How to Buy Turquoise: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Turquoise

Overview

Turquoise is a popular gemstone admired for its vibrant blue-green hue, and is often used in jewelry and home decor. This buying guide is designed to help shoppers make an informed and conscious purchase of this precious stone. It covers the different types of turquoise, its value, factors to consider when purchasing, and care and maintenance tips. By understanding the features of this gemstone, customers can be confident in selecting the perfect piece of turquoise to fit their needs.

Key features

  1. Origin - Natural turquoise usually comes from the U.S., Mexico, Iran, or China; customers should check the origin to ensure authenticity.
  2. Grade - Turquoise is typically graded A, B, or C, depending on its quality; A grade is the highest quality, while C grade is the lowest.
  3. Color - Turquoise is usually a blue or green color; customers should look for even color saturation and hues without any patches or blotches.
  4. Clarity - Turquoise should be clear with no visible cracks, blemishes, or inclusions.
  5. Treatment - Turquoise is often treated or enhanced, and shoppers should be aware of what treatments have been applied.
  6. Price - Price can vary widely depending on the quality and origin; customers should compare prices from different sources to ensure they find the best value.

See the most popular Turquoise on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Turquoise is a strong and hard material that is able to withstand many years of use and wear.
  • Versatility: Turquoise can be used to make a wide variety of jewelry, home décor, and other products.
  • Unique Colors: Turquoise has a beautiful and unique blend of blue and green colors, which makes it a popular choice for many people.
  • Affordable: Turquoise is generally an affordable gemstone, making it accessible to many people.
  • Symbolic: Turquoise has long been associated with strength, protection, and good fortune, making it a symbolic and meaningful choice.

Cons

  • Price: Turquoise is relatively expensive compared to other gemstones, making it less accessible to many buyers.
  • Durability: Turquoise is a soft stone, meaning it can be easily scratched, chipped, or damaged.
  • Authenticity: It can be hard to tell if a piece of turquoise is real, as there are many synthetic forms on the market.
  • Treatment: Most turquoise on the market has been treated with wax or dyes, which may affect the durability and color of the stone.

Best alternatives

  1. Malachite - A copper carbonate mineral that is similar to turquoise in color and often features a striped or banded appearance.
  2. Jasper - A type of cryptocrystalline quartz that comes in a variety of colors, including green, blue, and yellow.
  3. Azurite - A blue copper carbonate mineral that can form alongside malachite or in areas where there is a lack of oxygen.
  4. Lapis Lazuli - A dark blue metamorphic rock often used as a gemstone.
  5. Chrysocolla - A copper-based mineral often found in association with malachite and turquoise.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Turquoise Stones- Small to large stones cut and polished for jewelry making.
  • Jewelry Making Supplies- Drill bits, polishing pads, saws, and other tools and supplies for carving and drilling turquoise stones.
  • Jewelry Settings- Bezels, settings, wires, and other materials for making turquoise jewelry.
  • Finishing Supplies- Glues, polishes, and other items to help finish off jewelry pieces.
  • Turquoise Beads- Faceted, flat, and round beads for making jewelry strings.

Common questions

  1. What is Turquoise?
    Turquoise is a blue-to-green mineral that has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years. It is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum and is often found in dry and barren regions.
  2. What types of Turquoise are there?
    There are many different types of Turquoise, which vary in color, hardness, and veining. Common types of Turquoise include Stargazer, Bisbee, Spiderweb, Chinese Sleeping Beauty, and Kingman.
  3. What are the benefits of buying Turquoise?
    Turquoise is a durable and aesthetically pleasing gemstone that can last for many years. It is also believed to bring good luck, health, and protection to those who wear it, making it a great gift for a loved one.
  4. Where can I buy Turquoise?
    Turquoise can be purchased from jewelry stores, gem stores, online stores, and auction houses. You can also find Turquoise for sale at craft shows, flea markets, and bazaars.
  5. How much does Turquoise cost?
    The cost of Turquoise can vary widely depending on the quality, size, type, and origin. Prices can range from a few dollars for low-grade pieces to thousands of dollars for high-grade stones.
  6. How can I tell if my Turquoise is real?
    Turquoise can be identified by its unique color, hardness, and veining. To verify its authenticity, you can also take it to a professional jeweler or gemologist who can evaluate it through a process called gemological testing.
  7. What is the best way to care for my Turquoise jewelry?
    To ensure your Turquoise jewelry retains its luster, it should be cleaned with a soft cloth and a mild detergent. Avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals and sharp objects, as these can damage the stone.

Trivia

Turquoise is said to have a long and colorful history, with some evidence suggesting that it has been prized as a gemstone for over 6,000 years. Ancient Egyptians were especially fond of the mineral and believed it had special powers. In fact, some of the oldest known art featuring turquoise dates back to 4000 B.C. and was found in an Egyptian tomb. The Egyptians thought that the blue-green hue symbolized the sky, and would often carve it into jewelry and other decorative objects. Turquoise was also a popular stone in Native American jewelry and culture, where it was believed to promote good luck and health. Source: https://www.gemselect.com/turquoise/turquoise-history.php

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.