Why Persian Turquoise Reigns Supreme?
For centuries, gemstones have held a special place in human culture, revered for their scarcity, exquisite beauty, and profound symbolism. Yet, among these precious gems, Persian turquoise stands out with its unique and captivating qualities that have enchanted people worldwide.
Over time, its allure has only grown stronger, making it increasingly valuable in the eyes of collectors and enthusiasts. In this exploration, we delve into the fascinating world of Persian turquoise, unravelling its mystique and uncovering the reasons behind its enduring value and universal appeal.
What exactly is turquoise?
Turquoise is a blue-green mineral used for thousands of years for ornamental purposes. It is formed by the reaction of water with copper and aluminium minerals over time and is typically found in dry regions.
Persian Turquoise: A Brief History
Persian turquoise is a specific type of turquoise that is found in Iran. Persian turquoise has a fascinating and complex history of over two thousand years. This gemstone has been revered and cherished since ancient times, making it a gem with a deep-rooted historical legacy. Its application and significance can be traced back to the ancient Persian Empire, which was highly valued for its beauty and symbolic meaning. The Persians believed that turquoise had curative properties. Thus, they often included it in the design of their weapons, jewellery, and ceremonial implements.
Persian Turquoise in the Medieval Era
In the 13th century, Persian turquoise gained fame in Europe as it was utilised to create magnificent art and jewellery. Unlike certain gemstones the Church restricted during the Middle Ages, Persian turquoise enjoyed widespread use in ecclesiastical art and jewellery. The Church, a prominent patron of the arts at the time, incorporated gemstones, including Persian turquoise, into religious artifacts such as crosses, shrines, and illuminated manuscripts.
The rich blue hue of turquoise was closely associated with heavenly qualities and was considered a symbol of divine protection and spiritual enlightenment. As a result, it was commonly used to adorn religious objects and garments, enhancing the beauty and significance of the Church’s sacred rituals.
The Church’s endorsement and utilisation of Persian turquoise contributed to its high prestige and desirability among the European elite. Its presence in ecclesiastical settings further reinforced its association with spirituality and divine blessings, fueling its popularity and widespread use in religious and secular art throughout the Middle Ages.
The Rise of Persian Turquoise in European Markets
As trade routes were firmly established between the Middle East and Europe, opening up new avenues for commerce, the popularity of Persian turquoise in European markets soared to unprecedented heights.
The gemstone’s captivating and distinct blue colour caught the attention of European nobility and artists. Renowned for its rarity and exquisite beauty, Persian turquoise became a coveted material for crafting luxurious jewellery and ornamental pieces. Its popularity continued to soar during the Renaissance period in the 15th and 16th centuries, fueled by flourishing trade and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Middle East. As a result, Persian turquoise became an integral element of Renaissance art and jewellery, solidifying its fame and prominence within European society.
Why is Persian Turquoise Still So Sought-After?
One of the primary factors contributing to Persian turquoise’s immense worth and desirability is its remarkable and captivating hue. The gemstone’s exquisite colour is reminiscent of the serene skies and the mesmerising depths of the ocean. Its vibrant blue and green tones evoke a sense of tranquillity, beauty, and connection to nature. This distinct and enchanting colouration renders Persian turquoise a stunning gem, treasured by those captivated by its extraordinary visual beauty and ability to evoke wonder and serenity.
Secondly, Persian turquoise is an exceptionally durable gemstone, boasting unrivalled quality. Renowned for its durability, this gemstone is sourced from the Nishapur mine in Iran and is known for producing the highest quality turquoise globally. Unlike many other turquoise stones, which may be relatively brittle and prone to cracking or chipping, Persian turquoise is quite robust and can survive the wear and strain of regular usage. Due to its inherent resilience, Persian turquoise is highly suitable for use in its natural form without needing stabilisation.
Also, Persian turquoise’s cultural and historical relevance adds to its attraction. This gemstone has been employed in religious and cultural rites for thousands of years, and it is currently regarded as a sign of good luck and protection in many civilisations. People all across the globe are fascinated and amazed by the gemstone’s rich history and cultural importance.
Persian Turquoise Properties
Persian turquoise has a Mohs hardness grade of 5-6, which implies that it is not as hard as other gemstones, such as diamonds or sapphires, but it is still highly durable and may be used in jewellery without danger of harm. The gem is often cut and polished into cabochons that emphasise the gemstone’s distinctive colour and pattern.
Persian turquoise is distinguished by its matrix, a web-like network of veins running through the stone. Its matrix is generated by other minerals, such as iron or calcium, giving each piece of Persian turquoise a unique appearance. Some collectors and enthusiasts prefer stones with a more prominent matrix, while others prefer stones with a smoother look.
Persian turquoise is also distinguished by its hue. The gemstone’s hue might change depending on the presence of different minerals in the stone. The most desirable hue is a deep, rich blue with little or no green tinge. Nevertheless, stones of a greenish-blue or green tint are also highly appreciated.
How to Identify Authentic Persian Turquoise?
The market for Persian turquoise can be challenging since many imitations and fakes are available. Some dishonest jewellery sellers may attempt to pass off lower-quality turquoise from other regions of the globe as genuine Persian turquoise or by enhancing the colour of a stone through dyes or treatments and falsely labelling it as Persian turquoise.
Bottomline
Persian turquoise unparalleled quality, durability, scarcity, and cultural significance make it highly valued in the realm of gemstones. Persian turquoise continues to captivate and enchant ancient civilisations with its unique allure to contemporary collectors.
If you want to get your hands on this beautiful gemstone, connect with trustworthy sellers; it is essential to engage with reputed jewellers when purchasing Persian turquoise, who can include information on the stone’s origin and any treatments that may have been applied.
At Amitis Art, we assure our customers that the Persian turquoise jewellery they receive is sourced directly from the Nishapur mine, guaranteeing its authenticity and natural state without any treatments or dyeing. To explore our collection, we invite you to visit our website at www.amitisart.net, where you can find exquisite pieces handcrafted with genuine Persian turquoise.
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Author: Sohrab Jamarani
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