Turquoise is one of my favorite stones. I think it’s always pretty, and you see it in variety of colors and styles. It’s always been used in jewelry, going back to ancient Egypt. It was all over the place in King Tut’s tomb. And 7,000 years ago, it was considered a sacred stone with mystical powers.

Today, it still has people who consider it a stone of protection with healing properties. Regardless, I’m a fan. Let me share six of the reasons why it’s a big part of my jewelry box.

1. Everyday pieces or make a statement

Turquoise is something that can easily be your everyday jewelry. Your go-to pieces. Whether it’s earrings or bracelets, big and chunky or small and delicate, you really can’t go wrong.

If you want to up your jewelry game, choose a big statement necklace. The one below is only $20,000.

You can also make a statement pairing turquoise with other gems, like amethyst or coral. Below are two beautiful pieces from Kenneth Jay Lane.

2. It’s a Hollywood staple

Turquoise shows up on the red carpet. My absolute favorite showcasing of turquoise came from Helen Mirren. At the 2019 premiere for the Catherine the Great miniseries, she came decked out in literally thousands of dollars of turquoise jewelry. And best of all, wearing one of my favorite designers, David Webb. And her dress was turquoise too! Primo!

Of course, many more celebrities walk the red carpet with turquoise. Like the lovely ladies below.

And just because I fantasize about owning a David Webb piece one day, here’s some of his current offerings featuring turquoise.

3. It goes well with either gold or silver.

Southwestern jewelry and fashion pieces are usually set in silver. However, high end designers tend to favor gold. I do think the gold looks a bit more upscale. The necklace below by Bulgari is a good example of this.

4. A royal history

Turquoise, especially the shiny, deep blue color kind, has always been popular among the elite of society – be it royalty or just the incredibly wealthy. Below is the Teck Turquoise tiara. Crafted in the 1850’s it’s part of a set featuring Persian turquoise. It’s made it’s way through four generations of the British Royal Family, and is now owned by the Duchess of Gloucester.

Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Post cereal fortune, accomplished businesswoman, and amazing jewelry collector in her own right, owned an exceptional suite of turquoise jewelry.

Before it came into her possession, it had been a gift to Napoleon’s second wife, Marie Louise. Of course, the turquoise is surrounded by gobs and gobs of glittery diamonds.

5. It’s an American gemstone.

Nothing symbolizes the American West like silver turquoise jewelry. Besides all the incredibly talented Native American designers that produce such unique pieces, there is also the Sleeping Beauty Mine. Located in Arizona, it produced the most beautiful robins-egg blue turquoise in the world for years and years.

In Native American cultures, turquoise is revered. It represents the union of sky and water. The Southwestern tribes, like the Navajo, Apache, and Pueblo consider it a stone with deep spiritual protection, leading to good fortune.

As a frequent visitor to the Southwest, I am always scooping up great jewelry whenever I’m there.

6. It’s affordable.

The nice thing about turquoise is how affordable it is. You can get lots of pretty pieces for under $50. And from everywhere – online, boutique stores, department stores, etc.

There you have it. So whatever your reason may be, I encourage you to wear turquoise.

This post has been updated and edited since it was originally posted on February 6, 2020.