Turquoise Nugget

Several other primeval cultures have also treasured this azure gem and we see turquoise being used by the Aztecs, Native American Indians and many other ancient people like the Chinese, Mongolians and Persians. In fact, Persia was a prominent trader of turquoise from the early days onwards.

The birthstone of December, turquoise is also prized for its mystical and healing properties. The stone’s beneficial impact on the wearer has been a longstanding belief. Right from the olden times, it was believed that turquoise brought fame, prosperity, luck and health and hence the stone was also used to make charms, amulets and fetishes, apart from jewellery.

The appealing colour of turquoise is determined by several factors and also has a definite effect on its value. The true blue turquoise is valued much higher than then a greenish shade or even a speckled one. Clear blue Persian turquoise is considered the most exquisite though most of the superior quality blue turquoise today is mined at the Sleeping Beauty Mine near Arizona. Mines in China yield a unique lime-green coloured turquoise while India produces greenish blue turquoise. In fact, turquoise has a broad range of colours ranging from dark teal blue as well as sky blue to greenish hues. This is due to the amount of mineral present – the blue shade is deepened when there is copper in the site, the green shade is present when there is aluminium, a yellowish-green tint is observed if there is presence of zinc. This yellow-green turquoise is, however, a rare variety, mined in the Orvil Jack mines in Nevada. This type of turquoise is fast gaining huge popularity in manufacturing jewellery and accessories all over the world. The dark markings in the turquoise stone are the matrix or the impressions of the rock that the turquoise was formed in. Attractive matrix patterns enhance the beauty of the stone. Only Persian turquoise occurs without any apparent matrix.

Turquoise is not a hard stone having a score of only 5-6 on the Mohs scale. It, therefore, has to be treated with resin, paraffin or wax to stabilize or harden it. In America, a new treatment called the Zachery treatment is also used to harden the stone without change of colour thereby increasing durability. Natural turquoises which can be used without chemical treatment are very high quality stones and are therefore exorbitant.

A favourite way of wearing this alluring stone is turquoise earrings. Although the stone had fallen in grace because it was used by the hippies in the latter half of the 20th century, it has today regained all its dignity and distinction. Turquoise is used by the leading fashion and jewellery houses today in their brand new lines. Turquoise dangling earrings are very popular all over the world. This blue stone is usually set with diamonds and pearls in elegant and precious jewellery and is used much more in silver setting than gold setting. However in the backdrop of pale yellow gold or white gold, too, this gem steals the light due to its brilliant shades of blue colour. It can be cut into various shapes when soft (that is, in its natural state) and therefore, are exceptionally beautiful in gem settings with inimitable contours and patterns. Turquoise is also crafted into cabochons and beads; or in other words, can be fashioned into free forms, too.

Turquoise necklaces have also charmed the present generation and have adorned the shelves of many famous designers. Turquoise bracelets, chokers, pendants are also hot favourites, with many designers adopting the south-western and Native American Indian designs. Modern designers and jewellery websites have exquisite rings, nugget bracelets, cuff bracelets, multi-strand necklaces, and even buckles and belts designed out of turquoise.

Since turquoise is a soft stone, it needs its share of care to keep it looking its radiant best. It needs to be kept away from solvents, perfumes, sunscreen, hairspray, oils, chemical cleaning substances as these can damage the stone, causing change in hydration, thereby altering colour and shine. The stone may also become brittle and hence get chipped or scratched. It is best to clean turquoise jewellery in warm water and dry with a soft cloth. It should be stored separately to avoid scratching by harder stones.

Catapulting into the fashion circles and evolving into the “blue-eyed” gem of the big names in jewellery design industry, turquoise jewellery has emerged out of the folds of Native American Indian finery and has taken the world by storm. Considering that each piece of this gem is distinct from another turquoise stone, it is no surprise that this beaming blue gem is conquering the skies.

John Lewis runs a website that features unusual wedding jewellery and earrings that are all handcrafted in the UK.

Can you find this?

