Afshin’s Expert Guide to the Turquoise Gemstone

Turquoise is one of the world’s most recognizable gemstones, admired for its vivid blue and green colors, ancient history, and unmistakable presence in fine jewelry. But for serious shoppers, turquoise can also be one of the most misunderstood gemstones, especially because treatment, origin, matrix, and quality can dramatically affect value.

In this expert guide, veteran jeweler Afshin Shaddaie explains what buyers should know before purchasing turquoise jewelry, from identifying quality stones to understanding which pieces are truly worth collecting.

What Is a Turquoise? 

Turquoise is a blue-to-green gemstone formed from a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. Its famous color comes mostly from copper, while the greenish tones often come from the presence of iron. Unlike diamonds, sapphires, and many other harder gemstones, turquoise is usually more porous and softer, which is why its quality, treatment status, and care requirements matter so much when buying jewelry.

In fine jewelry, turquoise is prized for its vivid color, smooth surface, and distinctive personality. Some stones have a clean, even blue appearance, while others show natural matrix, which are the dark, brown, or web-like markings from the host rock where the turquoise formed. For serious shoppers, the beauty of turquoise is only part of the story; the real value depends on whether the stone is natural, treated, dyed, stabilized, or part of an important vintage or antique jewel.

Afshin’s Guide for Assessing Turquoise Quality

Assessing turquoise quality requires looking beyond the first impression of color. A beautiful turquoise gemstone should be judged by several factors together, including the richness and evenness of its color, whether it has been treated, the character of its matrix, its hardness and density, and the credibility of its origin.

Afshin always recommends that shoppers evaluate turquoise as both a gemstone and a piece of jewelry, because the value can change dramatically depending on the stone’s condition, treatment status, and the craftsmanship of the setting.

1. Color Quality of Turquoise

Color is usually the first quality factor shoppers notice in turquoise, and it has a major impact on desirability. The most famous turquoise color is a strong, vivid blue, often described as robin’s egg blue or sky blue, especially when the color is even across the stone. A rich blue color with good saturation will usually look more luxurious in fine jewelry than pale, chalky, or washed-out turquoise.

That said, turquoise does not need to be pure blue to be beautiful or valuable. Some collectors love greenish-blue or blue-green turquoise, especially when the color has depth, character, and an attractive matrix pattern. It is important to also judge the color together with the design of the jewelry, because the right turquoise color can look completely different depending on whether it is set in yellow gold, platinum, diamonds, or antique filigree.

Skip below to see a description of all the different colors of turquoise.

2. Treatment Status of the Turquoise

Treatment status is one of the most important factors in determining the value of turquoise. Two stones may look similar at first glance, but one may be natural and untreated while the other may be stabilized, dyed, reconstituted, or even an imitation material. Natural, untreated turquoise of fine quality is generally the most desirable, especially when it has strong color, good density, and a clean polish.

Stabilized turquoise is very common because many turquoise stones are naturally porous or soft, and stabilization can make them more durable for jewelry. Dyed turquoise, reconstituted turquoise, and imitation turquoise are much less valuable and should always be clearly disclosed by the seller.

Afshin recommends asking direct questions before buying, because the word “genuine” does not always mean the stone is untreated, rare, or valuable.

3. Matrix Pattern in Turquoise

Matrix refers to the natural markings that appear inside or across turquoise, usually from the host rock where the gemstone formed. These markings can appear as brown, black, gray, or golden web-like patterns, and they give many turquoise stones their distinctive personality. In some pieces, a clean and even blue stone may be more desirable, while in others, a dramatic matrix pattern can make the turquoise feel more collectible and visually interesting.

Judge the matrix by its balance, contrast, and overall beauty rather than assuming that matrix is automatically good or bad. A fine spiderweb matrix can add tremendous character when the pattern is attractive and evenly distributed, but heavy, muddy, or distracting matrix can lower the stone’s appeal. The most important question is whether the matrix improves the look of the turquoise and strengthens the design of the jewelry.

4. Hardness and Density of the Turquoise

Hardness and density are especially important with turquoise because the gemstone can vary greatly from one stone to another. Fine turquoise is usually denser, smoother, and able to take a stronger polish, which gives it a richer surface and a more refined appearance in jewelry. Softer or more porous turquoise may look chalky, absorb oils more easily, or require stabilization before it can be safely used in a ring, bracelet, or other wearable piece.

