The Anarcho Geek Info Center

When I was hiking in the Andes Mountains many years ago, I found a cave buried deep inside the great rock. The cave was dark and musty and I found myself going deeper and deeper into it. I had a flashlight, of course, but just in case, I hooked a line at the base of the cave, and then tied it to myself so that I couldn’t get lost. My mind was racing. What on earth could be down here? Why even do this? Is my natural curiosity that determined to see myself confronting a potential dangerous situation? I’m alone and if something were to happen, I would be in a rather large amount of trouble. Water was dripping from down the side of the rocks, coming from somewhere. There is a gust of wind coming through that nearly knocks me off my feet. Still determined, I continue forward.

Up ahead there is a light and its not coming from my flashlight. Although the light from my light is reflecting off whatever is it that I’m walking towards. It’s a shiny rock, and a fairly large one at that. And since my family has been in the jewelry business for many years, I could almost immediately recognize that it was a large diamond. Fortunes have found their way to me this day. With my rock climbing tools I was able to chip away and large portions of the diamond, taking them back with me and forging them into beautiful custom designed jewelry in Riverside. My family is so proud of me.

‘Pieces of sky.’ That’s how turquoise was called by some Native American tribes. Indeed, it requires no great stretch of the imagination to understand why turquoise was referred to as such. Just as the heavens could be a peaceful or stormy blue, so could turquoise seem to express different moods with its different shades of blue and green. Wearing pieces of sky in a turquoise necklace is a provocative and attractive idea.

Known as the birthstone of December, turquoise can be opaque or translucent, and a turquoise necklace made of beads conveys an iridescent, whimsical effect. Some jewelry designers set their turquoise necklaces in platinum, silver, or gold; at times, they use other gemstones in conjunction with turquoise for a complementary, enhancing effect. Chokers or neckbands decorated with turquoise are also popular as fashion accessories.

Necklaces made from Persian or Iranian turquoise are the most expensive, since this variety of turquoise is considered to be of the highest quality. However, less expensive varieties are available from Mexican, Chinese, Egyptian and American sources. Turquoise necklaces are popular items in Native American and Southern jewelry collections, but by and large, they have found their way into mainstream culture. They are perfect for casual wear, especially during summer, but can also be worn combined with other jewels for more formal occasions. Socialite Nicky Hilton, country singer Lari White and actress Ali Landry are some of the celebrities who have been photographed wearing turquoise necklaces.

According to gemologists, turquoise is believed by people of different cultures to have healing, protective, and restorative powers. Folklore also tells us that turquoise would fade or change color when the wearer was in danger or if a lover had been unfaithful. Whether a person believes in such tales or not, the fact remains that a turquoise necklace and other pieces of turquoise jewelry are not only fashionable and beautiful dress accessories, they have also played a major role in the shaping of various cultures as well.

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.