I make and sell jewelry and I can’t find a bead. I’ve seen one before and would like one like it. It is a REAL turquoise bead. one holle drilled all the way through. no shape .. just a nugget. I want it to be around 30 or 40 mm

Try Fire Mountain Jems.

Chaco Canyon Southwest Turquoise Nugget Sterling Silver …

15.5″ turquoise howlite nuggets/$1 combined s/h, ship fast!(w3.5) $2.75

bulk sale//5 reconstituted turquoise nuggets/$1 combined s/h. ship fast(w4.0) $5.75

Vintage Sterling Silver & Double Turquoise Nugget Ring $79.88

rustic turquoise howlite stone nuggets//$1 combined s/h, ship fast(w2.5) $1.75

6-11mm Green Natural Turquoise Nugget Gemstone Beads $14.99

8SE08541a  11x12mm Green Turquoise Faceted Nugget Beads $8.90

8SE08551a  10x14mm Green Turquoise Nugget Beads 16″ $6.50

40X26X24MM 5PCS TURQUOISE GEMSTONE NUGGET BEADS $0.99

15.5″ Chinese Turquoise Nugget Chip Beads ap.7mm #82131 $4.50

15.5″ Chinese Turquoise Nugget Chip Beads ap.6mm #82135 $3.99

20x27mm Blue Turquoise Nugget Beads 16″ $5.99

pure natural TURQUOISE nuggets//$1 combined s/h, usa seller.ship fast(w1.0) $1.75

MANMADE TURQUOISE GEMSTONE NUGGET 1 5/8″ PENDANT $0.99

16″ strand large turquoise howlite nuggets/20-30mm(w8.5) $5.25

16″strand free form turquoise howlite nuggets/15mm(w4.0) $4.25

Southwest Redneck Wineglass with Turquoise Nugget Stone Charm Comes Gift Boxed $18.95 Turquoise is a purification stone. Dispels negative energy. Turquoise balances and aligns all the chakras, stabilising mood swings and instilling inner calm. It is excellent for depression and exhaustion, it also has the power to prevent panic attacks. It is a symbol of friendship, and stimulates romantic love. The jar is a Ball 1/2 pint and the height is 8 inches. Special orders can be reque…

Black Turquoise Nugget Cross Rhinestone Purse Handbag $29.99 This beautiful black Western style handbag features side and bottom panels of glossy, mock-croc textured vinyl, covered in dozens of round chrome studs and large glimmering clear rhinestone crystals. The front of the handbag features a Gothic cross, embellished with nuggets of turquoise stone, and framed by more clear rhinestones. The back features a 6 inch wide zipper pocket, for quick access to …

Navajo Safety Pin Key Chain Ring Carved with Sterling Leaves/feathers and Turquoise and Coral Stones Giant size safety pin with Key chain ring is carved with Eagles, turquoise and coral stone by Navajo Tirbe Native American. Ring meausures about an inch in diameter…

Brown Turquoise Nugget Cross Rhinestone Purse Handbag $39.99 This beautiful brown Western style handbag features side and bottom panels of glossy, mock-croc textured vinyl, covered in dozens of round chrome studs and large glimmering clear rhinestone crystals. The front of the handbag features a Gothic cross, embellished with nuggets of turquoise stone, and framed by more clear rhinestones. The back features a 6 inch wide zipper pocket, for quick access to…

Brown Leather Turquoise Nugget Wristband Wrist Band $14.99 This gauntlet style brown leather wrist band features a natural turquoise nugget stone set into the center. The wristband is 2 3/4 inches wide, has a double snap closure with brass snaps, and fits 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 inch wrists.This wrist band makes a great gift for friends and family. …

Nugget Style Turquoise, Wood And Chrome Bead Bracelet $9.98 This beautiful stretch bracelet adds a wonderful bohemian look to your contemporary wardrobe. The bracelet is made up of gorgeous nugget turquoise beads, red round wooden beads, chrome plated dumbbell shapes metal beads a one round white howlite bead. The bracelet is 7/8 of an inch wide, and since it’s a stretch bracelet, it will fit almost any wrist over 6 1/2 inches. These bracelets make a great…