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Help with turquoise

Upgradable

Upgradable

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 15, 2004
Messages
5,537
My daughter is a college freshman. Her birthday is in December, and she really likes turquoise. I'd like to get her a turquoise bead necklace for her birthday. What she'd really like is one similar to a traditional strand of pearls.

Ideally, I'd like about 8mm smooth beads with minimal to no matrix. Stabilization is fine. I just don't want reconstituted stones (or whatever those are called).

Cut stones I'm pretty good at finding, and can determine what works for me. But stones like these leave me completely baffled! I'd appreciate any and all help I can get.
 
Uppy,
Are you looking for something bluish or greenish? Are you aware that turquoise is fragile and porous, and should be protected from chemicals which may cause color changes? What you are looking for is going to cost $$$ unless dyed or reconsituted because it is a full strand of fine colour with minimal matrix.

Here is an example of what you are looking for (just with really big rounds):
http://www.rubylane.com/item/173699-C-1840/Genuine-Persian-Turquoise-Large-Bead

Smaller beads:
http://www.rubylane.com/item/173699-SM-12-20/Large-Genuine-Persian-Turquoise-Bead

Below is Pearlman's estate pieces which are more Southwestern based in design but very budget friendly. Note that there is zero information on treatment.
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/estate-jewelry/necklaces/17EB3/8/
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/estate-jewelry/necklaces/17EB3/16/
http://www.pearlmansjewelers.com/jewelry-specials/estate-jewelry/necklaces/17EB3/24/
 
Wow!! I knew I was ignorant about a piece like this, but :$$): !

I really like the style of the second piece from Ruby Lane, but was totally not prepared for the cost! My budget is about $250. She likes the classic pieces, not the southwest style.

Might I still be able to get a nice piece, not a piece of costume junk, more in my budget? Which direction do you suggest I go? Highly treated? Howlite?
 
You have to be careful when buying turquoise. Besides getting block turquoise you can also wind up with dyed material that isn't even turquoise. I've seen fake turquoise called mojave.
 
The turquoise halo ring I have for sale at JbEG came back from Dave Atlas saying it was synthetic turquoise. I sourced the stone specifically for that mounting too. I found it on ebay without a stone. I thought I bought from a reputable seller, but apparently didn't get what I was expecting! So, I obviously cannot see the difference with my eye.
 
Upgradable|1351866815|3297332 said:
The turquoise halo ring I have for sale at JbEG came back from Dave Atlas saying it was synthetic turquoise. I sourced the stone specifically for that mounting too. I found it on ebay without a stone. I thought I bought from a reputable seller, but apparently didn't get what I was expecting! So, I obviously cannot see the difference with my eye.
Click to expand...
Who did you buy it from :o
 
I don't remember, IK.

I rather like the beads in the second link, but I'd prefer a knotted strand that looked less southwestern. Also, rounder would be preferred.
 
I bought some arizona turquoise beads at the last gem show I attended. The guy had a few tips for me when buying turquoise beads. I can't remember them all but one was to break one of the beads to see if it's dyed.
 
innerkitten|1351867253|3297338 said:
I bought some arizona turquoise beads at the last gem show I attended. The guy had a few tips for me when buying turquoise beads. I can't remember them all but one was to break one of the beads to see if it's dyed.
Click to expand...
Makes sense. The concept would have made me cringe. But that's why we ask and listen to experts. Learn! :read:
Although, I do miss the ease of "ignorance is bliss" mindset. :confused:
 
Upgradable|1351867505|3297343 said:
innerkitten|1351867253|3297338 said:
I bought some arizona turquoise beads at the last gem show I attended. The guy had a few tips for me when buying turquoise beads. I can't remember them all but one was to break one of the beads to see if it's dyed.
Click to expand...
Makes sense. The concept would have made me cringe. But that's why we ask and listen to experts. Learn! :read:
Although, I do miss the ease of "ignorance is bliss" mindset. :confused:
Click to expand...
So true.
 
Uppy,
I just don't see how it can be possible to get what you are looking for within your budget. The two RubyLane examples I posted aren't even of particularly good quality. You've also got to watch out for simulants like howlite, synthetic and dyed turquoise. Did you read my very first note about the special care turquoise needs?
 
Chrono|1351876149|3297398 said:
innerkitten|1351868023|3297351 said:
Well these are close to round. You could have them strung like pearls. Put on a pretty clasp.
http://www.westerntraders.com/shopping/details/338/18/turquoise-beads/blue-gem-round-turquoise-beads,-5mm
Click to expand...

IN,
Those are certainly very affordable but I did not find any notation whether they are real or synthetic, dyed, reconstitued or anything else.
Click to expand...

Yeah it doesn't say. It say's Blue Gem which is the name turquoise mine so I just assumed they were from there.

ETA: Here is the whole turquoise page. It say's they have Nevada turquoise, Arizona turquoise, Chinese turquoise as well as "substitute" turquoise. I you'd have to contact them for more info.
http://www.westerntraders.com/shopping/category/18/turquoise-beads
 
I agree with you guys that what I saw in my mind and the reality of my pocketbook are mutually exclusive. Well, to move on then.

I talked with her on the phone and she said she thinks she'd rather have a delicate 16" chain with small turquoise nuggets along it. Think "diamonds by the yard" style, but with turquoise nuggets. She also said she'd prefer silver! Gotta love that she has an eye for style, but is conscious of my budget!!
 
Upgradable|1351882060|3297474 said:
I agree with you guys that what I saw in my mind and the reality of my pocketbook are mutually exclusive. Well, to move on then.