Pay close attention to how the turquoise looks and feels. A high-quality stone should appear solid, well-polished, and secure, without obvious cracks, pits, or surface weakness. This matters even more for turquoise rings, because rings are exposed to more impact, moisture, and daily wear than pendants, earrings, or brooches.

5. Origin and Provenance of the Turquoise

Origin can play an important role in turquoise value, especially when a stone is connected to a famous source such as Persian, Sleeping Beauty, Bisbee, Kingman, Royston, or Morenci turquoise. Certain mines are known for specific colors, matrix patterns, or collector appeal, and those associations can make a piece more desirable. However, origin should never be accepted blindly, because mine names are often used loosely in the turquoise market.

Afshin recommends treating origin as a value factor only when it is supported by credible documentation, strong provenance, or expert evaluation. A beautiful turquoise stone does not become valuable simply because a seller attaches a famous mine name to it.

Serious shoppers should first assess the quality of the stone itself, and then consider whether the claimed origin adds real historical, collector, or market significance.

How Much Does Turquoise Cost?

The cost of turquoise can vary dramatically, which is why it is difficult to give one simple price for the gemstone. Commercial turquoise may be inexpensive, especially if it is stabilized, dyed, reconstituted, or set in lower-cost jewelry, while fine natural turquoise can command far higher prices.

In general, turquoise pricing depends on color, treatment status, hardness, matrix, origin, size, and whether the stone is part of an important antique or designer jewel. Some trade guides place ordinary turquoise in the low dollars per carat, while rare, high-grade natural turquoise can reach into the hundreds of dollars per carat or more.

For shoppers, the more important question is not simply “How much does turquoise cost?” but “What kind of turquoise am I buying?” A stabilized turquoise cabochon in a simple silver setting should not be valued the same way as a fine natural turquoise stone in an antique gold and diamond ring.

“It is important to look at the full piece before judging the price,” says Benjamin Khordipour. “To understand the price, you will need to examine the gemstone quality, overall jewelry craftsmanship, age, metal, condition, provenance, and overall rarity.”

Meaning Behind Turquoise

Ancient Egyptians named turquoise mefkat, which translates as “joy.” Indeed, the lively turquoise color inevitably improves the mood of anyone looking at it. Some believe that this stone brings peace, attracts love, and protects the owner from evil spirits.

Turquoise is also birthstone for the month of December. 

Directory of Turquoise Gemstone by Origin

1. Bisbee Turquoise

Bisbee turquoise comes from Arizona and is one of the most collectible American turquoise varieties, especially among serious Southwestern jewelry buyers. It is best known for its deep blue color and dramatic brown-to-black matrix, sometimes described by collectors as having a rich “chocolate” matrix.

Since Bisbee turquoise is no longer actively mined in the same way it once was, much of what appears in jewelry today comes from older material, private collections, or vintage pieces. Its main advantage is character and rarity, while the main challenge is that buyers must be careful about origin claims because the Bisbee name carries a premium.

Afshin’s Advice: “Bisbee turquoise is the type of stone where the matrix can be just as important as the blue. When the pattern is strong and natural-looking, it gives the jewel a collector’s personality.”

2. Blue Diamond Turquoise

Blue Diamond turquoise comes from Nevada and is appreciated for its blue-to-blue-green color, often with darker matrix patterns. It is not as universally recognized by casual shoppers as Sleeping Beauty or Persian turquoise, but collectors of American turquoise often value it for its earthy, distinctive look.

It is commonly seen in silver jewelry, vintage Southwestern pieces, rings, cuffs, pendants, and statement jewelry. The advantage is individuality, while the disadvantage is that it may require more explanation for shoppers who only know the most famous turquoise names.

3. Blue Gem Turquoise

Blue Gem turquoise is associated with Nevada and is known for a wide range of appearances, from strong blue to blue-green and greenish tones. Because the name has been used in connection with more than one producing area or claim over time, buyers should be careful when a seller uses the name without documentation.

It is often found in Southwestern silver jewelry, especially rings, bracelets, and pendants where the color and matrix can carry the design. The benefit is its range and charm, while the drawback is that the name can be confusing without expert confirmation.

