What Does a Turquoise Ring Mean for a Man?
Men’s Native American jewelry brings beauty, character, and meaning to your look—especially when you wear pieces that showcase gorgeous, authentic turquoise stones. Understanding the meaning of this stone and the role it plays in Native American culture and artistry makes your turquoise ring even more valuable. Learn all about what turquoise rings might mean for a man and see the impact these beautiful pieces can have on your look.
Where Does Turquoise Come From?
Turquoise is a semi-precious stone that forms in the earth’s crust when hydrothermal fluid—which is full of suspended minerals—mixes with deposits of limestone or sandstone. As concentrations of aluminum and copper build up in these deposits, they crystallize and form a hydrous phosphate. This is what creates the iconic blue-green shade of turquoise.
Color Variations
One of the beauties of turquoise is the incredible color variations that can form, giving each stone a one-of-a-kind character. There are different causes of these color variations, all having to do with the elements in the surrounding environment as the stone forms.
For example, higher levels of aluminum in the ground surrounding the stone create the greener hues you see in some turquoise. Higher levels of zinc, on the other hand, create a more yellow-green color. Alternatively, turquoise that forms closer to the surface and receives sun exposure turns into a lighter, brighter blue.
Many turquoise stones also have darker markings on them, appearing as lines or blotches. These markings are known as the matrix, and they come from the hosting rock—the limestone or sandstone where the turquoise forms. Darker brown markings indicate the turquoise was formed in limestone, while lighter tan markings indicate sandstone.
Mining and Value
There are many things that influence the value of turquoise, including current demand, the color of the stone, and, of course, its availability. This last factor is tied to mining operations. As certain mines become depleted, the stones that came from them become rarer and more covetable.
For example, if you ever see Number 8 turquoise, this refers to stones mined in the Number 8 mine in Eureka County, Nevada. The stones from Number 8 feature an iconic spider-web look with a rich matrix and a wide range of blue tones, from pale sky blue to bold, dark blue shades. The Number 8 mine is no longer in operation, making these iconic stones harder to find and, as such, more expensive and valuable.
The Cultural Significance of Turquoise
Part of turquoise’s beauty comes from the meaning and symbolism tied to it. Many Native American cultures, including the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes, associate the stone with strength and protection. As such, the stone plays a part in spiritual practices and other traditional ceremonies.
Many people also wear turquoise pieces on a more personal level for protection and luck. Historically, Hopi miners would carry turquoise with them to give them strength and protect them during their work. In Navajo culture, turquoise is also linked to fortune, bounty, and fertility. Hunters wore turquoise to help with a successful hunt, warriors wore it into battle, and many people still hang turquoise in the home to ward off evil spirits.
The Zuni people associated turquoise with the land. They also traditionally associated different colors of turquoise with different genders. Green was linked to women, and blue was linked to men, meaning the iconic blue shade typically showed up more in men’s rings and other jewelry pieces.
Symbolic Powers of Turquoise
Like many stones, turquoise is said to hold power and affect energy. Whether you believe in the spiritual powers of stones is up to you. Perhaps you want to wear a turquoise ring to manifest strength during a difficult time in your life, or perhaps you simply find the cultural context of turquoise interesting. Either way, understanding the symbolism and meaning behind your jewelry is part of understanding what turquoise rings mean for men and appreciating the value, creation, and history of each piece you wear.
Protection From Harm
Because turquoise is seen as a symbol of strength and protection, many people wear it as a way to shield themselves from harm and keep negative energy or evil spirits at bay. Just as Native American hunters and warriors wore it to keep themselves safe, you can wear turquoise rings during travels, big moves or life transitions, or other occasions when you are looking for safety, security, and success.
Wisdom
In some cultures, turquoise is also representative of clarity, honesty, and wisdom. The clear, steady blue color encourages truth and honest communication and is said to help promote wise decisions.
Good Fortune
Because turquoise is a symbol of bounty, fertility, and luck, it can be worn any time you’re looking for hopeful energy and positive outcomes. Consider it as a good luck charm before an interview or a first date, or wear it more often to invite more positive energy into your life
Natural Elements and Harmony
Native American tribes associate turquoise with the sky, water, and earth. Balance between these elements is a significant part of many spiritual beliefs. Wearing a specific color of turquoise can invite one of the elements into your life—such as blue for water and sky or green for earth and plant life—to help you feel more connected to nature. It can also be a way to encourage harmony and balance in your life.
Turquoise Jewelry as a Symbol of Wealth
In Native American cultures, turquoise rings and other pieces were also a way to showcase wealth. Without banks or a strict money system, wealth was something people kept on them, the safest and most convenient option.
Fashioning turquoise and other valuable stones into rings, earrings, pendants, and other pieces meant one could easily keep these precious belongings wherever they went. It also meant anyone who saw them knew their wealth and status at a glance, making turquoise jewelry a powerful symbol of personal status as well as a beautiful adornment.
This same concept holds true today. While most people’s wealth is stored in bank accounts, certain pieces of jewelry still function as a status symbol, especially among collectors’ circles. For example, wearing a ring with a rare Number 8 turquoise stone can showcase your keen eye as a collector as well as the time and investment you’ve put into your Native American jewelry collection.
Authentic Native American Jewelry for Men
Whether you want to manifest certain energies, showcase your authentic Native American jewelry, or simply add a beautiful and unique piece to your collection, you can find gorgeous, handcrafted turquoise pieces at John Henry. Check out our stunning rings made by Native American artisans when you explore our men's Native American turquoise jewelry collection today.