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Turquoise: The Timeless Blue Gem of Royalty, Culture, and Craftsmanship
At Prins & Prins, we celebrate gemstones that not only dazzle with beauty but also carry profound meaning. One such gem is turquoise—a striking blue-to-green stone steeped in global history, cultural significance, and timeless charm. From ancient Egyptian burial treasures to Native American heirlooms, turquoise has long been a symbol of protection, prosperity, and prestige.
What is Turquoise?
Turquoise is one of the world’s oldest known gemstones, revered across continents for thousands of years. Chemically, it is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum, typically forming in arid regions where copper-rich groundwater interacts with surrounding rocks. This process creates stones in an enchanting range of hues—from soft sky blue to deep greenish blue, often veined with striking brown, grey, or black matrix patterns.
Unlike many transparent gems, turquoise is opaque, yet it gleams with a waxy to subvitreous lustre that has captivated jewellery designers and collectors for centuries.
A Gemstone with Global History
Turquoise’s use in jewellery and ornamentation dates back more than 5,000 years. In Ancient Egypt, turquoise adorned the treasures of pharaohs—most famously the burial mask of Tutankhamun. The stone was also highly valued in Persia (modern-day Iran), where it was used in mosaics, talismans, and royal jewellery as early as 500 BCE.
In China, artisans carved turquoise into sacred figurines and amulets for over 3,000 years. Meanwhile, in the Americas, indigenous cultures revered turquoise as a sacred stone—used in ceremonial objects, inlays, and intricate silver jewellery by the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi peoples.
Interestingly, the word “turquoise” derives from the French word turquois, meaning “Turkish,” as early European traders first encountered the gem via Turkish markets—although the stones themselves often originated from Iran or the Sinai Peninsula.
Colours and Quality Factors
Turquoise’s most sought-after colour is a vivid, robin’s egg blue, sometimes called “Persian blue,” due to its association with high-quality Iranian specimens. Greenish-blue and blue-green varieties, while less rare, are equally admired for their natural and earthy tones.
Several factors influence the value of turquoise:
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Colour: The more intense and even the blue, the more valuable.
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Matrix: Some prefer clean stones, while others seek intricate matrix patterns for their artistic appeal.
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Treatment: Natural, untreated turquoise is the most prized. Stabilised or dyed stones are more common but less valuable.
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Origin: Historically significant sources like Nishapur (Iran) and Sleeping Beauty (Arizona, USA) command premium interest from collectors.
Spiritual and Cultural Symbolism
Throughout history, turquoise has been associated with protection, good fortune, and spiritual clarity. It was believed to ward off evil, safeguard warriors in battle, and bring blessings to the wearer. In Native American cultures, it symbolised harmony between the Earth and sky and was used in both adornment and sacred rituals.
Even today, turquoise remains a favourite among those seeking healing stones or December birthstone gifts that blend beauty with meaning.
Turquoise in Fine Jewellery
Turquoise’s distinctive hue and matte lustre make it a standout choice in both minimalist and elaborate designs. At Prins & Prins, we love incorporating turquoise into:
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Statement rings set in yellow gold or vintage-inspired silver
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Boho-chic pendants with handcrafted settings
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Earrings that balance bold colour with delicate design
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Custom pieces that pair turquoise with diamonds or pearls for a modern twist
Because turquoise is relatively soft (Mohs hardness: 5–6), we recommend wearing it in low-impact settings or for special occasions. Its natural beauty deserves to be cherished—and protected.
How to Care for Turquoise Jewellery
To preserve your turquoise’s colour and finish:
✅ Do:
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Clean gently with a soft cloth and lukewarm water
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Store separately in a fabric-lined box or pouch
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Remove when applying perfume, lotion, or hairspray
❌ Don’t:
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Use ultrasonic or steam cleaners
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Expose it to extreme heat or chemicals
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Soak it in water or detergents
Why Choose Turquoise?
Turquoise is more than a colour trend or birthstone—it’s a timeless connection to ancient civilisations, a symbol of protection, and a vibrant splash of individuality. Whether you’re seeking a meaningful gift or a signature piece for your own collection, turquoise offers history, personality, and sophistication in one captivating gem.
Explore Turquoise at Prins & Prins
At Prins & Prins, we offer a curated selection of turquoise jewellery—each piece carefully chosen for its quality, craftsmanship, and unique appeal. Looking for something bespoke? Our design team can bring your turquoise vision to life, whether it’s a custom ring, pendant, or heirloom piece to pass down for generations.
Visit our Cape Town showroom or schedule a private consultation to view our turquoise collection and discover the beauty of one of the world’s most cherished gemstones.
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