Turquoise: A Collector’s Guide to Authentic Jewelry

Turquoise holds a special place in my heart as my favorite gemstone. Its rich history, timeless elegance, and vibrant hues never fail to captivate me. I adorn myself with turquoise jewelry daily, obsessing over the striking pop of color it adds to my outfits. With the closure of numerous mines and the increasing scarcity of quality turquoise, I foresee a steady rise in prices, making vintage turquoise a coveted collector’s item in the near future. This prompted me to embark on a deep dive into the world of turquoise!

The History of Turquoise

Turquoise, originating in Cambrian-era Quartzite rocks found in the United States, Iran, and the Sinai Peninsula, forms through copper minerals interacting with meteoric water in the earth’s crust. Over millions of years, rain and snowmelt trigger chemical reactions within copper-containing rocks, leading to the gradual solidification of turquoise deposits, presenting the iconic blue and green hues. It is one of the most fascinating chemical reactions and why it holds a rich legacy dating back thousands of years, with civilizations across the globe treasuring it for its beauty and spiritual significance. From ancient Egyptians adorning their pharaohs like King Tut with turquoise jewelry to Native American tribes incorporating it into ceremonial attire, turquoise has remained a symbol of protection, wisdom, and cultural heritage throughout history.

The Value of Turquoise

Turquoise lacks a standardized grading system (like diamonds), and its quality is assessed by factors like color, texture, and matrix. The origin and mine also add to the value of Turquoise so let’s dive into the most valuable types of Turquoise.

1. Persian Turquoise

– Origin: Mined in Iran.

– Qualities: Persian turquoise is renowned for its smooth texture and vibrant “robin’s egg blue” color. Its exquisite clarity and intense hue make it highly sought after among collectors and jewelry connoisseurs.

– Value: The rarity of Persian turquoise, coupled with its captivating color and historical significance, places it at the pinnacle of turquoise value. Often considered the standard for high-quality turquoise, its scarcity contributes to its exceptional worth.

2. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

– Origin: Extracted from the Sleeping Beauty mine in Globe, Arizona, USA.

– Qualities: Characterized by a brilliant sky-blue hue and minimal matrix, Sleeping Beauty turquoise is celebrated for its uniform color and lack of visible veins. Its hardness and durability contribute to its desirability in crafting fine jewelry pieces.

– Value: The mine’s closure in 2012 has elevated the value of Sleeping Beauty turquoise, transforming it into a collector’s gem. Its uniform color, coupled with the scarcity resulting from mine closure, makes it highly prized in the world of turquoise aficionados.

3. Lander Blue Turquoise

– Origin: Originally discovered in Lander County, Nevada, USA.

– Qualities: Lander Blue turquoise is distinguished by its deep blue color and distinctive spiderweb matrix, creating intricate and highly sought-after patterns. The limited quantity produced and the small size of the mine contribute to its exclusivity and desirability.

– Value: Considered one of the rarest and most valuable turquoise varieties, Lander Blue’s scarcity, coupled with its unique matrix patterns, commands premium prices in the market. Its coveted status is further heightened by its historical significance and limited availability.

4. Bisbee Turquoise

– Origin: Mined in Bisbee, Arizona, USA.

– Qualities: Known for its rich, chocolate-brown matrix and vibrant blue and green hues, Bisbee turquoise often exhibits a distinctive smoky appearance. Its unique coloration and striking patterns make it a favorite among collectors and artisans.

– Value: Bisbee turquoise is highly prized for its exceptional beauty and limited availability, as the mine ceased production in the late 1970s. Its historical significance, coupled with the rarity of obtaining new Bisbee turquoise, contributes to its elevated value in the turquoise market.

5. Chinese Spiderweb Turquoise

– Origin: Extracted from various mines in China, with Hubei Province being a notable source.

– Qualities: Chinese Spiderweb turquoise is characterized by its intricate spiderweb matrix, often accompanied by a range of colors from blue and green to red and black. Its diverse patterns and color variations contribute to its popularity among jewelry designers.

– Value: The increasing demand for Chinese Spiderweb turquoise, coupled with its unique matrix designs and color palette, has elevated its value in recent years. Its affordability compared to some other high-end varieties makes it an attractive choice for both collectors and designers seeking quality turquoise.

Collecting Turquoise

With limited deposits available and renowned mines, such as the Sleeping Beauty mine, now closed, acquiring high-quality turquoise has become increasingly rare.

Discovering authentic turquoise jewelry is a journey of elegance and discernment. Here’s how to ensure your treasure gleams with authenticity:

1. Craftsmanship: One of the sure ways of buying real and untreated turquoise is to buy from artisans and designers known for their commitment to quality and authenticity. Explore reputable jewelry boutiques and galleries that curate pieces from trusted sources.

2. Mindful Sourcing: Ask questions about the origins of your turquoise jewelry. Pieces sourced from reputable mines and regions renowned for their turquoise production, such as Iran and the United States (like the Sleeping Beauty mine), will advertise their genuine authenticity. If an artisan or seller is charging top dollar for turquoise but can’t disclose the origin of the turquoise – RUN! I only buy blindly if the item is priced very low (under $50 and then I bring home to test).

3. The Telltale Signs: Authentic turquoise exhibits a range of characteristics that set it apart. Look for natural variations in color, texture, and matrix patterns, embracing the unique imperfections that distinguish each stone. While a beautiful Turquoise bead necklace is going to have continuity in terms of the shape, size and color, each stone is going to be just different enough.

4. Testing for Authenticity: I’ve tested my fair share of turquoise and thankfully, I’ve always lucked out. Here’s how to conduct simple tests to verify the authenticity of turquoise:

– Temperature Sensitivity: Real turquoise tends to remain cool to the touch, even in warmer environments. Place the stone against your skin to assess its natural coolness. I always test against my cheek!

– Scratch Test: Use a sharp object to lightly scratch the surface of the stone. Genuine turquoise is relatively soft and may exhibit scratches, whereas imitations and synthetics are often more resistant. I don’t recommend this test but if you’re in a thrift store and want to know if you’re getting the real deal, try the scratch test in an inconspicuous spot.

– Acetone Test: Use a cotton swab to lightly rub some acetone on the surface of the stone. If any color is removed, then the stone is colored turquoise and not the real deal. Again, try this in an inconspicuous spot.

Caring for Turquoise Jewelry

As you begin your turquoise collection, here are quick tips for caring for your jewelry:

Gentle Cleaning: Clean your turquoise jewelry with a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and oils. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning agents. I use a microfiber cloth on the silver or gold and gentle do a couple of swipes on the turquoise if it’s needed.

Avoid Exposure: Protect turquoise from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as it may cause fading. Store your jewelry in a cool, dark place to preserve its vibrant color. All of my jewelry is tucked away!

Minimal Contact: Limit the contact of turquoise with perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays to prevent potential damage. Apply these products before putting on your jewelry.

Mindful Storage: Store turquoise pieces separately to prevent scratches. Wrap them in a soft cloth or place them in a padded jewelry box to avoid contact with other items. I use individual bags like this to protect my jewelry.

Regular Inspections: Periodically check the settings and clasps for any signs of wear or damage. Promptly address any issues to maintain the integrity of your turquoise jewelry.

My curated finds:

this is an expensive one, so brace yourself…