The Turquoise Gem Stone
The turquoise gem stone is one of the most sought after stones for jewelry wearers.
Typically, it is set in sterling silver and can be combined with other gem stones to make fabulous and unique jewelry like that in our turquoise jewelry showcase. This gem stone can have a wide range of colors and has been used in jewelry for centuries.
The turquoise gem stone has long been cherished for it’s uses in Native American jewelry and carvings, but it’s uses go back to 200 BC. Uses of turquoise are evident in Egyptian tombs where jewelry adorned with this timeless stone has been uncovered. This popular stone can range from sky blue to greenish blue and is characterized by the dark veins that run throughout. Although quite porous and chalky, most turquoise has been stabilized for use in modern jewelry and has a shiny polished look. Turquoise can be strung as beads, carved into animal fetishes and combined with a variety of other stones to make striking handmade jewelry.
Turquoise gem stones have been used for it’s powerful healing properties for many centuries. It is said to be useful to anyone who has trouble speaking in public and is reputed to help keep you calm as well as enhance creativity. The wearer of turquoise my also notice improved wisdom and honesty as well as a new sense of empathy. This stone is said to have the ability to help one keep a positive attitude and realize their inner self as well as enhance your relationship with others. As a healing stone it is used to remove toxins from the body and is thought to help those with asthma and to have the ability to treat infections.
The Turquoise gem stone can be found in Iran, China, Turkey, Persia and Egypt. In North American it is found mostly in Arizona and New Mexico. Although some stones are suitable for use in jewelry in their natural form, over 95% of the stones used in jewelry must be treated in order for them to be useable. This process whereby they stabilize the stone with a resinous substance is common and quite acceptable for turquoise. Without treatment, the stones would chip too easily and quickly change color from contact with bodily oils on your skin. It is not uncommon for inferior stones to be ground up and mixed with an epoxy then injected into a mold in the shape of a stone – these stones are acceptable for use in jewelry but will not have the value of a real natural stone.
Like all semi precious stones, the turquoise gem stone should be cleaned carefully. This porous stone can become damaged if submerged in chemicals and you should never use anything other than soap and water. Never use steam or ultrasonic cleaners for your turquoise jewelry. The gentlest method of cleaning turquoise is to dip a Q-tip in warm soapy water and wipe the stone with that - wipe again with plain water to remove any soap residue. Avoid submerging your jewelry in any kind of liquid as this can cause problems from moisture years later. Some collectors feel that the patina accumulated on old turquoise is part of the value, so be careful when cleaning old jewelry with turquoise stones.
Other Interesting Articles:
Buying A Turquoise Pendant Necklace?
Wearing unique handmade jewelry can help you make a statement and express how unique you really are. Find out more about the history, processing and healing properties of turquoise.
The New Popularity Of The Turquoise Color
This color is a must have for spring and summer clothing, jewelry and accessories. As a color for jewelry, the turquoise stone is an outstanding gem and can be combined with other stones or used alone.
Raw Turquoise Stones
Raw turquoise stones can be quite a bit different than the stones that you see in jewelry. In their natural form, these stones can be porous and chalky. Depending on the quality of the stone, they may need to be treated in order to be used in jewelry.
Native American Turquoise Jewelry
Native American turquoise jewelry of all ages is highly collectible and very wearable. Although the vintage and antique pieces are highly valued and sought after, the newly made Native American turquoise pieces are just as prized and many are just as valuable.
Native American Indian Turquoise and Silver Jewelry
Read about some of the most highly sought after cultural jewelry made today.
The Birthstone Turquoise
Turquoise is the birthstone for the month of December and a popular stone used in jewelry making. Birthstone jewelry has been worn for centuries and while December has also been associate with the birtstones lapis lazuli, blue topaz and zircon, The American National Association of Jewelers formulated a standard list of birthstones in 1912 and named Turquoise as the birthstone for December.
Loose Turquoise Stones
Loose turquoise stones in their natural form, can be quite a bit different than the stones that end up in jewelry as they can be porous and chalky. In order to keep them from breaking and chipping, they are typically treated before they are used in jewelry.
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Beads
Named for the mine it comes from, these beads and stones are well sought after for jewelry making and a favorite of the Zuni Pueblo silver makers who incorporate it into their traditional inlay jewelry.
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Mine
The Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Mine located in Arizona is one of the largest turquoise mines in North American and produces a stunning sky blue turquoise that has no matrix and is referred to as “Sleeping Beauty Turquoise”.
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