Turquoise was discovered by the Egyptians some six thousand years ago. This makes it one of the earliest gemstones used by man. An examination of historical records show that both Aristotle and Pliny mention this beautiful stone in their works. Marco Polo also wrote about it in his travel accounts. Native Americans believe that this stone has religious significance because it represents the coming together of heaven and earth. Tibetans often use this stone in religious rituals. Some believe that the word “turquoise” comes from the French word ‘turqueise’ which translates to “Turkish stone”. Turquoise is an extremely popular gemstone today. In fact, it is the most expensive and widely used opaque gemstone in the world of jewelry today. Among the numerous jewelry designs that have been created around turquoise beads, none are more popular than the sterling silver turquoise pendants from the American Southwest. Artists here have finely honed their skills and techniques had have learned to create magnificent works of art using laminae of turquoise and other precious and semi precious materials framed in sterling silver displays. To the casual observer, all turquoise inlay pendants from the southwest may appear to be the same. It is important to know however, that the various tribes such as the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni all have their own designs and motifs that represent the tribe’s religious beliefs and superstitions.
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