Persian Turquoise

Persian turquoise, sourced from various mines in modern-day Iran, is renowned for its stunning color variations. Many of these mines are located near Nishapur, which is about 225 miles east of the southern Caspian Sea and historically situated along ancient caravan routes. Evidence indicates that these mines have been worked since at least the 10th century, with some sites possibly being exploited as far back as 2100 B.C.

The most prized Persian turquoise stones are those that are bright blue and free of any matrix. One of the oldest known pieces of jewelry, a turquoise bracelet made from Persian turquoise, was found on the mummified wrist of Queen Nor of ancient Egypt, highlighting the long history and significance of this gemstone.

A notable source of Persian turquoise sold by Silver Sun comes from a mine located at the intersection of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran, which has since flooded. Fourteen years ago, a collector reached out to share a remarkable stash of about 80 pounds of turquoise. After consulting with a top stonecutter, they selected around 40 pounds of gently clear blue rough turquoise, reminiscent of the Victorian era’s preferred Persian stones.

This recent find is particularly interesting because it comes from a location near the ancient mines utilized by Egyptians, suggesting a shared geological history. While earlier finds were characterized by a bright blue hue, later discoveries from this mine included deep green, very hard turquoise.

Overall, Persian turquoise remains highly valued for its beauty and historical significance, with ongoing interest in new finds that continue to capture the fascination of collectors and artisans alike.