13 Mar The History & Allure of Turquoise Jewelry
Seen Above: From C. Blackburn Jewelers (La Jolla): Custom Made Turquoise Drop Earrings with Micro-Pave Diamonds at the Post
Turquoise jewelry has captivated humanity since ancient times, blending striking beauty with profound cultural significance. From ancient Egyptian tombs to Native American ceremonies, this gemstone has adorned the powerful and the spiritual alike, its vibrant hues symbolizing everything from protection to paradise.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers, we love creating custom pieces set with turquoise. Our San Diego clients love the enchanting blue color of turquoise, and appreciate the affordability of this gorgeous stone with such a rich history.
Many custom jewelers aren’t as familiar in working with turquoise (compared to precious stones like ruby, sapphire, and emerald), but our owner Carl Blackburn has worked with fine turquoise for decades, and can help you create a truly outstanding piece of bespoke jewelry set with turquoise. Leave Carl a voicemail at 858-251-3006 or send him a text message: 619-723-8589.
Origins and History of Turquoise
Turquoise ranks among the oldest gemstones known to humanity, with a history stretching back millennia. Its earliest recorded use dates to ancient Egypt, where artisans prized its vibrant blue-green hue and believed it held protective powers. They carved it into amulets and jewelry, adorning pharaohs’ tombs and the deceased to ward off evil spirits and ensure safe passage to the afterlife. This reverence for turquoise established it as a cornerstone of early decorative and spiritual practices.
Beyond Egypt, turquoise captivated other civilizations. The ancient Persians viewed it as a symbol of paradise, inlaying it into architectural marvels and regal adornments to signify wealth and authority. Its striking color became synonymous with power, cementing its place in Persian culture.
Meanwhile, in the Americas, Native American tribes of the Southwest, such as the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi), mined turquoise and wove it into their traditions. They saw it as a sacred link between earth and spirit, incorporating it into ceremonial attire and trading it as a valuable commodity. Today, Native American artisans continue to craft turquoise jewelry, preserving its cultural legacy and timeless appeal.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Turquoise’s symbolism transcends its aesthetic allure, carrying deep meaning across cultures. For many Native American tribes, it represents protection, health, and good fortune. The Navajo, in particular, call it the “stone of life,” associating it with sky and water — elements vital to existence—and using it as a talisman for healing and tranquility. This spiritual connection underscores its role in their heritage.
In other traditions, turquoise embodies emotional bonds. Ancient Egyptians wore it as a token of love and devotion, believing it strengthened relationships. Persians set it in jewelry to symbolize loyalty, reflecting steadfast ties between individuals. Its soothing hues evoke serenity, making it a fitting emblem for friendship and affection. In modern contexts, turquoise has taken on new layers of meaning, often tied to creativity and clarity.
Artists and designers prize it for inspiration, while wearers seek its grounding energy, blending physical beauty with metaphysical resonance. This duality ensures turquoise remains cherished across generations.
Antique and Modern Turquoise Jewelry Trends
Turquoise jewelry has evolved alongside cultural shifts, reflecting changing tastes and values. In the antique era, Victorian jewelers paired turquoise with gold, often accenting it with pearls or diamonds to create luxurious, intricate pieces. These designs exuded refinement and frequently became heirlooms, carrying stories through time. The craftsmanship of this period highlighted turquoise as both ornament and legacy.
The 20th century brought fresh interpretations. During the 1960s and 70s, the bohemian movement embraced turquoise for its natural, earthy qualities, aligning with a free-spirited ethos. Larger, statement pieces became popular, worn by artists and musicians to express individuality. This resurgence influenced modern designers, who now blend vintage-inspired craftsmanship with contemporary flair.
Today’s trends lean toward minimalism, with sleek designs that emphasize the stone’s raw beauty, alongside a growing focus on sustainability. Jewelers prioritize ethically sourced turquoise, respecting the environment and communities tied to its origins, ensuring its rich history informs a forward-looking legacy.
Famous Turquoise Jewelry Pieces & Jewelers
One of history’s most famous pieces of turquoise jewelry is the Turquoise Tiara of Queen Mary, a striking diadem featuring Persian turquoise and diamonds. It was part of a parure (matching jewelry set) commissioned by Queen Mary in the early 20th century. The tiara has a symmetrical, elegant design with oval and round turquoise stones set among diamonds in a scrolling motif.
May famous jewelry brands, such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef & Arpels have occasionally featured turquoise in their pieces. Tiffany, especially, has included turquoise in its earrings, ring, necklace, and bracelet designs.
Fashion designer Ralph Lauren’s jewelry collections celebrate the American West, featuring turquoise in designs that marry rugged beauty with sophisticated craftsmanship. His work has adorned celebrities and enthusiasts, reinforcing the stone’s high-fashion appeal.
In Native American artistry, Charles Loloma, a Hopi silversmith, gained acclaim for innovative designs that fused traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, setting turquoise in striking, intricate patterns.
Types of Turquoise Fine Jewelry
Turquoise adapts to a wide range of jewelry styles, showcasing its versatility. Rings are a classic choice, from simple single-stone settings in 14k gold to elaborate clusters with engravings or accent diamonds. They suit both casual wear and formal occasions, appealing to varied tastes.
Necklaces offer equal diversity, ranging from delicate pendants on fine chains to bold, multi-strand designs that command attention. Often paired with diamonds or semi-precious gemstones, they invite creative layering for a personalized look.
Bracelets and earrings round out the spectrum. Turquoise cuffs, bangles, or charm bracelets provide distinct ways to wear the stone, while earrings span understated studs to dramatic chandelier styles. This variety ensures turquoise jewelry resonates with individuals seeking to express their personality through a gemstone steeped in history.
Creating Custom Turquoise Jewelry
Custom turquoise jewelry offers a chance to craft something uniquely personal. The process at C, Blackburn Jewelers often starts with selecting a stone, each with its own color, matrix, and character. This choice establishes a connection between wearer and piece. From there, you’ll collaborate with La Jolla jewelry designer Carl Blackburn on the design — whether a ring, necklace, or earrings — incorporating metals, additional gems, or detailed settings to match your vision.
Our skilled artisans then bring the concept to life, often using techniques honed over generations. The result is a piece that blends modern creativity with turquoise’s storied past, standing as both a work of art and a reflection of your journey. This bespoke approach ensures your jewelry carries deep significance, honoring the gemstone’s enduring allure.
Call Carl Blackburn today at 858-251-3006 or send him a text message: 619-723-8589.
