Persian Turquoise Cabochon

The semi-precious gemstone Turquoise has been highly sought after in the Middle East for thousands of years. Its elegant blue hue has served as a protector and bringer of strength and peace for many a king and dignitary for centuries, such is its transfixing appearance and transformative power. It was in the mines of Persia - what is now modern-day Iran - where the mineral was found in its purest and most desirable form.

Persia's historical Khorasan region was the traditional source of Turquoise for many of the travelling salesmen in Central Asia and Europe at the time. It was from this trade, in fact, that the gemstone received its very name; the trade route into Europe passed through Turkey and the Old French name for anything Turkish was turqueise, which evolved to become the name we know it by today.

In Persia, Turquoise was the de facto national stone for millennia, used extensively to decorate a multitude of objects from turbans to bridles, to mosques, & other important buildings both inside & out, including the Medresseh-i Shah Husein Mosque of Isfahan. The Persian style & use of turquoise spread to India once the Mughal Empire was established, with such influence seen in high quality gold jewelry & in the Taj Mahal. Persian Turquoise was often engraved with devotional words in Arabic inlaid with gold.

Originally called piruzeh in Persian, the gem has such spiritual value in Persian culture that its name carries the meanings of victory, triumph, and prosperity.

Turquoise is one of the oldest stone in man's history, the talisman of kings, shamans, & warriors. It is a stone of protection, strong & opaque, yet soothing to the touch & healing to the eye.

Turquoise is associated with personal protection.  It was used as a protective shield for ancient warriors heading out into battle.  The ancients used Turquoise as a bodyguard against invading marauders and other challenges. According to Persian legend, the Turquoise was believed to bring good luck when it reflected the light of the new moon.