Turquoise, pearl and gold necklace

Turquoise, freshwater pearls and gold filled. 18" necklace

Turquoise, a gemstone of iconic beauty, has a history as rich as its greenish-blue hues. Used since ancient times, it has been cherished by various cultures throughout the ages. Its name comes from the French "pierre turquoise", meaning "stone of Turkey", as it was initially introduced to Europe by Turkish traders. The first civilizations to value turquoise were the ancient Egyptians, who used it in jewelry and amulets, believing in its protective properties. The Persians also believed that turquoise had the power to deflect misfortune. It was widely used in ornaments by pre-Columbian civilizations of Central America, such as the Aztecs and Incas, who considered it a sacred stone associated with divinity.