Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise Through History

Choosing a Piece of Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise is a gemstone that has been loved and used for millennia by civilizations around the world. From China to the American Southwest, it has been used in jewelry, clothing decoration, carvings, and mosaics. Small pieces have been found at archaeological sites of prehistoric man.

Color

This beautiful stone is actually a mineral formed when copper salts and iron are trapped in rock. These give it its blue and green colors. When choosing a piece of jewelry, first think about these colors. Do you prefer the blue or the green?

Perhaps you would like the blue shade which was the national stone of Persia in ancient times. Imagine wearing the stone that ancient leaders wore to designate their status. Green is a favorite of many people who love its earthy shade.

Setting

When people think of turquoise jewelry, they often think of settings of sterling silver. Gold and turquoise jewelry has been found in tombs of the pharaohs. Of course you will pay more for a piece of comparable gold and turquoise jewelry as you would silver, so this will be a consideration. Turquoise is also set in other fine metals, so you have a wide choice.

Styles and Price

Often we relate turquoise jewelry solely to the Native American artisans in the southwest. Their designs often follow traditional tribal styles and are extraordinary in workmanship.

There are many jewelry designers using turquoise to make pins, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in a wide variety of styles from traditional to art deco. They use other stones such as pearls, diamonds, and coral with the turquoise stones. Keep in mind that there is some simulated turquoise used in jewelry.

Sometimes it is combined with natural turquoise in a piece. Even natural turquoise has to be stabilized before it can be used. This has to be done to 85% of turquoise used because it is a soft, chalky stone. Turquoise that has not been stabilized is considered more desirable and therefore is more expensive.

Considering all these, you should have no trouble finding the perfect piece of turquoise jewelry for yourself or a family member. Remember that turquoise is the birthstone for December and would make a great Christmas gift.

Executive Summary about Turquoise Jewelry by Elaine Bunting


Check out about guide on Silver Necklaces