Persian Turquoise (Firoozeh): Meaning, History and How to Choose It

For thousands of years, one stone has stood above all others in Persian culture: turquoise, known in Persian as Firoozeh. Its sky-blue colour has been treasured since ancient times, and the finest in the world comes from the mines of Neyshabur in Persian. At Persis Collection we set genuine Persian turquoise into handmade jewellery, so here is everything you need to know about this remarkable stone.

What is Persian turquoise, or Firoozeh?

Firoozeh is the Persian word for turquoise, and it shares a root with the word for victory. Persian turquoise is prized for its even, sky-blue colour and fine quality, and Neyshabur in the Khorasan region has produced the most sought-after stones for over five thousand years. To many, it is simply the benchmark against which all other turquoise is judged.

History and meaning

Turquoise has adorned Persian crowns, daggers, domes and jewellery for millennia. The colour was seen as the colour of the heavens, and the stone was believed to bring protection, good fortune and peace to the wearer. Many Iranians still consider it a stone of safekeeping, given at important moments in life and worn close every day.

Firoozeh Koobi: the art of turquoise inlay

Alongside set stones, Persian artisans created Firoozeh Koobi, the craft of pressing tiny pieces of turquoise by hand into a surface of copper, brass or silver. The result is a shimmering mosaic of blue across bowls, dishes and jewellery. It is different from a single cut stone, and it is one of the most distinctive forms of Persian turquoise work.

How to choose genuine Persian turquoise

Turquoise is widely imitated, so a few checks help. Natural turquoise often shows a fine matrix, the web of darker veining running through it, although the very best Neyshabur stones can be a clean, even blue. Be aware that much turquoise on the market is treated, stabilised or reconstituted, so ask the seller about origin and treatment. Genuine Persian turquoise has a soft, waxy lustre rather than a glassy shine. Buying from a seller who knows the source, as we do, is the safest route.

Styles to look for

Persian turquoise suits rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets, set in gold or silver, and it pairs beautifully with Minakari enamel or Persian calligraphy. A turquoise ring is a classic choice, while a simple pendant lets the colour speak for itself.

Caring for turquoise

Turquoise is a relatively soft and porous stone, so it needs a little care. Keep it away from perfume, cosmetics, household chemicals and prolonged water, all of which can dull or discolour it. Take turquoise jewellery off before swimming or showering, store it separately so harder stones do not scratch it, and clean it only with a soft, dry cloth.

Frequently asked questions

What is Firoozeh? Firoozeh is the Persian name for turquoise, the sky-blue stone treasured in Persian culture for thousands of years.

Where does the best Persian turquoise come from? The mines of Neyshabur in north-east Persian are famous for producing some of the world’s finest turquoise.

Is Persian turquoise valuable? Fine natural Persian turquoise is highly valued for its colour and rarity, though prices vary widely with quality and treatment.

How do I care for turquoise? Keep it away from chemicals, perfume and water, store it separately, and wipe it with a soft dry cloth.

Where can I buy Persian turquoise jewellery? Persis Collection offers genuine Persian turquoise and Firoozeh Koobi pieces, handmade and shipped worldwide.

To see the colour for yourself, explore our Persian turquoise collection, our wider Persian jewelry, and our guide to Persian gemstones.