Few gemstones have travelled across cultures, centuries and continents quite like turquoise. With its unmistakable blue and green hues, this ancient gem has been treasured for over 7,000 years — admired not only for its colour, but for its spiritual, protective and romantic symbolism. Today, turquoise remains one of December’s traditional birthstones, and features beautifully in many antique and vintage rings, especially those influenced by Georgian and Victorian designs.
What Is Turquoise?
Turquoise is an opaque gem ranging from bright sky blue to soft green, often displaying attractive matrix patterns. It forms in arid regions where copper, aluminium and minerals react within rock cavities. Historically, some of the finest turquoise came from Persia (modern-day Iran), Egypt, Tibet and the American Southwest.
How Was Turquoise Used in the Ancient World?
Turquoise is one of humanity’s oldest decorative materials. It appears in early civilisations across the world:
- Ancient Egypt: Pharaohs adorned their jewellery, crowns and burial treasures with turquoise. Tutankhamun’s gold mask famously features turquoise inlays symbolising protection and rebirth.
- Persia: Ancient Persians revered turquoise as a sacred stone. Poets compared its colour to “the blue of a robin’s egg kissed by heaven.”
- Mesoamerica: The Aztecs crafted turquoise mosaics, masks and ceremonial objects. Montezuma’s turquoise serpent mosaic remains a highlight of the British Museum.
Across these cultures, turquoise was linked to spirituality, status and protection — themes that resurfaced throughout later jewellery history.
What Did Turquoise Symbolise in History?
Turquoise carries some of the richest symbolism of any gemstone. Across centuries, it has been associated with:
- Protection: In Persia and Arabia, travellers and horse riders wore turquoise to guard against accidents. The stone was believed to absorb danger on behalf of its wearer.
- Love and Fidelity: A Persian tradition described turquoise as “the stone of faithful hearts,” making it a beloved gem for romantic jewellery.
- Good Fortune: In medieval Europe, turquoise was seen as a lucky charm and was frequently exchanged as a token of affection.
- Healing and Balance: Many cultures believed turquoise stabilised emotions and brought calm to the mind.
One old Persian proverb states: “Given by a true friend, turquoise banishes all evil.”
Turquoise as a December Birthstone
Turquoise is one of the traditional December birthstones, alongside tanzanite and zircon. For centuries, it has been gifted to those born in December as a symbol of good fortune, protection and prosperity. During the Victorian era, turquoise became a popular winter gift — its cool blue tones reflecting the season and its symbolism aligning with themes of love and remembrance.
This makes antique turquoise rings especially meaningful as birthday or Christmas presents for December-born loved ones.
Turquoise in Georgian and Victorian Jewellery
Turquoise enjoyed immense popularity during the Georgian and Victorian eras — periods highly represented in today’s antique jewellery market.
Georgian rings often showcased turquoise cabochons arranged in clusters or floral designs. Foiled-back settings enhanced their glowing colour.
Victorian jewellers adored turquoise for its sentimental symbolism. It appeared in:
- Forget-me-not rings and brooches
- Serpent rings (Queen Victoria owned a turquoise-set serpent ring early in her marriage)
- Acrostic jewellery spelling “DEAREST” or “REGARD”
- Mourning jewellery as a symbol of remembrance
To the Victorians, turquoise represented devotion, constancy, and lasting affection — perfect for keepsakes and romantic gifts.
Famous Historical References to Turquoise
Writers, explorers and scholars across history have praised turquoise:
- Marco Polo marvelled at Persian turquoise mines, calling the stones “clearer than a cloudless sky.”
- Pliny the Elder described turquoise as a protective gem in Natural History.
- An 1851 issue of the Illustrated London News described turquoise as “the emblem of warm affection.”
Such accounts helped cement its status as one of the world’s most meaningful gemstones.
Why Turquoise Appears So Often in Antique and Vintage Rings
Turquoise was abundant, meaningful and visually striking — a natural choice for sentimental jewellery. Its soft, glowing colour pairs beautifully with yellow gold, especially the 9ct, 15ct and 18ct alloys common in the 19th century.
Despite being a softer gemstone, many early pieces have survived with remarkable beauty thanks to careful craftsmanship and proper care.
The Enduring Appeal of Turquoise
Today, turquoise remains beloved for its symbolism, history and vibrant colour. Whether worn as a December birthstone, a love token, or a protective charm, turquoise jewellery carries centuries of meaning.
An antique turquoise ring is more than a decorative piece — it is a connection to ancient belief, Victorian romance, and personal sentiment. No other gem quite captures history and emotion in the same way.