Iranian or Persian Turquoise
Persian turquoise comes from a number of mines in modern
day Iran. The stones from all mines show a great color variation.
Many mines were worked around Nishapur, 225 miles east of
the southern end of the Caspian Sea, close to old caravan
routes. Firm evidence exists that these mines were heavily
worked beginning in the 10th century, but there is also
evidence that some of the mines near the surface may have
been exploited as early as 2100 B.C.
The Persians divided turquoise into three classes. Fine
ring stones were called Anqushtari. Stones of intermediate
quality were called Barkhaneh. Stones that were pale, greenish,
or with spots from the matrix were called Arabi. Traditionally,
brilliant blue stones with no matrix were preferred in the
Middle East. You could say this was the original Sleeping
Beauty Turquoise. Today, Persian turquoise in a variety
of shades and matrices can be found in jewelry and appreciated
for its classic beauty. These stones adorn some wonderful
men's turquoise bracelets, pendants, rings, and earrings.
Throughout the centuries, the intense sky-blue Iranian
turquoise, known as “Persian turquoise,” has been
the most sought after. This is a clear, even blue color
with no evidence of green, nor any signs of black veins.
As recently as the ‘70s, top-quality turquoise was
fetching prices of $2,000 for a 15x20mm piece. Hard to believe?
Did you know that no English gentleman of the 17th century
was regarded as well dressed or well adorned unless he wore
jewelry of turquoise? This stone was so highly valued that
all 79 of the emeralds in the crown that Napoleon I gave
his consort Empress Marie Louise were replaced with Persian
turquoise cabochons.
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