Qualities of Stones Used In Istanbul Jewelry

There are many wonderful things that have originated in Turkey, with amazing food, clothing, and spices. One thing that certainly shouldn’t be overlooked is the stunning Istanbul jewelry that can be found in the shops and bazaars in the City.

Featuring some of the most spectacular precious and semi-precious stones, they have an allure all of their own and a style that grabs the attention of all who witness them. In this blog, we take a closer look at the fabulous stones found in Turkish jewelry.

There’s more than a little old-world sophistication in the delightful jewelry pieces that come from Turkey’s capital, which is perhaps due to the time-honored, classic stones they contain. Let’s have a look at some of the most magical examples now.

Golden Quartz

Commonly found in Istanbul jewelry is golden quartz. As a member of the quartz family, it has the same beautiful qualities possessed by other varieties, with stunning colors and shades running all the way through. It’s a stone that has been used throughout the centuries in the region, with many believing it to have spiritual qualities.

Among the qualities believed to be bestowed upon the wearer of this golden-colored stone are healing, cleansing, protection, and energizing, so it would seem that its beauty may very well be more than just superficial.

Turquoise

One of the most striking and intriguing-looking minerals used in Istanbul jewelry is turquoise. Turquoise is something that naturally catches the eye. This unique coloring is thanks to the hydrated phosphate, aluminum, and copper that it contains, and a stone that’s coveted since the days of the Egyptian pharaohs - who revered it greatly.

The stone was also highly regarded by the ancient Greeks in Callais and by the Aztecs in Chalchihuitl. The name ‘Turquoise’ is derived from the word Turkish, which came from the time when the mineral was first distributed across Europe.

Agate

While it didn’t have the same royal approval as Turquoise, our next stone is no less gorgeous when worn in Istanbul jewelry. Creation in the heat and tumult of volcanic eruptions, agate is a common rock formation that comes in a wide array of colors.

It has been worn since ancient Greece when warriors wore it as a lucky charm. Whether in necklaces, bracelets, or rings, agate offers a beautiful and timeless look.

Pearl

Given its name by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus, after he found one on the shoreline of the Dirillo River, pearls are synonymous around the world with opulence and decadence. Unlike semi-precious stones, pearls have an organic origin, coming from the shells of mussels and oysters.

Interestingly, these crustaceans create pearls as a natural defense against anything coming in. For centuries pearls have been valued just as highly as many types of gemstone, and they look simply fabulous when set into any Istanbul jewelry.

Onyx

In geological makeup, onyx is similar to agate, but its coloring is much, much darker. Onyx is usually a mixture of whites and blacks. As a result of the white color formations within the stone commonly having the appearance of a fingernail, the word onyx was given as its name - one that translates into Greek as…you guessed it...fingernail.

It continues to be a popular stone in the modern-day, which is hard to argue with when you see onyx-laden jewelry for sale. Simply stunning.

Moonstone

Last on our list of stones used in Istanbul jewelry is the moonstone, characterized by its pearly coloring and smooth texture. Moonstone presents an outer sheen that causes light to behave differently when passing through, giving it a quite mystical quality.

It has a very long and distinguished past, with the Romans believing it to be solidified moon rays and linked spiritually to their God of the Moon, Luna. Again, when set into intricate and elegant Turkish jewelry, it offers a mystique and feels that oozes style and sophistication.

Obtain Some of This Culture & Heritage For Your Collection

This is far from being a definitive list of the sumptuous stones that are used in Istanbul jewelry, but we think you’ll agree that it’s quite evident why pieces from this part of the world are as sought-after as they are.

Browse through the products in the Little Istanbul shop and you’ll see a range of stunning examples of what we’re talking about. We’ve got some absolutely mesmerizing items for you to enjoy.

Turkey, a country that many believe to be the gateway between the West and the East, is a country with unparalleled heritage and history and this shines through in the jewelry that the region produces. Buy some for your collection and you’re literally wearing aeons of culture in every one.