Turquoise Jewelry: A Complete Guide to Style and Care

The use of turquoise dates back thousands of years and appears in ancient Egyptian burial masks, Native American silverwork, and modern-day jewelry. The sky blue and green hues complement nearly every outfit, and it's never the same stone. Whether you are considering purchasing a first piece or a new addition to a collection, this guide will help you select natural turquoise jewelry, how to wear it, and how to make it last for years.

What is natural turquoise?

Turquoise is a soft opaque mineral consisting of copper, aluminum, and phosphate. The blue color comes from the copper, and the green comes from Fe impurities. Many stones also have thin dark lines, or patches of the host rock, called matrix. Some like a clean, even stone; others like a strong matrix pattern so that each piece is different.

Natural turquoise jewelry is made with mined and cut stones as opposed to powder- or dyed plastic. A high proportion of the turquoise on the market, it is important to note, is stabilized; that is, it is treated with a clear resin to "set" it. Stones that are stabilized are still turquoise, and they are more durable to everyday use. Dyed or reconstituted stones are not the same, and a reliable seller will let you know if you are purchasing a dyed or reconstituted stone.

Turquoise Ring: A Little Gem in a Big Ring

The first piece that people purchase is a turquoise ring. One oval or round cabochon cab will appear easy and pair well with jeans or a dress. The larger statement rings, whether they're a wide stone or hand-stamped band, tend to be the most significant ring among an outfit.

The turquoise is rated at about 5-6 on the Moh's scale, which means it can be scratched easily compared to a diamond or sapphire. A ring endures the most wear and tear of any jewelry, so use it on days you're not lifting heavy, gardening, or doing dishes. It is common for people to keep their turquoise ring on for nighttime and weekends, helping it last.

Turquoise Necklace: Easy to Layer

A turquoise necklace is close to the face, creating a contrast between the color and skin tone. A small pendant on a thin chain is suitable for use and daily wear. Plain tops with white shirts, black dresses, etc. are appropriate for beaded strands or larger pendants, where the stone is the only color.

Layering is an excellent option as well. A short pendant of turquoise and a longer plain gold or silver chain should be a good combination. If you want a turquoise that can be worn frequently and without undue concern, then a necklace is an excellent option, as it doesn't typically come into contact with the outside world.

Turquoise Earrings: Light and Simple.

Turquoise earrings are available in the form of a stud, a small turquoise hoop with a bead, and long drops. Studs come in handy for all sorts of outfits and are ideal for wearing with earrings. Drops and dangles are the ideal way to add color without requiring any other type of jewelry. Luckily, earrings will not come in contact with water, lotion, or rough surfaces, so they are one of the lowest maintenance options for wearing the stone.

For those who are selecting a gift, turquoise earrings are a safe choice of jewelry. They don't require a ring size, and the blue color is fairly neutral and will complement most skin tones and hair colors.

Pairing Turquoise Gemstone Jewelry With Metals

Turquoise gemstone jewelry appears different in different metals:

Sterling silver (925): The tried and true combination. Silver adds a wonderful contrast to blue and looks good on both classic and contemporary styles.

Gold or gold-plated: Gold helps to enhance the green hues of the stone. It looks good on warmer skin tones and with earthy outfits.

Less popular, but the pink color with light blue creates a soft, unusual mix, rose gold.

Turquoise can also be used in combination with other gemstones. Pearls, white topaz, and clear quartz maintain the light hues, while garnet or amber adds a bolder, warmer tone.

How to Care for Turquoise Jewelry

Most good turquoise jewelry care tips involve not doing something that harms the soft, porous stone. Follow these habits:

1. Don't expose to water or chemicals: Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or cleaning. To prevent the surface from becoming dull or the color from changing, jewelry should be applied last, such as perfume, hairspray, lotion, and sunscreen.

2. Wipe it after wearing: Clean the skin of oils and sweat with a soft, dry cloth. With time, oils can darken turquoise, and this is sometimes referred to as the stone gaining a patina.

3. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners: The stone or its setting might crack due to heat and vibration. Use a slightly moistened cloth with a little mild soap if it requires more than a wipe—but dry it immediately.

4. Store it separately: Store each piece in a soft pouch or lined box to prevent it from getting scratched by harder stones.

Do not leave jewelry on a windowsill or in a hot car, as it will fade or dry out the stone.

Over time, the sterling silver setting can tarnish. Use only a silver cloth to polish the metal—do not polish the turquoise.

Final Thoughts

There are a number of reasons why turquoise remains in demand, as it is an easy-to-wear gem and each stone features a distinct pattern. With these pieces, the turquoise ring is perfect for an attention grabber, the necklace is easy to top or layer, and the earrings are the easiest to wear first. Purchase from a seller who is aware if the stone is natural, stabilized, or treated; provide basic care. If you select a piece well, it may be in your jewelry box and in rotation for many years.