I talked with her on the phone and she said she thinks she'd rather have a delicate 16" chain with small turquoise nuggets along it. Think "diamonds by the yard" style, but with turquoise nuggets. She also said she'd prefer silver! Gotta love that she has an eye for style, but is conscious of my budget!!
Click to expand...
Yes. Sounds like she's very easy to work with as far as jewelry goes :)
 
I looked at ACS, Chrono. But those are all too bold for what she wants.

After talking to her, I remember a little wire wrapped fake turquoise chain she used to have. I think that's what she's talking about now. Something delicate to look at, but strong enough to withstand daily wear. I realize that is completely different than what I initially looking for.
 
Uppy, is there any way you would consider making it for her? Most of the concepts you're describing don't require a high skill level (no offense meant to any beaders out there and no offense to you Uppy, if you're already a beader!) and it seem that you'd have a lot of options at a gem show. I love turquoise, and see so much of it at every gem show I attend - from one end of the spectrum to the other. If you have the tools, making a turquoise by the yard necklace would take a silver clasp of your choosing, some fairly high gauge silver wire, about 2' of silver chain, and the cost of whatever beautiful turquoise beads you'd pick out. Depending on the quality, the beads would be the expensive part.

Just a thought.
 
Oh, and how cool is it that she has Mom who plans ahead, instead of waiting to the last minute and rushing to the store (not that I know any mothers like that :rolleyes: ;)) )...
 
I agree with you guys that what I saw in my mind and the reality of my pocketbook are mutually exclusive. Well, to move on then.
Click to expand...
If you really want it, I think it's a bit early to give up ;))

Firstly read The Turquoise Chick's info about stabilization and dying http://linvalentine.wordpress.com/

Then the 5 types of turquoise http://www.theturquoisechick.com/kinds.htm

There used to be write ups on all the different mines but I see she's having some trouble with the Home page and the info page seems to have disappeared.

She has some beads in the size you want for $97.95 (8mm) but these would have to be strung and finished off with a clasp. All her beads would for the matter. Bottom left http://theturquoisechick.com/kingmanbeads.htm

I see you've changed the style you're looking for - so you will need to buy some turquoise nuggets and have a wire worker/jeweller make it for you BUT here are some more affordable necklaces with named mine sources.
http://www.durangosilver.com/bead_necklaces_59_ctg.htm Top left seems about right style/size/price if you want to pursue that.

These are unnamed sources http://www.turquoisebeads.com/beads_turquoise_rounds1.shtml
 
Starzin|1351892824|3297581 said:
I agree with you guys that what I saw in my mind and the reality of my pocketbook are mutually exclusive. Well, to move on then.
Click to expand...
If you really want it, I think it's a bit early to give up ;))

Firstly read The Turquoise Chick's info about stabilization and dying http://linvalentine.wordpress.com/

Then the 5 types of turquoise http://www.theturquoisechick.com/kinds.htm

There used to be write ups on all the different mines but I see she's having some trouble with the Home page and the info page seems to have disappeared.

She has some beads in the size you want for $97.95 (8mm) but these would have to be strung and finished off with a clasp. All her beads would for the matter. Bottom left http://theturquoisechick.com/kingmanbeads.htm

I see you've changed the style you're looking for - so you will need to buy some turquoise nuggets and have a wire worker/jeweller make it for you BUT here are some more affordable necklaces with named mine sources.
http://www.durangosilver.com/bead_necklaces_59_ctg.htm Top left seems about right style/size/price if you want to pursue that.

These are unnamed sources http://www.turquoisebeads.com/beads_turquoise_rounds1.shtml
Click to expand...

I've had turquoise change color on me before. I bought a ring from Chacodog that was bright swimming pool aqua ( sold as untreated) and it became green. I think this may be why a lot of the vintage pieces are green. I read somewhere that the deep blue colors are a bit more stable but I don't know proof or experience. The turquoise used in some of the ancient egyptian jewelry remains blue after 3000 years.
 
minousbijoux|1351889179|3297549 said:
Uppy, is there any way you would consider making it for her? Most of the concepts you're describing don't require a high skill level (no offense meant to any beaders out there and no offense to you Uppy, if you're already a beader!) and it seem that you'd have a lot of options at a gem show. I love turquoise, and see so much of it at every gem show I attend - from one end of the spectrum to the other. If you have the tools, making a turquoise by the yard necklace would take a silver clasp of your choosing, some fairly high gauge silver wire, about 2' of silver chain, and the cost of whatever beautiful turquoise beads you'd pick out. Depending on the quality, the beads would be the expensive part.

Just a thought.
Click to expand...
I would love to do that minous, but my fingers and hands cannot do that anymore. I used to take silversmithing classes, but my fingers would become so numb I was injuring myself with the files and buffers. Oh, and I have a scar from a third degree burn (only size of pencil eraser) on the back of my hand from dripping solder. Would you believe it didn't hurt a bit?

I appreciate all the helpful links and advice! I'm going to keep looking. I want to find exactly what she'd like. I love that she's collecting quality pieces, one at a time.
 
I've had turquoise change color on me before. I bought a ring from Chacodog that was bright swimming pool aqua ( sold as untreated) and it became green. I think this may be why a lot of the vintage pieces are green. I read somewhere that the deep blue colors are a bit more stable but I don't know proof or experience. The turquoise used in some of the ancient egyptian jewelry remains blue after 3000 years.
Click to expand...
I believe that if it isn't stabilized most American/Mexican turquoise will change colour over time because of the oils from skin and this is the main reason for stabilization which is mostly wax. The Persian turquoise is a slightly different composition stone to begin with apparently, perhaps this prevents it absorbing oils in the same way?
 
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