Turquoise Engagement Rings
From LoveToKnow EngagementRings
More and more women are looking for turquoise engagement rings and other unique engagement rings and shying away from traditional diamond settings. For truly unusual jewelry with an exotic flair, turquoise is an exquisite option.
What is Turquoise?
Turquoise is a natural mineral that is one of the most valuable non-transparent stones used in jewelry today. Its distinctive sky blue color is caused by copper, while greener hues contain traces of iron or chromium. Turquoise stones are often veined with a black, grey, or white pattern; this “spider web” may make the stone less valuable, but many people actually prefer the unique patterns.
Turquoise stones have been found among Egyptian artifacts as well as ancient Persian and North and South American Indian treasures. Often believed to be a holy stone or good luck talisman, turquoise was widely used for ceremonial decorations in different cultures and was believed to connect the sky and waters because of its rich aquatic hues. Turquoise was only introduced to Europe during the Crusades, when it was given its name – a French word that literally translates as “Turkish stone.”
The best turquoise deposits were historically in the Middle East, particularly the Persian Kingdom (Afghanistan, Iran, etc.), but in the late 1800s high quality deposits of turquoise were found in the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada). Today the U.S. produces the majority of the world’s turquoise.
Turquoise Quality
Turquoise is very different than traditional gems, and should be judged carefully to insure its quality. High quality specimens will be a light sky blue color with no veined patterns or spots. The stone is opaque, making it difficult to judge interior flaws, but good exterior quality is a good indicator of interior consistency as well.
Because turquoise is quite soft and can be easily nicked, chipped, or broken, even high quality stones are subjected to waxing and coatings that harden the mineral and increase its durability. Beware of color treatments, however: some low quality stones will be dipped in color when treated, altering their appearance in order to pass them off as more valuable specimens. Another unscrupulous practice is to sell “reconstituted” turquoise – stones made from compressed turquoise powder, then dipped and hardened to preserve their shape. When purchasing a turquoise engagement ring, be sure to verify the treatments the stone has received by checking its certificate of authenticity.
Styles of Turquoise Engagement Rings
Like other gems, turquoise jewelry comes in a wide variety of styles to suit any couple’s preferences. Unlike translucent gems, turquoise stones are rarely faceted because no amount of cutting or angles can increase the fire and reflection of the gem – it has none. Instead, turquoise is highly polished and often presented as a bead or oval. It can be arranged in a variety of settings, including prongs, bezels, and channels.
The most popular metal for turquoise rings is silver, or a silver-colored metal such as platinum, white gold, or titanium. Yellow gold often clashes with the blue and green hues of the stone, making white metals more desirable because they highlight the true beauty of the stone rather than detract from it by a harsh contrast.
Turquoise rings can incorporate faceted gems such as diamonds, sapphires, or other colored stones as accents. Pearls are another popular choice because they, too, are opaque.
Where to Find Turquoise Engagement Rings
Turquoise engagement rings can be difficult to find in traditional jewelry stores. The exception is in the southwestern United States, however, where the prevalence of Native American populations increases the stone’s popularity. Online jewelers also offer a variety of turquoise engagement rings, but always investigate the business carefully before proceeding with a sale.
Caring for Turquoise
Because of the stone’s delicacy, turquoise must be gently cared for, even after hardening treatments. The stone can change color with excessive exposure to skin oils, making regular cleanings with a soft cloth necessary. Cosmetics, heat, and bright sunlight can also affect the stone’s color, as can harsh cleaning chemicals and even certain jewelry cleaners. When you purchase a turquoise ring, ask the jeweler which cleaners are safest for the stone based on the treatments it has undergone.
Turquoise is an ancient stone that represents friendship, faithfulness, and reliability – excellent qualities for a marriage. A unique and stunning gem by itself or in a setting with other stones, turquoise is slowly becoming more popular for engagement rings. With a history of value and dignity for over six thousand years, nothing could more aptly symbolize the honor and commitment between a couple.
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This page has been accessed 23,539 times. This page was last modified 12:23, 15 February 2006.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
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