jewelry – Indian sculptures

Are you on the lookout to buy turquoise jewelry online? You are likely to be joined by a large number of women favoring this rare gem.

The birth stone of Sagittarius, turquoise is a bluish-green opaque mineral, considered valuable and precious. Immensely popular with jewelry makers worldwide, the gemstone is typically set in silver or white gold, highlighting its brilliant blue color. It is often coveted by light eyed woman as it brings out the blue in their eyes.

When you chose to buy turquoise jewelry online, you are typically assured of a dazzling gem, considered a symbol of both passion and mysticism. In many cultures, this delightful gem is also revered as “holy”, blessed with healing and spiritual properties. There are several who believe that the jewel changes color based on the wearer’s health, protecting him or her from external harm.

If you want to buy turquoise jewelry online, you will come across a range of pieces using the opulent gem – art pieces, pendants, necklaces, rings, earrings, toe-rings, bracelets and charms. The stone is relatively soft, making it easy to work with, and the preferred stone in Middle Eastern countries as the choice of gem to craft delicate, designer pieces.

Here are some quick facts about this exquisite gem.

Turquoise is an old mineral, its earliest use traced to as far back as 3000 BC. There were several rare pieces found in Egyptian, Persian and ancient North American cultures.
Turquoise – meaning “Turkish stone” in French, was first brought and introduced to the European market from Turkey. Hence it’s unusual name.
Often picked for its bright blue hue, its actual color can range from grayish-green to a brilliant copper-sulphate blue. The spectacular gem is also ingrained with natural patterns, carrying hints of black, grey and brown. This makes each piece unique and exclusive.

Types of turquoise you can consider, when you decide to buy turquoise jewelry onlineinclude.

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise – Mined from Arizona, these are the most precious of turquoise gems. These come in brilliant hues of vivid blue.
Stabilized Turquoise – These are the ones most commonly used in designer jewelry. These have a nice “matrix”, and are treated for enhanced hardness and color.
Chalk Turquoise – These come from China, and are dyed in various colors – blues, greens – even pinks, and have softened edges.
Yellow Turquoise – These come in earthy colors and have varying shades of brown, green and gold.

Imitation versions:

African Turquoise – These are not the natural gems, and used for imitation jewelry.
White Turquoise – This is actually the “magnesite” version, with a creamy white surface and a brilliant brown or black matrix, shining to perfection. These are also referred to as Turkish turquoise that can be dyed in various colors and used for imitation jewelry.
Howlite and mountain jade – As you might have guessed, this is another affordable imitation of the rare gem.

Before you buy Turquoise jewelry online, ensure to check sample pieces or enlarged pictures of the originals for vividness of color and uniformity of the matrix. If it is indeed a precious and rare gem, the stone will be treated to showcase this.

It is considered that Buddhist jewelry gives the wearer a sense of liveliness, happiness and insight into one’s true nature. There is a wide variety of Buddhist jewelry each with its own uniqueness. Buddhist jewelry is usually made of silver and copper although in some cases gold is also used. The eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, translated from the Sanskrit ‘Ashtamangala’, are very popular in Tibet and are used for Buddhist jewelry.

Buddha was mostly represented by the Eight-Spoked Wheel and the Bodhi Tree. Other signs were also used in representing him like Buddha’s Footprints, an Empty Throne, a Begging Bowl and a Lion.

The eight auspicious symbols are, however, the following: the Umbrella or parasol, the Golden Fish, the Treasure Vase, the Lotus, the Conch, the Endless Knot, the Victory Banner and the Dharma-Wheel (Dharmachackra). Each of the eight symbols represents one aspect of the teachings of Buddha. Let’s take a look at the significance of each symbol.

The Umbrella or Parasol

The parasol is said to cast a shadow of protection. Just a parasol casts a shadow to protect the bearer from the heat of the sun, the symbolic parasol casts a shadow that protects the bearer from the heat of spiritual suffering. In Tibet, the parasol is associated with royalty. It is a symbol of wealth.

Two Golden Fishes

The two golden fishes are usually depicted standing vertically on their tails with their heads curved toward each other. They represent the two great rivers of India, the Ganga and Yamuna. In Buddhism, these two fishes represent happiness because they have complete freedom in the water.

The Endless Knot

The endless knot represents a series of right angles and intertwined lines with no beginning and no end. It is often related to the endless wisdom of Buddha and is also significant for the interaction of opposing forces leading to their union and harmony in the universe.

The Lotus

As it grows, the lotus rises out of the mud at the bottom of the pond, passes through the water, and rises above the water to bloom. This shows how peace and serenity can be found in any type of environment. The water’s filth represents the evil present in the world.

The Victory Banner

This symbol stands for Buddha’s victory over the universe and his subsequent enlightenment.

The Conch

The conch is a symbol of power and authority. The shell is used as a horn in religious ceremonies to frighten away and banish evil spirits. It stands as a symbol of teachings of Buddha being spread to the world.

The Treasure Vase

The top of the treasure vase has been topped with a jewel symbolizing the fact that it contains treasure. The vase is said to have an endless supply of whatever is stored inside.

The Dharma Wheel

The wheel comes in three parts, the hub which stands for moral discipline, the spokes which are usually 8 in number representing the correct application of wisdom, and the rim which represents concentration.

For those who want to buy authentic Buddhist jewelry at competitive prices, the best way is to make the purchase online. There are many reputed online stores that offer a wide selection of Buddhist jewelry items at reasonable prices. Other than jewelry, they also offer Buddha statues , other religious sculptures, religious books, paintings and much more.