Julie's Friday Crystal Ball 28 June 2019
Greetings everyone.
This week I thought I’d write about a gemstone that has been admired through the ages, Turquoise.
I plan to use Turquoise more often in my future pieces but one does pay a premium for quality Turquoise and I insist on quality gemstones for my jewellery !
Handmade sterling silver turquoise pendant on sterling silver omega chain
Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminium. It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. In recent times, turquoise, like most other opaque gems, has been devalued by the introduction of treatments, imitations, and synthetics onto the market. [Wikipedia]
The origin of the word ’Turquoise’ is derived from the French phrase “pierre turquoise” which translates as ‘stone of Turkey’. Turkish jewellery is mentioned in passages of Shakespeare’s“The Merchant of Venice”, including a turquoise ring as a symbol of adoration. Turquoise gemstone often did represent and symbolise emotions such as adoration at that time.
In many cultures of the Old and New Worlds, this gemstone has been esteemed for thousands of years as a holy stone, a bringer of good fortune or a talisman. The oldest evidence for this claim was found in ancient Egypt, where grave furnishings with Turquoise inlay were discovered, dating from approximately 3000 BC. In the ancient Persian Empire, the sky-blue gemstones were earlier worn round the neck or wrist as protection against unnatural death. If they changed colour, the wearer was thought to have reason to fear the approach of doom. Meanwhile, it has been discovered that Turquoise can change colour. The change can be caused by light, or by a chemical reaction brought about by cosmetics, dust or the acidity of the skin. [Wikipedia]
Turquoise features often in the domes and interiors of large mosques in Iran, Central Asia and Russia. [Wikipedia]
They have been known since ancient times to be stones for protection, strong yet soothing to the eye and touch.
This stone resonates with the heart chakra, and so boosts compassion. Also turquoise interacts with the energies of the throat chakra, and so is said to help communicating with truth, wisdom and honesty.
Also many sources say it is a good purifier of electromagnetic buildup and pollutants in the environment.
Judy Halls’ Crystal Bible mentions that it has a few impressive physical benefits too, including healing cataracts, excess acidity and benefits gout, rheumatism and the stomach. And it also says Turquoise is an excellent stone for depression, exhaustion or panic attacks.
Handcrafted sterling silver chain with Turquoise pendant
This week’s news from Julie’s craft bench:
It has been a productive week. I have had loads of fun going to different Op shops to find pieces for our recycled range. And exciting news is I have found some amazing gemstones and metal to use in my upcoming creations.
A beautiful day here at Coolangatta. Love where I work and live.
If you have any questions about Empaness or our products you can message me on FB, Instagram or email julie@empaness.com.au
Message from me for the week is “Love the person you are and believe in yourself”
Bye for now - wishing you all a wonderful, happy and safe weekend.
Jules