| Examples of turquoise jewelry have been found | | | | most expensive forms of turquoise are those |
| that date back to ancient Egyptian times. The | | | | that require the least amount of hardening |
| famous burial mask of Tutankhamen as adorned | | | | treatments. This does, however make it more |
| with turquoise and there were many other pieces | | | | difficult to use them to form turquoise jewelry, as |
| of turquoise jewelry found in his tomb. There | | | | it is easier for it to break. The lower grades of |
| have also been numerous pieces of Aztec | | | | turquoise require a lot of hardening and waxing |
| turquoise jewelry that have been discovered. | | | | before they can become pieces of turquoise |
| These ancient cultures appreciated the beauty of | | | | jewelry and are less sought after. The color of |
| this blue-green mineral. Throughout history, other | | | | the turquoise also has an impact on its value. If a |
| cultures produced turquoise jewelry and other | | | | piece of turquoise jewelry comprises a piece of |
| items that incorporated turquoise. The native | | | | sky blue turquoise then its value is going to be far |
| Indians of America have made use of this gem | | | | higher than a piece that utilizes greenish-blue and |
| throughout the centuries it is still considered an | | | | speckled turquoise. |
| essential part of their colorful heritage. | | | | Due to the fragility of turquoise, special care |
| Turquoise jewelry is a wonderful gift for anyone, | | | | needs to be taken when wearing a piece of |
| but it is especially appropriate for anyone born in | | | | turquoise jewelry. It is also extremely vulnerable |
| December. This is because the gemstone for | | | | to damage from solvents as it is a phosphate |
| December is traditionally turquoise. It is an | | | | mineral. Special care needs to be taken to avoid |
| extremely versatile mineral and can be set into | | | | any turquoise jewelry coming into contact with |
| silver earrings or elaborate 24-carat gold | | | | perfume, skin oils and chemical cleaning fluids. All |
| necklaces. There are different grades of turquoise | | | | of these can cause deterioration of the color and |
| and it is possible to buy a piece of turquoise | | | | shine of the turquoise. Perfume, cosmetics, |
| jewelry for only a few dollars. Of course, the | | | | sunscreen, and hairspray need to be applied |
| value of a piece of turquoise jewelry depends on | | | | before you put on a piece of turquoise jewelry to |
| the quality of the stone used, the amount and | | | | lessen the potential damage that may be caused |
| also the value of any other stones that are in the | | | | to the gemstone. Direct sunlight can have an |
| piece. | | | | extremely detrimental effect on turquoise as it |
| As turquoise is not a naturally hard mineral. This | | | | causes it to fade and dry out which makes it |
| does make it easier for the gem to be cut to fit | | | | more brittle and easier to break. Always clean |
| any type of turquoise jewelry. A hardening | | | | turquoise jewelry with a soft cloth to remove |
| process is used to help protect the mineral once it | | | | any build-up and store in a separate box from |
| has been cut to the desired shape and size. The | | | | harder gemstones to prevent scratching. |