4. Candelaria Turquoise

Candelaria turquoise comes from Nevada and is usually found in smaller quantities than many better-known American turquoise varieties. It can show attractive blue and blue-green colors, sometimes with matrix that gives it a more rustic, collector-style appearance. Because supply is limited, it is more often seen in artisan jewelry, vintage pieces, and collector-focused silver designs than in mass-market jewelry. Its strength is rarity, while its weakness is that shoppers may find fewer examples and less consistent documentation.

5. Carico Lake Turquoise

Carico Lake turquoise comes from Nevada and is famous for producing both blue and green turquoise, with some material showing unusually vivid green tones. This makes it attractive to collectors who want something different from the classic robin’s egg blue look.

Carico Lake turquoise is often set in silver rings, cuffs, pendants, and Native American-inspired jewelry where the color can become the visual focus.

The advantage is its unusual color range, while the drawback is that green turquoise may be misunderstood by shoppers who assume turquoise should always be blue.

6. Chinese Turquoise

Chinese turquoise has been used for centuries, and GIA notes that Chinese artisans were carving turquoise more than 3,000 years ago.

Today, China remains one of the major sources of turquoise, including material from Hubei, which has produced unusual patterns and saturated colors. Chinese turquoise appears in a wide range of jewelry, from inexpensive commercial pieces to more serious carved, beaded, and cabochon jewelry.

Its advantage is variety and availability, while the challenge is that treatments, dyeing, and composite material must be carefully disclosed.

7. Egyptian Turquoise

Egyptian turquoise is one of the oldest and most historically important types of turquoise, with ancient Egyptian turquoise jewelry dating back thousands of years. The Sinai Peninsula is especially important in turquoise history, and ancient Egyptians used turquoise in gold jewelry, inlay, carvings, and ceremonial objects.

For modern shoppers, Egyptian turquoise is less common as a standard retail category than American or Persian turquoise, but its historical importance gives it strong educational and collector appeal. Its advantage is ancient prestige, while its disadvantage is that modern origin claims should be treated very carefully.

8. Fox Turquoise

Fox turquoise comes from Nevada and is one of the older American turquoise names often discussed by collectors of Southwestern jewelry. It can appear in blue, blue-green, and green shades, sometimes with a more earthy matrix. Fox turquoise is commonly used in silver rings, cuffs, belt buckles, pendants, and other Southwestern jewelry styles. Its benefit is classic American character, while the challenge is that quality can vary significantly from stone to stone.

9. Ithaca Peak Turquoise

Ithaca Peak turquoise comes from Arizona and is often associated with material that can show vivid blue color and attractive matrix. Some examples are admired for a dramatic, high-contrast appearance, making them appealing in bold silver jewelry and collector pieces. It is frequently used in rings, cuffs, pendants, and statement jewelry where the stone needs to hold attention. The advantage is visual drama, while the disadvantage is that shoppers must assess each stone individually rather than relying only on the mine name.

10. Kingman Turquoise

Kingman turquoise comes from Arizona and is one of the best-known American turquoise sources. The Kingman area has a long mining history, and its turquoise can range from bright blue to blue-green, often with matrix depending on the material. It is widely used in Native American and Southwestern jewelry, including rings, bracelets, pendants, bolo ties, and inlay pieces. The advantage is strong recognition and broad availability, while the drawback is that the large range of quality means shoppers must ask whether the stone is natural, stabilized, dyed, or otherwise treated.

Afshin’s Advice: “Kingman turquoise is a good example of why shoppers cannot buy by name alone. The name may be famous, but the individual stone, treatment status, and setting still decide the real value.”

11. Lander Blue Turquoise

Lander Blue turquoise comes from Nevada and is considered one of the rarest and most collectible American turquoise varieties. It is famous for intense blue color with tight spiderweb matrix, and because only a limited amount was recovered, authentic material can command serious collector interest. It is most often seen in important silver jewelry, collector rings, high-end cuffs, and pieces where the stone itself is the main event. Its advantage is exceptional rarity, while the disadvantage is that authentication is critical because the name is valuable and easily misused.

12. Mexican Turquoise

Mexican turquoise can vary widely in color and quality, with material ranging from blue to greenish tones and different matrix patterns. It has been used in jewelry and ornamentation for centuries, especially in regions with strong indigenous and silver-working traditions. Modern Mexican turquoise may appear in silver jewelry, beads, inlay, pendants, and artisan designs. The advantage is variety and cultural richness, while the disadvantage is that origin and treatment details are often less standardized in ordinary retail descriptions.

