| Amazon Essentials | Sterling Silver Created Blue Sapphire Necklace (incorrectly labeled) | $19.90 - $20.90 |
| Anthropologie | Multi-Color Semi-Precious Beaded Stretch Bracelet (includes Turquoise) | $28 |
| Zales | 8.0mm Cushion-Cut Garnet and 4.0mm Lab-Created White Sapphire Three Stone Ring in Sterling Silver (incorrectly listed under December) | $99.99 |
Conclusion
The provided sources offer a limited but focused glimpse into the world of turquoise, primarily highlighting its contemporary role as a December birthstone and its popularity as a jewelry item, particularly bracelets. While the sources lack detailed information on the gemstone’s history, geological formation, and gemological properties, they emphasize its enduring appeal as a gift and a symbol of protection and well-being. The availability of turquoise jewelry on major online retailers like Amazon, KAY Jewelers, and Zales underscores its continued relevance in the modern gemstone market. Further research, utilizing more comprehensive sources, would be necessary to provide a more complete and in-depth understanding of this captivating gemstone.