Turquoise is one of the oldest Earth stones to be coveted by humans. Many ancient civilizations used turquoise for its powers and alluring beauty.
For men, wearing turquoise rings taps into these ancient traditions while allowing the wearer to access its powers. At Palms Trading Company, we want to give you 3 fun facts about turquoise in men’s rings. Then, we’ll tell you who benefits from wearing these rings, how to wear them, and where to buy them.
3 Fun Facts About Turquoise in Men’s Rings
1. Turquoise History
Ancient Egyptians
We first see turquoise introducing itself in ancient Egyptian culture around 3,000 BCE. This is where we see turquoise in jewelry, scarabs, and tomb decorations.
One of the most famous examples of ancient Egyptian turquoise use came from King Tut (Tutankhamun). His burial mask featured an extravagant display of turquoise stones. Egyptians called turquoise mefkat, meaning “joy” and “delight.”
Ancient Persians
Ancient Persians also used turquoise extensively. Often, they inscribed turquoise with Arabic script. Ceilings were adorned with turquoise to represent the Heavens and can be seen today in the Taj Majal.
The ancient Persians believed turquoise brought protection and wore it for that purpose. They called it pirouzeh, meaning “victory.”
As the Turkish introduced turquoise into Europe, the name “turquoise” was derived from the French pierre tourques for “Turkish stone.”
North American Southwest Territories
Meanwhile, in the Southwest territories of North America, tribes such as the Navajo were using turquoise for their ceremonial and daily uses. The Navajo saw turquoise as bringing protection, good fortune, and health. Turquoise was hung in homes and carried by warriors for protection. Hunters carried turquoise for luck.
During the late 1800s, the Navajo learned silversmithing from the incoming Spaniards. This is where we begin seeing Navajo turquoise jewelry. As this jewelry became popular, fueled by the incoming tourists’ demands, tribal turquoise jewelry and turquoise mining began blossoming.
Today, most of the United State’s turquoise mines are depleted, making natural turquoise harder to find. Despite Asian countries and other foreign markets supplying turquoise to the US, much of this turquoise is believed to be altered.
2. Turquoise Types
Turquoise is turquoise, isn’t it? With natural turquoise becoming harder to come by, many alterations to lower-quality stones keep the supply going.
Natural Turquoise
Natural turquoise comes directly from the mines and hasn’t been cut, polished, or processed.
Natural turquoise forms in a host rock, sometimes referred to as the mother rock. Host rocks usually consist of sandstone and limonite. These stones provide the phosphorus and aluminum sources necessary for turquoise formation. Then, an additional source of copper needs to be present for turquoise to form.
Along with these elements, turquoise only forms in dry, arid climates. Not many regions provide the necessary components for natural turquoise to occur. With depleting mines, natural turquoise is now rare and hard to find.
Stabilized Turquoise
Stabilized turquoise begins its life as poorer quality turquoise. This means the stone is fragile and porous, making it hard to cut. To stabilize the turquoise, epoxies, oils, waxes, and other chemicals are bonded to the turquoise.
It’s believed that a large percentage of turquoise today is stabilized. This turquoise is less expensive and holds a lower value than natural turquoise.
Reconstituted Turquoise
Low-quality turquoise fragments are ground and reshaped using resin. This type of turquoise is inexpensive and holds little value. It also lacks the natural beauty, such as matrixes, found in intact turquoise stones.
3. Turquoise Powers
The beliefs held by ancient cultures surrounding turquoise’s powers still hold true today. It’s believed that these powers work on emotional, physical, and psychological levels. Men wearing turquoise rings can harness these powers.
Emotional
The healing properties of turquoise enable the wearer to overcome emotional turmoil. Experiences such as trauma, grief, fear, and anxiety can be alleviated by wearing turquoise.
Physical
The Navajos and other North American tribes have used turquoise to alleviate specific ailments.
This stone is said to help relieve inflammation, balance acidity, and detoxify the body. Turquoise is also said to strengthen the lungs and liver. Those having issues with these organs should wear turquoise.
Turquoise involves power and strength and is said to activate the muscles for performance.
Psychological
Turquoise helps wearers deal with personality quirks and characteristics. It’s said to help balance a person’s ego while allowing them to become more empathetic.
Who Should Wear Turquoise Rings
Almost any person benefits from wearing turquoise rings. When looking to tap into its powers, there are some points to consider.
Since turquoise promotes healing, people dealing with emotional issues such as trauma, PTSD, and the death of loved ones would benefit. Those experiencing fear, whether fear of a new job or traveling, can also benefit.
People suffering from physical ailments should also consider wearing turquoise. Giving turquoise to those requiring detoxification, better breathing, or suffering from arthritis could be beneficial.
Turquoise strengthens its wearers, making it an excellent gift for athletes and those working laborious jobs. This stone’s ability to bring luck makes it practical to those marrying, having a baby, or starting a new career.
How to Wear Turquoise Rings
Most people think that turquoise looks best with southwestern looks. Most don’t know that turquoise rings can be dressed up or paired with casual outfits.
Turquoise rings look striking on neutral colors such as black, white, grey, and tan. This stone also looks great with denim and pairs well with suits, dresses, and tuxedos.
Men’s turquoise rings can be used as an accent piece or with other turquoise jewelry. It’s also easy to find turquoise rings set in a variety of metals, such as silver, gold, platinum, and titanium.
Where to Buy Men’s Turquoise Rings
To ensure you’re buying genuine, natural turquoise, check out Palms Trading Company. We specialize in authentic North American tribal jewelry purchased directly from artists. All of our pieces are certified authentic. If we can’t verify authenticity, we’ll let you know.
Don’t know what to get? Contact us today to have one of our personal shoppers help you find the perfect men’s turquoise ring.