Persian Turquoise - Oval Cabochon - 6.25ct

Persian turquoise has a long and ancient storied history dating to around 4000 BC. It is believed that turquoise mining started in northern Iran at the mines of Neyshapur which are today still being worked today. Persian turquoise has gained a reputation of being among the finest, if not the finest turquoise in the world. Turquoise jewellery has been found in the regions and ruins of ancient civilisations as it traveled on overland trade routes that existed between Iran, Iraq (Sumeria), Turkey, Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, Afghanistan and China. It was traded throughout the known world and greatly revered, always being set in various and beautiful ornamental and jewellery styles.

Over time the Persians also introduced and developed unique aspects of how turquoise was evaluated and cut, highly prizing stones for their clarity, cutting the cabochons so that no signs of the host rock or other impurities would be visible once set, so that just the deep blue hues could be seen. Because of this it is rare to get turquoise cabs of high clarity bigger than a small coin. Today, Persian turquoise is still rare in fine qualities and highly desired.

This fine Persian turquoise oval cabochon is one of a suite of gems and together make a rare offering. The gem faces up ideal with a solid deep sky-blue hue and is much nicer than the pics suggest. It is a beautiful turquoise gem when viewed in the hand. It is perfectly sized and shaped for any jewellery setting.

The underside has some rudimentary backing applied but it will not be visible once set.

• #213231

• Persian Blue Turquoise

• Iran

• Oval Cabochon

• None/Backed

• Opaque

• 6.25 Carats

• 12.5x9.7x7.2mm