Turquoise is one of the most famous precious stones around and is a
highly demanded for jewelry gemstone. This gem has the prestige of being the
only stone to be named after a color. Although it is not as expensive as
diamond or sapphire, turquoise is just as magical as those stones are. This is
why it’s in my opinion, necessary that every jewelry collection should have
turquoise in it. So now that you have decided to get a turquoise for your engagement
ring, wedding ring, anniversary ring or gift or for any other reason, here are
some things to know first.
Turquoise is a greenish-blue gem that was derived from the French word
for ‘Turkish’ as the gemstone was first brought into Europe from Turkey.
Turquoise forms over millions of years when water oozes through rocks
containing copper and aluminum minerals. Here are some tips to know before
buying Turquoise engagement ring.
1.Know The Turquoise
Varieties in Existence
Turquoise varieties
are generally known by their origin locations. Each of these come with their
distinct properties. For instance, famous Persian Turquoise is not as porous as
the American or Mexican varieties which have a lighter green-blue color because
of their porosity.
2.Evaluate your stone using
the 4Cs
The four C’s are
Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat.
Color
Color and
saturation of turquoise are a determining factor for value. Although there is a
color that comes to mind when turquoise is mentioned, however there are several
shades of blue and green that falls under this word. There are light sky blue,
deep blue, blue-green, vivid green, leaf green and sea green. However, the most
evenly distributed mid-range blue colors are the most valuable turquoise.
Cut
Because turquoise
is so beautiful, cutting doesn’t really do much in affecting its beauty, but
they can be cut into recognizable shapes like ovals, beads, cabochons and
chips.
Clarity
Turquoise is
generally opaque but there are rarer, translucent versions as well. The stone
is typically not sparkly.
Carat
Turquoise is mined
and broken down into small chunks for jewelry. Stones of about 4-8 carat work well for jewelry but larger stones work for
well for ornamental jewelries. The price of turquoise in the market ranges
between $30 and $60 in the market per carat for a quality piece.
3.Match turquoise
with complementary colors
If you are looking
for that stone with that chic, classic look, then its turquoise. It works best
on cool skin tones than warm tones but warm skin tones can pull it off if used
well. Because of turquoise’s color versatility, it works well with many outfit
colors. It best complements neutrals like brown, gray, white and black.
4. Glam up your
outfit with matching turquoise pieces
Glam up your outfit with turquoise stone or in addition to
platinum or gold or in some cases silver which is no less mesmerizing and
usually serves its purpose especially when you are on a budget. Turquoise rings
are great for an evening look. Turquoise cocktail ring speaks vintage class and
elegance. In some traditions, turquoise ring is ideal for promise rings because
in many traditions, gifting a turquoise rings means ‘forget me not’.
5. Know the ins
and outs of looking after your stone
Buying
turquoise is one step and another is taking good care of it so it can have a
longer life. Turquoise is a fairly hard gemstone and this means other harder
gemstones can damage it when they hit it in a harsh manner. So using turquoise
with other hard stones like diamond can make it more prone to damage. Also using
turquoise while doing household chores such as cleaning with hard chemicals,
washing with soaps or using harsh shampoos can damage it as the gem is very
permeable.
6. Be Aware Of
Turquoise Imitations
Modern technology
has helped in producing chemical formulas that can help create products that
are similar to turquoise. You will find it difficult to notice the difference
if you are not a gemologist. You will only be able to tell when you find out
the price of these synthetic imitations as well as the weaker effect these
stones posses. For instance, an imitation called variscite can be easily
mistaken for turquoise, only that it has a greener appearance.