Was first acquainted to Tibetan turquoise when Gurkha traders hit Petaling Street years ago. That unique blue tint still holds much fascination...almost surreal..
Turquoise is widely appreciated by Tibetans and all through Tibetan history has been prized, valued and worn as jewellery, not only for preserving the family wealth but also for its application in ritual and medicinal practice. "Gyu" (pronounced "yu") the name for turquoise seems to be indigenous, indicating that knowledge of the mineral came from within and not through outside influences. To call a turquoise a stone will offend a Tibetan who will exclaim, "this is a turquoise and not a stone," looking upon it as a thing distinct in itself.
