How to Incorporate Turquoise into Unique Jewelry Designs

What is Turquoise and How is it Formed?

Turquoise is a stunning gemstone that has been cherished for centuries by various cultures and civilizations. It is also the birthstone for December and a symbol of good luck, protection, and balance. But what exactly is turquoise and how is it formed?

Turquoise is a mineral that is composed of hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate. It forms when water seeps through rocks that contain copper, iron, or aluminum, and reacts with them over millions of years. The result is a blue-green stone that can range from pale to dark in color, and from smooth to rough in texture.

Turquoise can also have different patterns and markings on its surface, depending on the minerals that are present in the rock. These patterns are called matrix, and they can be black, brown, yellow, or gray. Some people prefer turquoise with a lot of matrix, while others like it with none at all.

There are many types and qualities of turquoise, depending on how it is treated and processed. 

Some turquoise is natural, meaning that it has not been altered or enhanced in any way. Natural turquoise is rare and valuable, but it can also be fragile and porous. Some turquoise is stabilized, meaning that it has been treated with a resin or wax to make it more durable and resistant to fading. 

Stabilized turquoise retains its natural color and appearance, but it is less expensive than natural turquoise. Some turquoise is treated, meaning that it has been dyed, heated, or coated to change its color or shine. Treated turquoise can have vibrant and uniform colors, but it can also lose its natural characteristics and value. 

Some turquoise is imitation, meaning that it is not real turquoise at all, but a synthetic or simulated material that resembles it. Imitation turquoise can be cheap and easy to find, but it can also be easily detected and lacks the beauty and charm of real turquoise.

Turquoise can come from different sources and locations around the world, each with its own distinctive features and qualities. Some of the most famous turquoise mines and sources are:

• Arizona: The state of Arizona produces some of the finest turquoise in the world, especially from the Sleeping Beauty mine, which produces a pure blue turquoise with no matrix. Other notable mines in Arizona are the Kingman mine, which produces a blue-green turquoise with black matrix, and the Bisbee mine, which produces a deep blue turquoise with brown matrix.
• Nevada: The state of Nevada produces some of the most diverse and colorful turquoise in the world, especially from the Royston mine, which produces a green-blue turquoise with brown matrix. Other notable mines in Nevada are the Lander Blue mine, which produces a rare and expensive dark blue turquoise with black matrix, and the Dry Creek mine, which produces a pale white-blue turquoise with no matrix.
• New Mexico: The state of New Mexico produces some of the oldest and most historic turquoise in the world, especially from the Cerrillos mine, which produces a green-blue turquoise with brown matrix. Other notable mines in New Mexico are the Tyrone mine, which produces a light blue turquoise with black matrix, and the Santa Rita mine, which produces a green-yellow turquoise with brown matrix.
• Iran: The country of Iran produces some of the most exquisite and high-quality turquoise in the world, especially from the Nishapur mine, which produces a sky-blue turquoise with no matrix. Iranian turquoise is also known for its fine texture and hardness, making it ideal for carving and engraving.
• China: The country of China produces some of the most abundant and affordable turquoise in the world, especially from the Hubei province, which produces a green-blue turquoise with black matrix. Chinese turquoise is also known for its large size and variety of shapes, making it suitable for cutting and polishing.

Why is Turquoise a Popular Choice for Jewelry?

Turquoise is not only a beautiful gemstone, but also a meaningful one. Turquoise has been used for jewelry making for thousands of years by various regions and traditions around the world. Here are some of the reasons why turquoise is so popular for jewelry:

