These reptiles have a long lifespan – they can live up to 150 years and they live mainly in water, unlike tortoises that live mainly on land. Turtles have influenced both Eastern as well as Western cultures, and they often symbolize wisdom, longevity, and guidance. In Eastern traditions like Chinese Buddhism and Taoism, turtles are often found in temples as symbols of protection, and in the New Age Movement popular in the West, turtles represent the connection between Earth and heaven. Because of their popularity, you will find a lot of gemstone jewelry in turtle designs – it's not difficult to find turtle earrings and turtle rings online.