Turquoise Rings - A Comprehensive Guide
Turquoise Rings - A Comprehensive Guide
by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read
This blog explores turquoise rings, highlighting its beauty and suitability for engagement rings. We'll discuss turquoise features, historical symbolism, durability, and care tips to keep your turquoise jewelry stunning for years to come.
THE BASICS ---There's no better way to celebrate special days in December than with a stunning turquoise. Whether it is for a birthday, anniversary, holiday gift or just to say congratulations, I love you or you're special, a turquoise ring or other turquoise jewelry can be the perfect choice. The deeper you delve into the captivating world of this gemstone, the more irresistibly drawn you become to wearing it daily, making it a timeless and versatile choice for any occasion.
Table of Contents ---
- Introduction : The Importance of Turquoise
- What is Turquoise?
- Factors To Consider When Choosing a Turquoise Ring
- Turquoise Meaning and Symbolism
- Turquoise History, Rings and Jewelry
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Top Picks For Vintage Turquoise Rings
- Other December Birthstones
- Choosing the Best Turquoise Rings
Introductions: The Importance Of Turquoise
Turquoise is rapidly gaining popularity among customers seeking an alternative to traditional diamonds. Renowned for its unique charm, turquoise not only stands out as a captivating standalone gem but also complements other accent stones beautifully.
Ideal for both day and evening wear, its vibrant color adds a touch of elegance and a warm, sophisticated glow to any ensemble. This blog explores the advantages of choosing turquoise for your engagement ring and introduces top vintage turquoise rings for those seeking a unique symbol of their love.
What is Turquoise?
Turquoise, also known as callais, is a captivating blue-green mineral composed of aluminum, copper, and phosphate. Unlike many other gemstones, turquoise is opaque. The most prized specimens are uniformly colored and free of inclusions. However, stones with pronounced inclusions that form delicate marbling or web-like textures, often in shades of white, brown, or black, can also be highly valued for their unique appearance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Turquoise Ring
Choosing the right turquoise ring involves more than just selecting a particular jewelry era. There are several key features to consider that make some turquoise rings stand out.
• ColorTurquoise can range from a pale, almost sky blue to a deep, earthy green. The most sought-after hue is an even, medium blue, often referred to as "Persian blue," though preferences can vary.
• MatrixThe matrix refers to the inclusions or veins often found in turquoise, typically composed of the host rock in which the turquoise was formed. These patterns can be black, brown, or golden. A well-distributed matrix can add character and uniqueness to a ring.
• Healing PropertiesTurquoise is believed to be a calming stone that helps to stabilize mood swings and instill inner calm. It is said to promote self-realization and assist creative problem solving, making it a popular stone among artists and writers.
• StructureTurquoise is a phosphate mineral composed mainly of hydrated copper and aluminum phosphate. The structure of turquoise is generally porous, which can affect its durability and also its treatment.
• DurabilityTurquoise typically falls between 5 and 6 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This scale is used to determine the hardness of minerals by assessing which minerals can visibly scratch others. The relatively soft nature of turquoise means that it can be vulnerable to scratches and abrasions, making it necessary to handle turquoise jewelry and artifacts with care to maintain their condition over time.
Considering these factors can help you choose a turquoise ring that not only looks beautiful but also offers the best value and longevity.
Turquoise Meaning and Symbolism
Turquoise has been a powerful stone for millennia, believed to represent heaven and offer good fortune, strength and empowerment to those who wear it. Many cultures believe turquoise can ward off the evil eye or foretell death, and the stone is also believed to offer protection against falls and accidents. Turquoise is also believed to help promote leadership, ambition and success. Not only is turquoise a symbolic stone for December birthdays, but it is also associated with the eleventh wedding anniversary and the Zodiac sign Sagittarius.
Turquoise History, Mines, Rings, and Jewelry
• HistoryTurquoise has been used in jewelry and ornamentation for thousands of years, and was particularly prominent in ancient Persia and Egypt, where it decorated the roofs of celebrated mosques and was worn by Egypt's royal pharaohs. In the New World, Aztecs used turquoise in mosaics and masks, and the stone has been used by many Native American peoples in amulets and pendants, including the Pueblo, Navajo and Apache tribes.
• Mines
Historically, turquoise mined in Iran and throughout Persia has been the most valued, and the stone is still mined in many areas of the Middle East, including Egypt and Israel. Turquoise is also heavily mined in the dry, arid regions of the southwestern United States, with productive mines in Arizona, California, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah. Elsewhere in the world, turquoise is mined in China, India, Chile, Turkestan, Australia, Mexico and Afghanistan.
• Rings and Jewelry
Today, turquoise is popular in all types of jewelry, from beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings to stunning turquoise rings. It may be mounted with silver or white gold for a cool appearance, but it is equally popular in yellow gold and rose gold for warmer, more romantic designs. Turquoise is especially popular in Victorian rings for its bold color and how stunningly this stone pairs with the luster of pearls. Turquoise accents are often found in geometric patterns on intricate antique rings, and it may also be part of inlays with opal and mother-of-pearl in many vintage rings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a turquoise ring is genuine?
Look for natural variations in color and matrix. Uniform color and a plastic-like appearance may indicate a synthetic stone. The use of a jeweler's loupe to inspect the stone for pores and imperfections can also help.
What should I look for when buying a vintage turquoise ring?
Check the setting and integrity of the stone, look for signs of wear or repairs, ensure the turquoise is securely set, and verify any hallmarks or signatures that might indicate the maker and era.
How do I care for a turquoise ring?
Keep it away from chemicals and prolonged sunlight, clean it with a soft cloth, and avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers. Store it separately to prevent scratches.Our Top Picks For Vintage Turquoise Rings
When selecting a vintage turquoise ring, choose the design and era that best reflect your personal style and flair. Here's a look at our top picks:
“My experience with Vintage Diamond Ring was so excellent I really had to think about it for a while. First their selection of jewelry is profound. The quality is superior.”
— Claude P verified buyer (Vintage Ring Review)
Each turquoise piece was meticulously crafted in the Victorian era, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and conflict-free origins, perfect for customers who appreciate the beauty of Victorian jewelry.
Other December Birthstones
While turquoise is the most popular of the December birthstones, it is not the only option for celebrating December birthdays and special occasions with a little sparkle. Both tanzanite and zircon are also considered December birthstones, and have other frigid blue tones that can mark this month in beautiful ways.
Choosing the Best Turquoise Ring
Ultimately, each turquoise ring showcases its unique and vibrant style, making the selection deeply personal. Whether you favor a simple, classic design or prefer a more elaborate Victorian setting, a turquoise ring is not just a stunning accessory but a piece of history you’ll treasure for years to come. Its timeless appeal and cultural significance ensure it stands out as a symbol of both beauty and lasting commitment.
Antique Engagement Rings For Everyone:
No matter which gemstone is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.
Find The Perfect Engagement Ring:
Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of Turquoise Rings today to make the most of every occasion in February!
Suzanne Sachs
Press Love:
Leave a comment