Inlaid Turquoise Turtle Silver French Hook Earrings
The Turtle is the symbol for long life. These earrings are true beauties. They feature a variety of brilliant colors with hand cut pieces of Turquoise, Coral, Malachite, Lapis, Sugilite, and Jet (all block). These gemstones have been inlaid together creating a traditional design on the back shell of the carved Jet turtle figures. These earrings hang from their Silver French Hooks at a length of 1-1/2". Imported.
In Indian folklore it is said that there was once a chief with turquoise colored skin. One day he was running from his enemies in the hot desert. Whenever he stopped to rest, his perspiration ran onto the ground, collected in rocks and became turquoise.
CORAL, produced by tiny marine animals, is usually obtained from the Mediterranean Sea. Coral is available in a variety of colors. Native Americans have prized this gem for over 4 centuries. Red coral, sometimes called "precious coral," was believed to change color according to one's health, but only if the stone was not fashioned by man. Strings of coral were considered a gift of royal proportion in parts of Africa; the ancient Romans touted its curative powers.
MALACHITE comes from copper ore, thus exuding a green appearance. Its origin dates back to ancient Egypt, and, as with several other precious stones, was believed to possess magical powers. It has been found in Zaire, France, England, Rhodesia, New Mexico, and Arizona. It is rare and highly esteemed by mineral collectors. Malachite is used for making beads, carved figurines, and cabochons (cut stones). However, larger quantities have been used in certain palace walls and buildings in Russia.
