Firuzeh-kubi: turquoise inlay on copper and brass

Steps

• Shape a copper or brass object and add raised metal outlines
• Fill the fields with a heated adhesive (traditionally mastic-based)
• Press small turquoise chips in tightly
• Grind and polish the surface level

Stone quality

Neyshabur turquoise is prized, but much contemporary work uses lower-grade or imported chips. Ask about stone origin and treatment.

Care

Avoid water, perfume and heat, which can loosen the adhesive and discolour turquoise. Wipe with a dry soft cloth.

A note on this guide

This is a general introduction written by the CraftPersia editorial team and has not yet been reviewed by a specialist. Workshop practice varies between towns and families; treat dates and figures as approximate and confirm details with makers, museums or published scholarship before relying on them.