Turquoise Jewelry Guide

Turquoise is one of the most beautiful semi-precious stones in all the world with great diversity as jewelers add it to necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Indeed, it has been said that no other opaque stone is more beautiful and popular!  The archeological record reveals that turquoise has long been cherished, with the earliest documented use going back to 6000 B.C. Egypt. The stone is also a popular material for art pieces, trade, and religion. Turquoise is December's birthstone and recommended for a couple's fifth wedding anniversary. With the gem in high demand.

 

The Forming Process of Turquoise

Natural turquoise is a hydrous aggregate of copper and aluminum. Turquoise gets its color from the amount of either copper or iron present. Vivid blue turquoise is a result of high copper content and the softer green tones result from iron.

 

Color

 

  • Blue Turquoise

Nature makes blue turquoise when copper is present in the rock but iron is not. Consumers will find a variety of blue hues when they begin shopping for turquoise. The stone is available in light sky blue, numerous mid-range blue shades, and deep ocean blue.

  • Green Turquoise

Buyers can purchase green turquoise in shades like bright green, ocean green, and tree green. With the addition of a green turquoise item, jewelry owners will have a unique piece to add interest to their jewelry collection.

 

 

Turquoise Cuts

Turquoise is not transparent. Therefore, jewelry cutters typically do not face the stone. Instead, artisans cut turquoise as cabochons or beads. In fact, the cabochon cut is the oldest and most basic way that jewelers cut gems. Buyers will also find turquoise in shapes like pear, flower, round, heart, and oval.

 

 

Types of Turquoise

  • Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
  • Stabilized Turquoise
  • Chalk Turquoise
  • African "Turquoise"

 

 

How to Care for Turquoise: Cleaning and Care

The wonderful way to clean your turquoise jewelry is to dab them gently with warm water, and then use a lint-free cloth such as a chamois cloth to pat them dry. The use of mild soaps and popular cleaning agents is harmful and unnecessary. Never submerge the turquoise in water, as you won't be able to dry all surfaces within the setting, which can lead to long term damage. be sure to dry it thoroughly before placing it inside a storage container.