Metal: 14K Gold

Stone: Turquoise

Size: 8.5

What You Should Know: A spectacular example of late Victorian Jewelry. Turquoise is well matched. Fully hallmarked.

*This Ring Can Be Resized.

Turquoise was a beloved and highly valued stone throughout the Victorian Era.

Pure blue turquoise is rare, as the majority of turquoise exhibits dark veins that extend throughout its facade like spidery veins. Victorians preferred the rare version, without veins, that boasted a consistent sky blue color.

Turquoise was introduced to Europe back in the 16th century; its name in French means "Turkish stone.” The French didn’t look farther back than the busy bazaars of Istanbul where they bought their turquoise, but the highest quality gems actually came from northeast Iran. 

The rarity and value of pure blue turquoise meant it was highly favored by royalty. Queen Victoria gave each of her 12 bridesmaid’s an eagle pendant of turquoise. The crown that Napoleon I gave his Empress included Persian turquoise cabochon stones; they replaced all of the crown’s original 79 emeralds.

This sophisticated half loop has fancy shoulders and perfectly coordinated turquoise. She shows exactly why the Victorians were beyond obsessed with this entrancing stone.