Welcome to December and its birthstone, the turquoise.
Turquoise has been mined for some 5,000 years and has had the reputation for being a holy or lucky gemstone. Mines are found in Persia, the Sinai Peninsula, Mexico and the American Southwest. Egyptians are known to have buried their dead with carved turquoise talismans and there are references in Exodus to the High Priest’s turquoise-encrusted breastplate. In the New World, archeologists have found ancient turquoise artifacts of the Zuni, Pueblo, Aztec and Mayans.
The cufflinks above, made in late-Nineteenth Century Victorian England, are paved with turquoise cabochons. Please click on the photo above to learn more about them.
From the 5th to 23rd of December, LEO Design will be open daily from Noon ’til 10:00 pm.
See new merchandise first! Follow us on Instagram: “leodesignhandsomegifts”