Turquoise

Turquoise is a cryptocrystalline material which forms when copper is transported in water and interacts with phosphorous and aluminum-bearing rocks. Natural turquoise will have veins and inclusions, most often brown in color. Composite turquoise is man-made and produced by grinding the natural stone to a powder and reshaping it using molds and liquid adhesive, which later hardens. It is the copper that gives turquoise its blue green color. Peruvian turquoise, for example, is more green than blue. Turquoise is also produced in Chile, Persia, China, Egypt, Iran and Turkey. The name turquoise, means “Turkish” in French.

Some Native American cultures believed that turquoise brought the energy of the sky down to the Earth and that brought luck, prevented injury, and could heal many illnesses. For this reason it became a tradition to adorn saddles and bridles with turquoise in order to protect both the horse and rider, one reason why turquoise is often associated with country western or southwestern fashion.

Turquoise is believed to draw negative vibrations from the body, returning them to the ground so that the wearer can stay centered and feel at home in any environment. It is also thought to bring wisdom, understanding, trust and kindness, leading to the belief that turquoise is a good stone to gift to a new love, as it will help initiate romance. It is also known as a master healer stone, a general healer for all illnesses. It is further known as the friendship stone and is the official natural December birthstone.

The turquoise used in Charisma Bolivia jewelry is imported from neighboring countries, but primarily Brazil. We also use a deeper green turquoise imported from Peru.

Charisma Bolivia jewelry is handcrafted by artisans in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. I then bring our collections back to the U.S.A. where I place them in our online store. All orders are mailed worldwide from California. I invite you to watch the slideshow below.