In recent articles, I’ve frequently mentioned turquoise, a mysterious and beautiful gemstone. Many fans have been asking when I’ll finally do a deep dive into turquoise. Well, the wait is over – today’s the day!
Turquoise has a clear, clean blue color, reminiscent of a bright summer sky after rain. Whether paired with simple black and white or vibrant colors, it exudes a unique, noble quality. No wonder it’s so beloved by jewelry enthusiasts!
However, while many people know of turquoise, few truly understand it. What exactly is turquoise? What defines high-quality turquoise? How should one go about purchasing it? Today’s turquoise guide will answer all these questions in one go!
Let’s start with a brief introduction to turquoise.
Turquoise is a copper and aluminum phosphate mineral. Its Chinese name originated from its resemblance to pine cones and its color being close to pine green. It’s one of the world’s oldest gemstones and symbolizes good fortune and protection against evil.
Turquoise is also one of the earliest gemstones used in jewelry and crafts. For instance, Egypt’s national treasure – Tutankhamun’s golden mask – is adorned with a large amount of turquoise, demonstrating its status and desirability.
Turquoise Evaluation Criteria
To understand turquoise, we must first discuss its evaluation criteria. These are similar to other gemstones and can be simplified into three categories: porcelain quality, color, and clarity.
01
Porcelain Quality
Porcelain quality refers to the texture of turquoise. There’s a saying in the industry: “Experts look at the porcelain quality, amateurs look at the color.” Generally, higher porcelain quality indicates better turquoise.
High-porcelain turquoise has a fine, dense, smooth texture that can achieve a porcelain-like luster and feel when polished. Over time, this type of turquoise often develops a patina, giving it a jade-like quality – a trait highly sought after by turquoise enthusiasts.
The most prized variety is called “jade-like high-porcelain blue.” This turquoise appears as fine as porcelain to the naked eye, with a lustrous glow like jade. It’s considered the highest grade of turquoise in all aspects.
02
Color
Turquoise comes in a rich variety of colors, with blue and green being the most representative. Sky blue turquoise is considered top-tier, followed by deep blue, blue-green, and emerald green.
03
Clarity
Clarity in turquoise refers to the degree of flaws on its surface and interior, including cracks, mineral spots, and impurities.
You may have noticed that some turquoise pieces have black or brown iron ore veins on their surface. These veins are called matrix lines.
Generally, turquoise without matrix lines is considered more beautiful. This type of turquoise is called “pure material” in the industry. It’s not only rare but also expensive.
However, some special types of turquoise are more valuable because of their matrix lines!
For example, the famous Wulan Flower turquoise has a dark blue color with dense, interwoven web-like matrix lines, giving it a mysterious appearance and a higher price.
There’s also the “Spider Web” turquoise, known as “the artwork among turquoise.” It has a blue body covered with various other colors like red, yellow, and green. If it also has clear, evenly distributed web-like matrix lines, its value increases significantly!
The matrix lines serve to divide the different colors, making this type of turquoise much more valuable.
Turquoise Jewelry
Now that we’ve covered the basics of turquoise, let’s look at how to buy it!
There are many channels to purchase turquoise nowadays, but if you’re a first-time buyer, I recommend opting for turquoise jewelry from well-known luxury brands for reliability.
Tiffany T
When it comes to luxury brand turquoise jewelry, Tiffany is a particularly representative brand.
Remember in 2015 when Cate Blanchett attended the Oscars wearing Tiffany turquoise jewelry? It was stunningly beautiful and caught everyone’s attention.
It was actually this look that made me realize how glamorous and fashionable turquoise could be!
For beginners, I would recommend the T series!
Although this series is one of Tiffany‘s signature collections, the simple T-shaped design set with turquoise takes it to a whole new level!
The clear blue of the turquoise is very similar to “Tiffany Blue.”
Turquoise + T shape seems to add a double buff of recognizability and freshness!
Tiffany Keys
The equally classic Tiffany Keys series has also recently launched a new product inlaid with turquoise.
With a turquoise background and a sparkling diamond outline, it’s like jewelry worn by a mermaid princess, full of romantic ocean vibes~🌊
Van Cleef & Arpels
Sweet Alhambra
Van Cleef & Arpels‘ four-leaf clover also has turquoise-set versions.
But be careful to distinguish! The common blue medium-sized flowers are set with blue agate. Only the small flower Sweet Alhambra series is set with turquoise~
Don’t be fooled by the small size of the Sweet Alhambra flowers – they’re basically foolproof when worn. Plus, with their affordable price, they’re a great entry-level choice for buying turquoise!
Van Cleef & Arpels
Perlée couleurs
Besides the classic four-leaf clover, the Perlée couleurs series also features turquoise-set pieces.
A round turquoise surrounded by white gold beads looks simple yet elegant and high-end.
The silver + blue color combination is clean and fresh, with a cooling effect and a relaxed yet noble old money vibe~
Especially when paired with a white look, it immediately becomes a bright splash of color that lights up the outfit~
Earrings $4,300; Necklace $2,840; Ring $3,650
Van Cleef & Arpels
Two Butterfly
If your budget is higher, you can also check out the turquoise butterfly between-the-finger ring from the Two Butterfly series.
This series pairs yellow gold with turquoise, creating a completely different style from the Perlée series!
It’s dazzling and luxurious, full of vintage charm~
The vibrant turquoise paired with the diamond-set butterfly beside it is even more glamorous and dazzling, exuding a naturally high-profile aura.
It looks like the centerpiece in a rich young lady’s jewelry box! ✨
Besides the ones mentioned above, many other luxury brands also offer turquoise jewelry~Due to space limitations, I’ve summarized them in the image for you!
Bracelets
Apart from luxury brand designs, turquoise bracelets are also a popular first choice for many people venturing into turquoise!
Especially if you’re not too particular about brands and styles, you can go straight for turquoise bracelets.
However, there are so many channels to buy turquoise bracelets in the market, and the quality of turquoise varies greatly. Be sure to compare prices and quality before buying!
Of course, if you want a luxury brand turquoise bracelet, there are options too! Like the Chrome Hearts turquoise bracelet loved by cool girls.
The rustic turquoise paired with mysteriously styled silver accessories looks unique and fashionable~
Finally, let’s talk about turquoise care guidelines.
When wearing, avoid contact with high temperatures, cosmetics, perfumes, soapy water, alcohol, and other substances to prevent damage or discoloration.
At the same time, turquoise has low hardness and is quite fragile, so be careful to avoid bumps when wearing. Indeed, beautiful gemstones are this delicate!
Wow! Today we’ve really given you a thorough rundown on turquoise!
Have you ever bought turquoise jewelry? What other gemstones would you like to learn about? Don’t forget to tell me in the comments~
Turquoise Unveiled: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding and Buying This Mystical Gem
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