13. Morenci Turquoise

Morenci turquoise comes from Arizona and is highly respected among collectors, especially for its blue color and distinctive matrix. Some Morenci material is known for dark matrix and metallic-looking inclusions, which can make the stone visually striking in jewelry. It is commonly found in vintage and Southwestern silver jewelry, especially rings, cuffs, pendants, and collector pieces. Its advantage is strong collector appeal, while the challenge is that older, high-quality material can be harder to find and origin claims should be verified.

14. Number 8 Turquoise

Number 8 turquoise comes from Nevada and is one of the legendary American turquoise varieties, especially admired for spiderweb matrix patterns. It can show beautiful blue color with golden-brown, black, or webbed matrix, giving it a distinct collector look. Because old, fine Number 8 material is limited, it is often seen in vintage jewelry, high-end silver cuffs, rings, and collectible Southwestern pieces. Its advantage is rarity and pattern, while the drawback is that shoppers need confidence in attribution and condition.

15. Persian Turquoise

Persian turquoise, from present-day Iran, is one of the most historically famous turquoise varieties in the world. It is especially associated with clean, vivid blue color, and the word “turquoise” itself entered Europe through trade routes connected with material from Persia. Persian turquoise has been used for centuries in jewelry, decorative arts, religious objects, and important adornment, and it remains one of the benchmark names for fine blue turquoise. Its advantage is prestige and classic beauty, while its disadvantage is that the name is sometimes used loosely for any fine blue turquoise.

Afshin’s Advice: “Persian turquoise is the classic standard for shoppers who love that pure, elegant blue. But the name alone is not enough. I still want to see the quality, polish, condition, and proof behind the claim.”

16. Pilot Mountain Turquoise

Pilot Mountain turquoise comes from Nevada and is known for a wide range of blue, blue-green, and green tones. It often has an earthy, natural character, sometimes with attractive matrix that works well in bold jewelry. It is commonly set in silver rings, cuffs, pendants, and Southwestern-style pieces where color and texture are part of the appeal. The benefit is its natural variation, while the drawback is that it may not have the instantly recognizable name power of Persian, Sleeping Beauty, or Kingman turquoise.

17. Royston Turquoise

Royston turquoise comes from a Nevada mining district that includes several mines, and it is known for a broad color range that can include blue, green, and rich blue-green tones. Many Royston stones show a warm brown matrix, giving them a rugged, earthy appearance that collectors often enjoy. It is commonly used in Southwestern silver jewelry, especially large rings, cuffs, pendants, and statement pieces. Its advantage is personality and color variety, while the disadvantage is that the look may feel less formal than clean, matrix-free turquoise.

18. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

Sleeping Beauty turquoise comes from the Globe, Arizona area and is famous for its clean, sky-blue color with little to no visible matrix. It became especially popular in jewelry because its even color made it excellent for matching stones in inlay, needlepoint, petite point, earrings, and polished cabochon designs. Since the mine is no longer producing turquoise in the same way it once did, fine Sleeping Beauty material has become more sought-after in the market. Its advantage is clean, elegant color, while the drawback is that shoppers should be alert for treated, imitation, or misrepresented material sold under the Sleeping Beauty name.

Afshin’s Advice: “Sleeping Beauty turquoise is wonderful when the design calls for a clean, refined blue. It is especially strong in jewelry where matched stones matter, but buyers should still ask what treatment, if any, the stones have received.”

19. Tibetan Turquoise

Tibetan turquoise is important both as a gemstone and as a cultural material, and GIA notes that turquoise has long been considered the national gem of Tibet. It is often associated with greenish-blue to green tones, irregular cabochons, beads, and jewelry that emphasizes texture, age, and symbolism rather than perfect uniformity. Tibetan turquoise is frequently seen in silver jewelry, bead necklaces, amulets, and larger cultural or tribal-style pieces. Its advantage is character and cultural significance, while the disadvantage is that age, origin, and treatment claims can be difficult to verify without expertise.

How to Find the Best Turquoise?

Like all gemstones, turquoise has certain features that define the stone quality. Generally, experts judge turquoise based on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. These are the same four C’s professionals use to define diamond quality. 

Turquoise can have different hues of blue and green. Typically, stones with a green hue have a lower value than those with a blue tint, but it’s also a matter of personal preference. Most importantly, the turquoise color must be even and intense. 

