Turkish Jewelry means jewelry that is made in what is now the Republic of Turkey by Master Jewelers utilizing methods handed down through the ages. The Masters themselves are from all ethnic groups that traditionally have lived in Anatolia - the most famous being the indigenous Armenians. The Kingdom of Urartu, located in the Armenian Highlands in what is now Eastern Turkey, invented techniques that are still used in jewelry making today - casting and forging. Urartians used metals popular in Turkish jewelry today like silver, copper, gold, iron, and lead. Twenty types of stones were used as well on pieces for the head, neck, leg, hand, and leg. With the arrival of the Ottoman Sultans, the Istanbul Grand Bazaar was established in 1455 outside the gates of the palace on what is still known as Istanbul’s Golden Horn. While goods from all over the empire were offered for sale, the most famous and prestigious section of the bazaar was, to no surprise, Ic Bedesten - where jewelry was sold. We also know that a premier center of jewelry production was established within the palace itself. According to official government documents from the 1500s, there were over 90 jewelers employed by the Sultan at the time alone! This time period - in the 16th century - is considered the golden era of jewelry making and many current famous and popular designs today are still from this time period.