Turquoise is a mineral coloured blue by copper or green by iron. Praised since ancient times for its lustrous opaque qualities, it features in many Tibetan legends and graced the mask of Tutankhamen and those of the Aztecs. It owes its modern name to its arrival in Europe via Turkey. The Victorians loved it.
Turquoise is central to Himalayan culture. No two gems are alike but all claim to play a special role in natural healing.
Tibetan Turquoise
The western regions are said to yield the finest Tibetan turquoise but it’s most abundant around Lhasa and Chamdo. Wearing turquoise is a long-standing tradition in Tibet, for men and women, as a fine piece of jewelry, a talisman to ensure health and good fortune and a sign of family wealth. It is still worn on a daily basis but seen at its best at festival time in stunning head-dresses studded with turquoise and other gems.
Turquoise is also used in Buddhist religious rituals, frequently encrusted in prayer wheels or presented as temple offerings, thus reflecting its spiritual power. Today, from rough tumbled stones to polished items, turquoise is a prized souvenir for any visitor to Tibet. Only experts can assess the true quality of a gem but the attraction remains the same, born from centuries of legends and traditions. ‘This is not a stone,’ say the Tibetans, ‘this is turquoise’ and in Tibet, they prefer the green variety.
Turquoise Jewelry, Tibet and Beyond
From Tibet or Nepal to Ladakh, the Little Tibet of northern India, or the tiny kingdom of Bhutan, turquoise is popular across the Himalaya and as in other continents, it can be crafted into attractive jewelry. Whether it’s a souvenir stall in Lhasa or a dazzling display in Tiffany’s, prices should reflect quality. The most valuable turquoise is said to be a natural deep blue colour, or ‘robin’s egg blue’, light blue comes second, followed by green and finally gems with a black vein.
Turquoise jewelry ranges from pendants to bracelets, rings and earrings which may be set in silver or gold. In Tibet and neighbouring countries, it’s frequently complemented with coral since the contrasting colours are considered to bring balance and well-being to the wearer.
To retain its original qualities, just like jade, turquoise jewelry should be handled with care. Blue or green, colour may be affected by intense light, skin oil and cosmetics, including perfumes, sunscreens and hairsprays, as well as metal polish. Clean with a soft solvent-free cloth.
Turquoise, Sagittarius Birthstone for Spiritual and Natural Healing
Turquoise is the Sagittarius birthstone, helping to enhance natural optimism and sense of adventure. However, most Tibetans believe any wearer can enjoy such benefits, alongside the natural healing properties of their turquoise gem. Just as it reacts to external elements, turquoise is sensitive to bodily changes and alteration in colour may be heeded as a warning. The healing energy of turquoise claims to be strongest for respiratory problems, depression and the immune system.
Wear the stone, feel it or simply gaze at it in a meditative state and let the energy flow and begin the healing task for mind, body and soul. Just like Sri Lankan gems, turquoise is said to draw out negative vibes, encouraging spiritual uplifting by opening the heart chakra. It paves the way for good fortune, kindness and communication, whether it’s worn as a birthstone or a special piece of jewelry, steeped in Tibetan culture.
Source: Gemmologist Martin Watson, ‘Tibetan Review’
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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