In the case of turquoise, “clarity” refers to the opaqueness level. Turquoise is never clear as glass, but it ranges from semi-translucent to opaque. Opaque stones are more valuable and thus tend to cost more. 

Additionally, turquoise stones may have a black, brown, or golden pattern known as the matrix. It’s a remnant of the rock that surrounded the turquoise mineral in its natural environment. Although the matrix can make the stone even more appealing to some people, the most valuable stones are clear. 

The matrix color indicates the turquoise host stone. So, black matrix means that turquoise occurred in iron pyrite stone. Yellow matrix is a result of rhyolite host stone, and brown matrix indicates one of the 16 iron oxide types. 

Traditionally, turquoise has a cabochon cut – a smooth, rounded dome shape with a good polish. Such a cut beautifully showcases the stone’s even color and texture. Sometimes, you may come across flat turquoise stones, especially jewelry inlays. However, turquoise rarely has facets. 

The stone comes in all sizes and is weighed in carats. Some jewelry pieces feature an array of tiny stones, while the rarest and most expensive pieces feature single large minerals. The largest turquoise stone in the world weighs over 219,000 carats, which equals 97 pounds. Its price exceeds $2,197,000. 

Directory of the Different Types of Turquoise 

Turquoise stones differ by type and origin. In this section, we’ll list the most popular and beautiful turquoise types along with their features. Additionally, we’ll mention some fake turquoise varieties you may encounter on the market. 

1. White Buffalo Turquoise 

White Buffalo Turquoise, or simply white turquoise, is a natural gemstone from the Nevada or Arizona regions. People often mistake howlite, calcite, and magnesite for white turquoise. However, these minerals are much softer than turquoise and aren’t suitable for jewelry. 

White turquoise raises a lot of controversies. Some argue that the stone isn’t turquoise and call it simply “white buffalo stone.” But the similarities between white and blue turquoise’s chemical structure indicate that the mineral justifiably carries its name. Genuine White Buffalo Turquoise has a slightly blueish or greenish tint that becomes more apparent when stabilizing the stone. 

African Turquoise 

Sometimes, you may come across so-called African turquoise. The stone indeed originates in Africa, but it’s a variety of jasper. It’s called turquoise because of the bluish-green color with a black or brown matrix pattern. Often, African turquoise has yellowish spots. 

African turquoise is slightly harder than genuine turquoise and more common, thus cheaper. Jewelers love to use African turquoise as a natural turquoise alternative, though this stone is never as clear and evenly blue as its namesake. 

Purple Turquoise 

Another controversial turquoise type is purple turquoise. Genuine turquoise can’t be purple, as the combination of copper and aluminum always produces a green or blue tint. In extremely rare cases, the hue is so faint that the stone appears white or yellow. 

Purple, however, only occurs when turquoise minerals are chemically treated. For instance, the Mojave purple turquoise is made in the Kingman mine in Arizona. Jewelers dye regular stones purple and fuse them with bronze to add shine to the matrix. Often, stones are mixed with red-dyed resin to reinforce them and enhance purple. 

Some purple turquoise may not be turquoise at all but rather plastic or a different mineral, sugilite. Sugilite is a rare opaque mineral of medium hardness. It has properties similar to turquoise but a different hue and matrix. 

Royston Turquoise 

The most valuable stones have an even color without a matrix and opaque texture. However, imperfection is beautiful in its unique way, too. The Royston mine in Nevada is the home of some of the most notable turquoise. They tend to have a deep green color, sometimes with spots of different hues. Most Royston minerals have a heavy brown or gold matrix. Despite this, many jewelry enthusiasts view the Royston Turquoise as a good investment. 

Red Turquoise 

Mother Nature could never produce a red turquoise mineral. However, you may see such on store shelves. In most cases, sellers use stabilized and dyed howlite or magnesite that resembles turquoise. Some mines also dye genuine turquoise in various colors, including red, orange, and pink. 

Carico Lake Turquoise 

Carico Lake Turquoise originates in the American Southwest region. Its color palette varies from lively green to sky blue. Some minerals have a high zinc content that results in a lime green hue. These turquoise stones tend to have a delicate brownish-gold spiderweb matrix. 

Dry Creek Turquoise 

Dry Creek Turquoise is a rare light blue color with a noticeable brown matrix. It’s so light that many people confuse Dry Creek Turquoise with White Buffalo Turquoise. 

