The Making of Silver Turquoise Earrings
One thing that many may not have known about turquoise is that it is not a stone so much as technically considered a gem. The way that it forms in its crystallization process is evident of this. It can also be considered more of a metal such as copper because of how much it is related to it in substance however because of its density and beauty, it is much better if it is presented ahead of the object that holds it into place. To look at the existence of silver turquoise earrings, it is important to look at its history in the making.
Throughout the world in especially arid conditions, a form of high-temperature oxidation produces turquoise. This especially happens on the surfaces of pre-existing materials such as copper or iron. Turquoise varies in color, because of the mixture that is associated with the other materials near it. This makes them either more of a greenish-yellow or leaning more towards a blue. This also determines its value.
Since the early age, silver turquoise earrings have been present, adorning the bodies of leaders, royalty, and ceremonial procedures, which are still practiced today. The process that is involved in forging these objects has had to evolve over long periods, through the influence of other cultures and their techniques. Where they are able to mine, form shapes, and forge metals to form around the gem.
Silver Turquoise Earrings in Native American Culture
Turquoise dominates Southwestern Native American culture. Research and recovered pieces have shown that the relationship between tribes throughout the Americas was essential in the trade and development of jewelry such as silver turquoise earrings, which are seen in Aztec, Mayan and Incan cultures. For the South American Indian, their cultural artifacts were no longer developing after their downfall but did continue in Native American culture.
The influence of the Spanish into North America had a very important involvement in the making of silver turquoise earrings. The Indians learned how to be silversmiths, which redirected how they designed their pieces. The mining sources remained around the California, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada areas. It was not until the mid-1800s and into the twentieth century that mass production began to focus on these mines while obtaining other valued elements with the turquoise.
For Native American culture, silver turquoise earrings are also significant in engagements, ceremonies, and special celebratory functions as it relates to each tribe. The beauty of the gem has usually held some reference to the sky, but the connection to the earth and the spirit has been most important. Silver turquoise earrings are also significant with a positive outlook on the future.
Silver Turquoise Earrings Today
Silver turquoise earrings are somewhat difficult to find in major jewelry stores like the kind found in outlets or malls. Many of these are either custom made for the person either through a dealer or through an artist. Silver turquoise earrings are found in jewelry locations that specialize in unique pieces, and many will be mixed with other things such as diamonds, or various stones.
The value of many silver turquoise earrings is increased, especially with Native American pieces. They are not in production very much and any silver turquoise earrings that were made from tribes in the past either are in museums or protected by families as a connection to their ancestry.
Silver turquoise earrings have an aesthetic quality to them unlike any other. Wearing silver turquoise earrings shows a unique side to others who can appreciate the beauty in its natural formation. Silver turquoise earrings are a rare thing, indeed.