Description
TURQUOISE
Turquoise is an amazing and highly valued bluish green mineral. The finest examples of which traditionally came from Persia (Iran). Turquoise comes in shades from “sky blue” to “apple green”, the most valued tint of turquoise is light blue, inclining to light green. Turquoise has been mined in Persia for three thousand years. It is usually cut “en cabochon” or with low convex surfaces, and in the East is frequently engraved with Persian and Arabic inscriptions , generally passages from the Koran. Such objects were worn as amulets. Turquoise has always been associated with curious superstitions , the most common being the notion that it changes colour in sympathy with the wearers mood. Turquoise started to become popular in Europe from 1700 onwards and was much used in the Victorian period. Throughout the Victorian and Edwardian periods turquoise was primarily used in sentimental jewellery and is closely associated with animals and flowers, especially forget-me nots.
Turquoise is believed to have and mystic and psychic properties. The stone is often said to be an efficient healer, providing solace for the spirit and well being for the body. Turquoise is a December birthstone.
Care of your turquoise.
Turquoise is a fairly soft stone 5 -6 on the Mohs scale. So don’t put your turquoise jewellery loose in a box with rough, hard objects such as metals or sapphires and diamonds. You can clean it with a soft tooth brush and warm soapy water.
PEARLS
Pearls, amber and coral are precious gems produced by plants and animals. These gems are adored because they are so attractive and rare and have thus been worn as jewellery for thousands of years. The most highly prized and the most expensive of this group are the fabulous and amazing pearls, they have one very unique quality, which is, they can be worn by anyone, at any time, in any situation!
Factors affecting the price of pearls.
Pearl types, Lustre, thickness of nacre, colour, shape, size, surface quality, treatment status. The most expensive type of pearl is the natural pearl, these were the only type available until about 1900, when Miki Moto started to produce cultured pearls. Cultured pearls are from farmed oysters, whereas natural pearls come from “wild” oysters. Also we have sea water pearls from the oceans and fresh water pearls from the rivers and streams. Seed pearls were very small pearls used extensively in Victorian jewellery. Artificial pearls are made from many materials often coloured glass.
Pearls are traditionally the birth stone for June
Care of your Pearls.
Pearls are delicate and can easily be damaged, pearl is just 2.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. They should be wrapped in cloth or tissue so as not to be scratched by other hard objects or jewellery.
Also pearls are not resistant to sprays and perfumes.
