Why Turquoise Is The Ultimate Summer Gemstone

The power of jewelry to transport us is inescapable. We stare into the depths of an opulent stone and – whether it’s a verdant emerald, an ocean-blue sapphire or a honeyed citrine – it’s impossible not to be reminded of the exotic location where it might have been sourced. There is one gemstone, however, that hails from many parts of the globe and embodies summer spirit the world over – and that stone is turquoise.

Turquoise has a rich and varied history and – although considered a poorer cousin of the diamond, ruby, emerald or sapphire – has been used for jewelry and revered adornment by myriad cultures for thousands of years. Perhaps the most famous example is the burial mask of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun, where it was chosen for its amuletic connotations and as a signifier of good fortune. In ancient Persia, the gem was also selected to cover the domes of palaces because its remarkable blue hue symbolized heaven on earth.

Today, turquoise’s unique vivacity is still admired the world over. “Turquoise is such a happy color,” says Kim Carosella, co-founder of Sorellina. “We have always been drawn to turquoise because the color reminds us of the ocean in Italy,” adds her sister and co-founder Nicole. “Our family is from Sorrento and we visit every summer, so turquoise takes us back there whenever we are away.” The New York-based brand’s ‘Sole’ necklace is a tribute to this happy-go-lucky vibe, with a tactile turquoise charm adorned with a gleaming gold sun motif that represents happiness, joy, optimism and success. Slip it into an edit of everyday gold chains to instantly update your #neckmess for summer.

There is often a great sense of nostalgia where turquoise is concerned, too. “I first learned about turquoise on a road trip to Arizona with my dad when I was a little girl,” says designer Emily P. Wheeler. “In the US, a lot of turquoise is mined in the southwestern states, so I suppose it feels nostalgic to me because of that,” she adds. Wheeler explains how she fell in love with Navajo and Zuni turquoise jewelry as a child, and now uses many different types of turquoise in her collections. Combining turquoise with purple spinel is perhaps one of her most beguiling ideas, a design concept that is showcased in her unique ‘Chubby’ ring. Now boasting a cult following, each ring features a mix of carved and faceted stones in striking color combinations to create the ultimate cocktail ring.

Kirsty Stone of Retrouvaí has been similarly inspired to harness the bold energy of turquoise, selecting the semi-precious stone for her ‘Yin Yang’ designs, which are punctuated with diamond accents. Stone’s LA-based brand also has an ardent fan base, and her interpretation of colored gem pairings, along with chunky, contemporary settings in 14-karat gold, have made the label a go-to for those seeking jewels that effortlessly exude unadulterated glamour. Stone admires turquoise as an all-year-round option, but also acknowledges its unique suitability for summer styling. “There’s nothing more mesmerizing than the opaque blue of turquoise against pink summer sunsets,” she explains. Enhanced by its idiosyncrasies, like its natural veining and flecks, Stone believes turquoise suits all skin tones and is packed with personality – “It’s something turquoise has in spades.”

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