• Historical significance: Turquoise has been valued as a sacred stone by many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Persians, Tibetans, Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, Native Americans, etc. Turquoise was often used for adornment, protection, healing, power, royalty, etc. For example,
  • The Egyptians believed that turquoise was a symbol of life and immortality
  • The Persians believed that turquoise was a symbol of heaven and happiness
  • The Tibetans believed that turquoise was a symbol of wisdom and compassion
  • The Aztecs believed that turquoise was a symbol of water and fertility
  • The Incas believed that turquoise was a symbol of sun and moon
  • The Mayans believed that turquoise was a symbol of earth and sky
  • The Native Americans believed that turquoise was a symbol of spirit and nature
• Meaning and symbolism: Turquoise has also been associated with various meanings and symbolism in different contexts and occasions, such as spirituality, healing, fashion, etc. For example,
  • Turquoise is considered to be a stone of communication, creativity, and intuition
  • Turquoise is considered to be a stone of balance, harmony, and peace
  • Turquoise is considered to be a stone of protection, luck, and prosperity
  • Turquoise is considered to be a stone of love, friendship, and loyalty
  • Turquoise is considered to be a stone of December and Sagittarius
  • Turquoise is considered to be a stone of the 11th anniversary
• Versatility and appeal: Turquoise is also a versatile and appealing gemstone for jewelry design, such as its vibrant color, unique patterns, and compatibility with various metals and stones. For example,
  • Turquoise can have a range of colors from pale to dark blue, green, or yellow, depending on its composition and origin
  • Turquoise can have different patterns and matrix from smooth to rough, black to brown, or none at all, depending on its minerals and formation
  • Turquoise can match well with various metals such as silver, gold, copper, or brass, depending on its tone and style
  • Turquoise can complement well with various stones such as coral, pearl, lapis lazuli, or opal, depending on its contrast and harmony

How to Choose the Right Turquoise for Your Jewelry?

During the jewelry manufacturing process, the quality and authenticity of turquoise can vary significantly. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose the right turquoise for your jewelry projects. Here are some tips and criteria for selecting high-quality and authentic turquoise for your jewelry:

• Color: The color of turquoise is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing turquoise. The color of turquoise can depend on its composition, origin, treatment, and age. Generally speaking,
  • Natural turquoise tends to have a more vivid and saturated color than treated or imitation turquoise
  • Natural turquoise tends to have a more varied and uneven color than treated or imitation turquoise
  • Natural turquoise tends to have a more stable and lasting color than treated or imitation turquoise
  • The most desirable color of turquoise is a pure blue with no green or yellow tones
  • The most valuable color of turquoise is a deep blue with no matrix or veins
• Clarity: The clarity of turquoise is another important factor to consider when choosing turquoise. The clarity of turquoise refers to the amount and type of matrix or veins that are present on the surface of the stone. The matrix or veins are the natural impurities or inclusions that are formed by other minerals during the formation of turquoise. Generally speaking,
  • Natural turquoise tends to have more matrix or veins than treated or imitation turquoise
  • Natural turquoise tends to have more organic and irregular matrix or veins than treated or imitation turquoise
  • Natural turquoise tends to have more unique and distinctive matrix or veins than treated or imitation turquoise
  • The most desirable clarity of turquoise is a smooth and clear surface with no matrix or veins
  • The most valuable clarity of turquoise is a spiderweb pattern with thin black or brown matrix or veins
• Shape: The shape of turquoise is another important factor to consider when choosing turquoise. The shape of turquoise refers to the form and size of the stone that is cut and polished for jewelry making. The shape of turquoise can depend on its origin, quality, treatment, and preference. Generally speaking,
  • Natural turquoise tends to have more irregular and asymmetrical shapes than treated or imitation turquoise
  • Natural turquoise tends to have more natural and organic shapes than treated or imitation turquoise
  • Natural turquoise tends to have more rare and unique shapes than treated or imitation turquoise
  • The most desirable shape of turquoise is a round or oval cabochon with a smooth dome
  • The most valuable shape of turquoise is a large and flawless cabochon with a high dome

How to Incorporate Turquoise into Unique Jewelry Designs?

Turquoise is a gemstone that can be incorporated into unique jewelry designs in many ways. Here are some examples and inspirations of turquoise jewelry designs, showcasing a variety of styles and genres from different custom jewelry manufacturers.