Ithaca Peak Turquoise 

Ithaca Peak Turquoise shares many properties with famous American Kingman mine stones. It’s easily recognizable by a deep blue color without any inclusions. That’s a desirable and extremely rare stone. 

Kings Manassa Turquoise 

Kings Manassa Turquoise is beautiful in its flaws. You won’t mistake this stone for any other variety, as most of the mineral is a golden-brown host rock with small turquoise spots. The Kings Manassa mine doesn’t operate anymore, so this type is a rare find on the market. 

Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 

This turquoise is named for the Sleeping Beauty mountain summit in Washington State. Although it’s softer than most other turquoise types, it’s highly desirable due to its royal blue color. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise doesn’t usually have a matrix and thus is very expensive. 

Chalk Turquoise 

Chalk Turquoise hails from China. Although it’s genuine turquoise, the minerals are porous, white, and in their natural state, unsuitable for jewelry creation. Jewelers stabilize them to increase the hardness and often dye them green, blue, or pink. Chalk turquoise lacks the blue color as it doesn’t contain copper. 

Turquoise Jewelry 

The most popular use of turquoise is in jewelry. Keep reading to find out how to shop for a high-quality gemstone. We’ll also share some of the most famous turquoise jewelry pieces for your inspiration. 

Ideas for Turquoise Rings 

Turquoise is a self-sufficient gemstone that isn’t as versatile in terms of jewelry design as diamonds or other clear stones. If you admire turquoise but struggle to develop a ring design, you may consider our ideas. 

Turquoise and Other Gemstones 

Although turquoise is a bright gemstone that already draws attention, it doesn’t have to be the only gemstone on your ring. However, color and texture combination is essential. 

Turquoise doesn’t go well with clear, sparkling stones like emeralds or diamonds. Instead, pair it with smooth, opaque gemstones. Some of the best combinations with turquoise are pearl, coral, obsidian, rhodonite, and jasper. 

Turquoise in Gold Settings 

Turquoise goes well with platinum, silver, and white gold. But yellow gold makes the blue color truly pop and resembles sun rays reflecting on waves. Furthermore, gold is more suitable for engagement rings and other valuable jewelry pieces than silver. 

Vintage Turquoise Ring 

Vintage gemstone rings are one-of-a-kind and often feature intricate designs. Although turquoise is a relatively affordable gemstone, the value of vintage pieces only grows. That’s especially relevant for pieces that feature rare minerals without inclusions, such as this stunning Bulgari ring. 

Sun and Waves 

If you’re planning to make a custom turquoise ring, draw inspiration from nature. A bright blue turquoise color awakens associations with vacation, the deep sea, and the warm sun. Thus, a sunburst halo or wavy engraving, along with the band, perfectly matches a turquoise ring. 

Can You Use Turquoise for Your Engagement Ring? 

Who said that all engagement rings must feature a diamond? Sure, diamonds are the hardest gemstones and are highly valuable. But turquoise engagement rings can be even more appealing. Let’s look at the advantages and drawbacks of turquoise engagement rings. 

Colorful Rings Are Trendy 

Colorful engagement rings are one of the hottest trends of recent years. They can add a pop of color to your loved one’s life and are so unique. A ring with colorful gemstones will always draw attention, even if it has a simple, minimalistic design. The turquoise color is one of the most beautiful colors in the world, let alone among gemstones. Although this mineral doesn’t sparkle as a diamond does, it’s no less stunning. 

A Personal Choice 

Diamond rings are beautiful, but some people find them too generic. Alternative engagement rings, in turn, can showcase your loved one’s personality. A turquoise ring will be a perfect match for positive, cheerful women who admire the color blue. 

Lower Price 

Turquoise is more common than diamonds. Furthermore, it’s easier to cut and polish due to its softness. This results in a lower price than precious stones such as emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds. An engagement ring doesn’t have to drain all your savings. 

Softness 

The turquoise’s softness makes it inexpensive, which is a pro. But it also makes it less durable. Turquoise is relatively easy to scratch or crack, though not as easy as pearl or fluorite. Gentle care is vital to preserving a turquoise ring in its initial state for years to come. You should avoid harsh chemicals and take the ring off when performing activities that could potentially damage the stone. 

Resale Value 

Turquoise has a relatively low retail price, which results in its lower resale value. Of course, that shouldn’t be an issue if you aren’t planning to sell such a deeply symbolic piece. However, it’s something worth keeping in mind if you don’t view your engagement ring as an heirloom and wish to replace it after some years. 

