Currently All David Rosales Jewelry Requires 6 Weeks To Make
From the sands of the Sinai Peninsula comes a gem as captivating as Egypt itself—Egyptian turquoise. Revered for thousands of years for its vibrant color and unique history, Egyptian turquoise continues to capture imaginations just as it did in the days of the Pharaohs.
You can find a selection of Egyptian turquoise jewelry at Stagecoach. Most of this selection is handmade by Gary Glandon, who picks each individual stone to ensure quality and beauty. Stagecoach will never have a large selection of this jewelry due to the rarity of this material and the difficulties of getting in the United States. You can shop our current selection of Egyptian Turquoise Jewelry here.
Egyptian turquoise is celebrated for its distinctive shades of blue. These stones often display a deeper, richer color palette ranging from soft sky blues to deep, mesmerizing teal hues. The color tends to be consistent, with little to no change in color in any single stone. Egyptian turquoise commonly features subtle veins and webbing patterns in brown or black, adding depth and individuality to each stone. Some stones will have only one or two lines while others may pack a dense matrix. The veins provide great contrast in these stones. These intricate patterns contribute to its charm, making every piece a one-of-a-kind treasure.
Egyptian Turquoise Bracelet by Gary Glandon
Today, genuine Egyptian turquoise is mined in the exact locations where it was first extracted thousands of years ago—the Sinai Peninsula. This area is located in the northeastern corner of Egypt, bordering modern day Israel and is the only section of the country located on the continent of Asia. In ancient times the Sinai Peninsula was called Khetiu Mafkat, which translated to "Ladders of Turquoise." The mining continuity links modern collectors directly to ancient Egypt, creating a tangible connection to history. Nestled amidst rugged, rocky mountains, the mines in the Sinai have been a source of turquoise since as early as 3000 BCE, a testament to their enduring appeal. In fact, this is one of the oldest turquoise mines in the world, giving humans some of their first glimpses at this beautiful stone.
Ancient Egyptians revered turquoise as a sacred stone, embedding it deeply into their culture, spirituality, and daily lives. Pharaohs and high-ranking officials wore turquoise as a powerful talisman, symbolizing protection, wisdom, and status. It adorned the elaborate necklaces, bracelets, and crowns worn by royalty, reflecting their divine connection and authority. Archeologists have found turquoise beads that were crafted for use in necklaces. These were even used in elaborate collars called Usekh which sometimes involved hundreds of beads.
Turquoise wasn't reserved solely for jewelry. Its spiritual significance was profound—turquoise was often carved into amulets and small figurines, intended to protect the wearer from harm or ill fortune. Artisans frequently crafted intricate inlays using turquoise, adorning ceremonial objects, furniture, and burial items. It was even cared into small scarab beetle figurines that were meant to protect the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
Jewelry was often made from gold that was acquired from a region south of Egypt called Nubia. The Egyptian word for gold is nub which is how this region got its name. The most famous example of turquoise and gold is King Tutankhamun's burial mask that was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. This iconic mask is inlaid with turquoise and various other stones along with gold accents over copper. This mask underscores the gem's eternal significance. When it was discovered, the mask of King Tutankhamun captivated the world and today is one of the most prominent symbols of ancient Egypt.
King Tutankhamun's Mask Inlaid with Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Quartz, and Other Stones.
The extraction methods employed by ancient Egyptians were remarkable given the period's technological limitations. Miners laboriously chipped turquoise from rocks using simple copper and bronze tools, often under harsh desert conditions. The climate in the Sinai Peninsula is typically mild, but has a great range of temperatures, both hot and cold. The region is dry, rocky, and mountainous, making traversing the landscape challenging. This painstaking effort underscores the immense value the ancient Egyptians placed on turquoise. The remoteness of these mines only amplified turquoise's exclusivity, further enhancing its worth and desirability.
Egyptian Turquoise Cabochons
Egyptian turquoise stands apart not just because of its stunning colors and intricate patterns but because of its remarkable historical significance and rarity. Owning Egyptian turquoise is like owning a tangible piece of history, a gem that has maintained its allure from the grandeur of ancient Egypt to today's modern jewelry collections.
Owning Egyptian turquoise today helps us form a link to one of the world's most fascinating ancient civilizations.
Stagecoach carries only genuine Egyptian turquoise jewelry. While some pieces may be Native American made, most are handmade by Gary Glandon right here. You can shop our Gary Glandon Handmade Jewelry here.
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Jan Miller
April 18, 2025
Great article!
Gary, your work is outstanding,,,,,wearable art for sure.