The Majestic Turquoise

                                               

Turquoise is perhaps the oldest stone in man's history, the talisman of kings, shamans, and warriors. It is a stone of protection, strong and opaque, yet soothing to the touch, healing to the eye, as if carved from an azure heaven and slipped to earth. Its unique shade of blue, often blueish green, lends it name ''TURQUOISE'' , to all things of this tranquil hue. 

The trade routes that brought Turquoise to Europe from the mines in central Asia went through Turkey, and Venetian merchants often purchased the stone in Turkish bazaars.  For thousands of years, Turquoise has spanned all cultures, prized as a symbol of wisdom, nobility and the power of immortality. Among the Ancient Egyptians, Persians and Chinese, Aztecs and Incas of South America, and Native North Americans, Turquoise was sacred in its adornment and for power, luck, and protection.

Turquoise beads dating back to 5000 B.C. have been found in Iraq, and the Egyptians were mining the stones in the Sinai in 3200 B.C The death mask of Tutankhamen was studded with Turquoise, as were the mosaic masks dedicated to the gods, the fabulous inlaid skulls, shields and power statues of Montezuma, the last ruler of the Aztecs. For nearly a thousand years, Native Americans have mined and fashioned Turquoise, using it to guard their burial sites. These gems have been found from Argentina to New Mexico. 

Native Indian priests wore it in ceremonies when calling upon the great spirit of the sky. Many honoured Turquoise as the universal stone, believing their minds would become one with the universe when wearing it. Because of its ability to change colours, it was used in prophesy or divining. To the prehistoric Native Indian, Turquoise, worn on the body or used in ceremonies always signified the God of the sky alive in the earth. bringing divine tranquility to its owner. It has a vibrant feel that helps in spreading happiness and prosperity in the life of its wearer.

The Ancient Egyptians were attracted to the colour blue. The azure tint held a mystical pull in their psyche. The blue colour of the various shades of the sky or heavens above made them yearn to be among the Gods in their 'afterlife'

Turquoise was one of the most popular gemstones in ancient Egypt, and its greenish tint was symbolic of joy and life. The goddess Hathor was dubbed "The Mistress of Turquoise."

Even today in the bazaars of Khan-el-Khalili, in downtown Cairo turquoise can be seen everywhere. From silver studded turquoise jewellery to antiques to prayer beads; the turquoise speaks of the mysteries of this ancient land                                                                             
Turquoise or Firoza conjures up images of love, beauty, poetry in motion and the majesty of the Mughal Empire! The name Turquoise is derived from the French, Pierre Turquoise, meaning "Turkish stone," and since the Mughals traced their royal lineage to Turkey they nursed a penchant for this blue gem.                                                                                                                  
The Mughals not only used Turquoise in their jewellery but it was also an important gem in their architecture.                                                                                                                                         
Thrones, Mosques, Mausoleums and bedchambers of the Mughal kings glistened with an array of the mystique opaque blue of this gemstone.                                                                                       
The Queens and princesses of the Mughal Empire were bedecked in jewellery studded with this magnificent jewel when they graced the courts of India.                                                                   
This glorious gem with its mesmerising colour slowly made its way from the Palaces of Mughal India; into the jewellery bazaars and souks of the country.                                                                   
In the traditional Indian- Subcontinent the Mughal mang Tika or the jhumar or an aarsi (a bejeweled thumb ring with a mirror in the centre) is always resplendent with this gem. In the Shringar repertoire of an Indian woman; a piece of jewellery studded with the elusive turquoise speaks of a woman of taste and tradition.