I found this wonderful Indian inlaid turquoise and silver Gau box during my travels in Asia.  It is in great condition and the back is solid silver.  I have combined it with Chinese turquoise that is the same color as the turquoise in the gau box to make a very striking necklace as well as a collector’s piece  The pendant is 2 1/2” by 1 1/4” in width.  Suspended from the turquoise the entire necklace is 18” around and is finished with a sterling silver clasp.

The gau box was used for storing treasures, hopes and dreams.  It was a portable shrine.  When your dream can true the back of the gau box was slashed to let the dream escape to go to someone else.

Turquoise is the birthstone of December as well as the zodiacal stone for Sagittarius.  It is believed to attract wealth, love and power.  Chinese turquoise is known for its variation of color variation as wells as the beautiful patterns on the stones.  The colors can range from a deep blue green to a green and even a brown.   It often has patterns of brown or black in the natural stone.  Jewelry made using Chinese turquoise can be worn with many colors and styles.   The beautiful rich colors of the stones makes for a very dramatic piece of jewelry and a fashion statement.  Turquoise is always in fashion throughout the seasons and over the years.