One of my favorite summer memories is traveling with my family as a child on route 66 and stopping at the Native American stores to shop. That's where I fell in love with turquoise. The southwest is well known for this ancient stone, but it was the Egyptians who first treasured it as a symbol of wealth. It has also been mined in China for over 3,000 years. Simply put, turquoise has been cherished for centuries all over the world. The reason is simple; besides its beauty, it is the one stone that is flattering to everyone's complexion. Most of us in the US still think of southwestern as the only style for this beautiful gem and are often reluctant to consider it for ourselves or for a gift. Today it is set in so many styles and combined with other gems and pearls. Did you know that if you are given a turquoise by a friend, the stone brings good fortune and protects the wearer from negativity? Turquoise is also a symbol of friendship and is said to bring peace to the home. So this gemstone makes you more positive, shows you are a good friend and looks great on everyone--doesn't it deserve another look?