About Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise, with its vibrant blue-green hues, has been a cherished gemstone for centuries. In vintage jewelry design, turquoise holds a special place. The name “turquoise” came from the French pierre tourques and translates as a “Turkish stone.” The mineral was first transported to the west through Turkey from mines in the historical Khorasan province of Iran (Persia) and Afghanistan. Pre-Columbian Native Americans mined the stone throughout nowadays. In all these cultures turquoise was considered as a protective stone for warriors and symbolized the connection to heaven.
In the 17th century wearing turquoise jewelry was a must for a well-dressed gentleman. The stone was popular to the point when all of the emeralds in the crown that Napoleon I gave Empress Marie Louise were replaced with Persian turquoise cabochons. Today Persian turquoise is beloved by jewelry aficionados for its warm, calming color. It may vary from sky-blue to green. As to the dark veins, it depends on your preferences and a certain piece. Some jewelry collectors prefer turquoise with a web pattern of matrix as it adds character to a piece.
The versatility of turquoise allows it to be used into various designs. Smooth cabochon cut turquoise is a common choice for vintage jewelry. Beadwork is also a popular technique that showcases turquoise's unique color. Turquoise is often associated with the American Southwest, where Native American artisans have been using the stone for centuries. Vintage turquoise jewelry, influenced by Native American craftsmanship, often features silverwork, geometric patterns, and symbolic motifs.
About Architectural Jewelry
The intersection of architecture and jewelry design has resulted in the creation of one-of-a-kind pieces. Architectural elements in jewelry making draw inspiration from the structural principles and motifs found in urban landscapes.
Incorporating elements like arches and columns from classical architecture, brings a timeless elegance to jewelry. For instance, columns can be echoed in the vertical arrangements of gemstones and metalwork. The use of negative space, a fundamental concept in architecture, is another intriguing element in jewelry design. Openwork and cutout patterns create voids that contribute to a sense of airiness.
Modern and contemporary architecture, with its emphasis on sleek lines and geometric shapes, has also influenced jewelry design. Angular forms and minimalist structures find their way into avant-garde pieces.
By applying architectural elements, jewelers express artistic visions and narratives. Whether recreating the greatness of historical buildings or embracing the sleek lines of contemporary structures, these designs embody the connection between two disciplines that create objects of beauty.