Shopping Tips for Buying a Turquoise 

Turquoise is a popular mineral, but not many know how to choose a suitable stone. That’s why many jewelry stores try to bewilder customers, offering them low-quality minerals or turquoise alternatives. Here are the top 10 tips for buying a worthy turquoise jewelry piece. 

1. Good Stone Can’t Be Cheap 

Turquoise is a relatively inexpensive gemstone. But it shouldn’t be dirt cheap, especially for rare, clear, opaque blue stones with a high weight. The average price of turquoise per carat is about $5. However, depending on the quality, it may be as high as $1,000. Be careful about judging the stone’s quality on the price alone, though. 

2. Know Fake Turquoise 

Learn to distinguish between real and fake turquoise before you head shopping. You already know how red, purple, and African turquoise are other minerals, plastic, or dyed turquoise. Howlite and blue jasper may also resemble turquoise to inexperienced buyers. 

3. Stabilized Stones 

Many turquoise minerals are too soft for jewelry, so industry experts developed methods of increasing the hardness by saturating them with a colorless stabilizing compound. This may not seem like an issue – after all, that’s still genuine turquoise. However, stabilization is only required for low-quality stones. High-quality turquoise doesn’t need it. 

4. Block Turquoise 

Stabilization isn’t the only way to bewilder customers into buying low-quality stones. Sometimes, jewelry manufacturers crush low-quality minerals into dust and mix them with resin and other chemical compounds. The mixture is then formed into blocks, cut, and polished to resemble a natural stone. You can identify “block” turquoise with a slight plastic scent. 

5. Define the Origin 

Ask the jeweler about the stone’s origin before purchasing it. The best quality stones originate in Iran, Egypt, the southwestern part of the U.S., and Mexico. Learning about the visual differences between turquoise from these regions will also help identify a good stone. 

6. Turquoise Quality Grades 

Like all gemstones, turquoise has quality grades. The Turquoise Quality Index (TQI) ranges from 8 to 100, and less than 1% of all stones get a score of 90 or higher. Aim for minerals with at least 65 TQI, which translates into grade A (medium). Stones with a TQI of 75 or higher have an AA (high) quality grade. 

7. Buy From Reputable Stores 

Don’t purchase turquoise jewelry from individual sellers without certifications, especially if they can’t answer questions about a stone’s quality grade or origin. Purchase only from reputable jewelry stores. 

8. Opaque and Clear Is Better 

The opaqueness, color, and clarity of turquoise are mainly a matter of personal preference. However, opaque blue stones without matrices are rarer and have a higher resale value. 

9. Cold and Heavy 

Distinguishing between turquoise and howlite or jasper may be difficult. Thankfully, you can easily spot a plastic piece by its temperature and weight. An authentic stone is always cold and heavier than plastic. 

10. Certification 

The quality grade, origin, and other properties of turquoise stones must be proven by certification. Request it from the seller before purchasing a jewelry piece. You can’t be sure you’re buying the real thing without a certificate. 

Famous Turquoise Jewelry 

Turquoise may not be the most expensive gemstone, but some turquoise jewelry pieces are just as noteworthy as diamond or ruby ones. For instance, Queen Elizabeth ll owns a turquoise brooch from her mother. 

Queen Elizabeth ll isn’t the only royal family member to own turquoise jewelry. Her sister, Princess Margaret, inherited an entire Persian turquoise parure on her 21st birthday. Another famous piece with sky-blue stones, the Teck tiara, currently belongs to the Duchess of Gloucester Birgitte. 

Norwegian Queen Alexandra’s turquoise tiara dates back to 1902. Her third daughter, the Queen of Norway, Maud, inherited it in 1925. Today, the tiara is a key element of Princess Astrid’s gala jewelry. 

Celebrities rarely rock looks with turquoise jewelry on the red carpet, but it’s always a look to remember when they do. Eva Mendes wore a 1974 Van Cleef and Arpels necklace at the 2009 Golden Globe Awards. It features 132 perfectly clear blue drop-shaped stones. 

Talk to a Jewelry Expert 

Buying high-quality turquoise jewelry is challenging, so finding a worthy retailer is critical. Estate Diamond Jewelry is a reputed seller of fine vintage jewelry located in New York. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries. We can offer a selection of rare vintage rings, including turquoise rings, or create a custom piece of your design.