Turquoise

While often associated with summer and mediterranean seas, turquoise is actually one of the many birthstones for those born in winter. As November draws to a close, we are starting to look towards Christmas and for those looking to get gifts for loved ones with birthdays around this time of year it can be tricky! Luckily, in our November 26th Auction, we have a variety of turquoise lots which are perfect to get ahead of the curve and have a December birthstone gift prepared!

Turquoise has a history of use that dates back more than 4,000 years. It is a relatively soft stone, rating a 5-6 on the Mohs scale - making it perfect for carving! Archaeologists have found Chinese carvings from more than 3,000 years ago, as well as discovering turquoise jewellery worn by rulers in Ancient Egypt (it was found on the funeral mask of Tutankhamun!). While carvings are usually on a relatively small scale when in jewellery, one of my favourite carvings using turquoise can be found in The Met and is known as ‘William’, a 20cm long hippopotamus from Ancient Egypt circa 1961–1878 B.C. It is amazing how varied this stone can be!

In Native American culture, turquoise is sacred and has many uses. In a spiritual sense, Native Americans believe that their deities live in homes made out of turquoise, and even their weapons are said to be made  of the stone. The Apache tribe believe that attaching turquoise to weapons while hunting would improve accuracy and provide you with success.

The name ‘Turquoise’ is somewhat misleading. Coming from the French phrase ‘pierre tourques’ or ‘Turkish Stone’, this implies that the stone itself comes from Turkey, however, there are no major turquoise deposits there. It is more likely that the term comes from those who were trading the stone, and it was first brought to Europe by Turkish merchants.

While turquoise does not sparkle in the same way as diamonds or rubies, it makes up for this through its vibrant colour. The colour of turquoise can range from different shades of green to vivid blues so there will always be a colour to suit what you are looking for. The most sought after shade. It has been sported on celebrities throughout the years on various red carpets and most recently was seen on Shaboozey at the 2025 Met Gala who wore a turquoise and diamond grill, as well as rows of turquoise and jet beads over his suit!

Whether you’re looking for a ring, bracelet, earrings, or even loose stones, we have it here at O’Reilly’s!

Lot 77: AN EDWARDIAN TURQUOISE DIAMOND AND PEARL FLORAL PENDANT, in 15ct gold, with brooch fitting €300 - 500

Lot 97:  SIX LOOSE STONES, including opal, turquoise, ametrine etc, various shapes & sizes €150 - 200

Lot 68: AN ANTIQUE TURQUOISE AND ROSE CUT SET DIAMOND BANGLE, mounted in 9ct gold, 12.6 g. €400 - 600

Lot 407: AN EMERALD AND TURQUOISE RING, mounted in 14ct yellow gold, size N €450 - 650

Lot 59: A PAIR OF TURQUOISE, QUARTZ AND DIAMOND DROP EARRINGS, mounted in silver gilt €180 - 220

Lot 99: A VINTAGE PAVÉ SET TURQUOISE CLUSTER RING, mounted in gold, size L-M €200 - 300

Lot 78: AN ANTIQUE TURQUOISE AND DIAMOND CLUSTER RING, mounted in platinum. Estimated: weight of diamonds: 0.90 ct, size O €600 - 800

Lot 98: AN 18CT GOLD AND TURQUOISE SET BRACELET, x shaped links to beaded turquoise €200 - 300

Lot 194: A TURQUOISE AND PEARL BRACELET, to an 18ct yellow gold clasp €100 - 200

Lot 244: A VINTAGE PEARL AND TURQUOISE PENDANT, in the form of a spider, stamped 15ct gold, on a 14ct gold chain, 14 g. €400 - 500