Turquoise was so named because it was initially brought to Europe by way of Turkey, this stone is one of the first gems to be used in jewelry. The Persian word for turquoise is "ferozah" or "firozah", which means victorious. For thousands of years, turquoise has been treasured both for its natural beauty as well as its presumed power to heal. Not only was turquoise used by North American Native Indians for jewelry and carvings, its history even dates back as early as to Ancient Egypt, as exquisite turquoise adornments have been uncovered in tombs. 

     The blue color of turquoise was thought to have powerful metaphysical properties by many ancient cultures. In ancient Mexico, turquoise was reserved for the gods and could not be worn by mere mortals. In Asia, turquoise was considered as effective protection against the evil eye. In Tibet even today, turquoise is by far the most popular of all materials used for personal adornment, and still play an important part in religious ceremonies. In the United States South West, the Apache believed that turquoise helped warriors and hunters to aim accurately. The Zuni believed that it protected them from demons. Another belief was that turquoise had the power to protect the wearer from injury from falling, especially falling from horse-back, and that it made the horse more sure footed. Turquoise was also thought to promote prosperity. A gift of Turquoise represents friendship and luck. A sacred stone for the North American Indians as well as the Tibetans, it is often used by shamans in rituals and ceremonies. It is said to promote mental and spiritual clarity and expansion and to enhance wisdom, trust , kindness and understanding.

     Turquoise is one of the earliest used gem stones in the world. It is treasured in tibet and China and has been used for barter and trade for thousands of years. Through Tibet and Western China turquise is frequently worn in peoples hair through braids and tied on horses saddles for protection. If turquise is worn around the wrist or neck it is thought to protect the wearer from unnatural death, disaster, and poverty...This beautiful gemstone is mined in Iran and the southwestern United States. The Egyptians were mining turquoise in the Sinai as early as 5,500 BC..

The most well-known pieces from the Egyptian era are those recovered from Tutankhamun’s tomb. In fact the boy king’s iconic burial mask was liberally inlaid with the stone and it was also found in rings and huge necklaces known as pectorals.

    For centuries, the most valuable turquoise came from Iran (Persia) but today some specimens mined in the southwestern United States compete with it.  The name "Persian Turquoise" is now generally used to refer to any turquoise stone that does not have the black or brown veining commonly found in turquoise mined in the United States and used in a style of jewelry created by the American Indians.

    Care should be taken by one who wishes to clean turquoise jewelry, especially if it is a valuable antique piece. Dousing stones in chemical solvents can cause serious damage to the porous structure. These gemstones must never be cleaned using ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Instead, mix some warm water and soap, and use a cotton-tipped swab dipped in the solution to gently remove soil, after which the turquoise should be wiped with clear water to wash off any residual soap.