• Native American: Native American jewelry is one of the most iconic and traditional styles of using turquoise in jewelry making. Native American jewelry often features intricate silverwork, geometric patterns, symbolic motifs, and natural materials. Some examples of Native American jewelry with turquoise are:
  • Squash blossom necklace: A squash blossom necklace is a type of necklace that consists of silver beads shaped like squash blossoms and a crescent-shaped pendant called a naja. The naja often has one or more pieces of turquoise inlaid or set on it.
  • Cuff bracelet: A cuff bracelet is a type of bracelet that consists of a wide band of silver that wraps around the wrist.

• Cuff bracelet: A cuff bracelet is a type of bracelet that consists of a wide band of silver that wraps around the wrist. The cuff bracelet often has one or more pieces of turquoise inlaid or set on it, sometimes in a cluster or a row.
  • Earrings: Earrings are a type of jewelry that are worn on the ears. Earrings can have various shapes and styles, such as studs, hoops, drops, or dangles. Earrings often have one or more pieces of turquoise inlaid or set on them, sometimes in a teardrop or a feather shape.
• Tiffany: Tiffany jewelry is one of the most elegant and sophisticated styles of using turquoise in jewelry making. Tiffany jewelry often features simple and sleek designs, high-quality materials, and signature motifs. Some examples of Tiffany jewelry with turquoise are:
  • Elsa Peretti® Bean pendant: An Elsa Peretti® Bean pendant is a type of pendant that consists of a smooth and curved bean-shaped silver piece that hangs from a chain. The bean pendant often has a piece of turquoise inlaid on it, creating a contrast between the silver and the blue.
  • Tiffany T wire ring: A Tiffany T wire ring is a type of ring that consists of a thin and open band of silver that wraps around the finger. The ring often has a piece of turquoise inlaid on one end, creating a balance between the silver and the blue.
  • Paloma Picasso® Olive Leaf earrings: Paloma Picasso® Olive Leaf earrings are a type of earrings that consist of silver pieces shaped like olive leaves that hang from the ears. The earrings often have pieces of turquoise inlaid on them, creating a harmony between the silver and the blue.
• Nordstrom: Nordstrom jewelry is one of the most modern and trendy styles of using turquoise in jewelry making. Nordstrom jewelry often features bold and colorful designs, mixed metals and stones, and fashionable shapes. Some examples of Nordstrom jewelry with turquoise are:
  • Kendra Scott Elisa pendant necklace: A Kendra Scott Elisa pendant necklace is a type of necklace that consists of a thin chain with a small oval-shaped pendant that hangs from it. The pendant often has a piece of turquoise set on it, creating a pop of color against the metal.
  • Gorjana Power Gemstone bracelet: A Gorjana Power Gemstone bracelet is a type of bracelet that consists of a thin chain with small round beads that wrap around the wrist. The beads often have pieces of turquoise mixed with other stones, creating a variety of colors and textures.
  • BaubleBar Alidia ring: A BaubleBar Alidia ring is a type of ring that consists of a thick band of metal that wraps around the finger. The band often has pieces of turquoise embedded on it, creating a mosaic effect with the metal.

Tips for taking care of your turquoise jewelry

Finally, if you want to enhance the appearance and durability of your turquoise jewelry, you should also follow some tips and tricks for cleaning, polishing, storing, etc. 

Here are some tips and tricks for taking care of your turquoise jewelry:

• Cleaning: To clean your turquoise jewelry, you should use a soft cloth or brush and mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives that can damage or discolor your turquoise. Dry your turquoise jewelry thoroughly before storing it.
• Polishing: To polish your turquoise jewelry, you should use a soft cloth or polishing cloth and gently rub your turquoise. Avoid using polishing compounds or liquids that can damage or discolor your turquoise. Buff your turquoise jewelry lightly until it shines.
• Storing: To store your turquoise jewelry, you should keep it in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight or heat. Avoid storing your turquoise jewelry with other metals or stones that can scratch or tarnish your turquoise. Wrap your turquoise jewelry in a soft cloth or pouch before putting it in a box or drawer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, incorporating turquoise into your jewelry designs can add a touch of uniqueness and color to your pieces. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this post, you can create beautiful and eye-catching jewelry. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors of turquoise to find the perfect combination for your designs.