Friday, October 1, 2010

Turquoise Jewelry

Did you know that turquoise was chosen as the 2010 color of the year by Pantone.  Well, with good reason I think...what's not to like?  Turquoise is calming, yet vibrant. It's tropical, yet classic. And when it comes to turquoise jewelry, it's simply timeless.




Melissa Oster of Oster Jewelers was quoted as saying,"turquoise fits the American sense of casual style and comfortable elegance, and it is a stone that immediately conjures up the Southwest. It is an integral part of American history, culture, beauty and design."

In fact, turquoise worn as jewelry dates back to ancient Egypt and it's been weaving in and out of fashion trendiness ever since.  But along with the obvious reason, which is that it looks great, the turquoise stone has been selected for many designs also because of its noted properties as a gemstone.

 
Gemstone Properties:
Turquoise, the official birthstone for the month of December, is heralded as the stone of communication. It encourages enthusiasm, thus inspiring new projects and bringing to light undiscovered artistic abilities. Turquoise also provides understanding and encourages attention to detail while attracting prosperity and success.

The sprawling lines of coppery matrix are thought to provide a large amount of energy to its wearer. This may be one reason why the stone has long been prized as a powerful talisman with healing properties. It is believed that turquoise can help balance the blue throat chakra, enhancing the ability to communicate while increasing resistance to viruses, helping to relieve sore throats and allergies.



 What to wear it with:


 Here is a piece from my own handmade collection that can be found at my online shop.

It illuminates and brightens anyone who wears it and the azure blue green compliments all skin types.
Because of it's striking color, turquoise is an instant favorite for brightening an otherwise dull outfit.



  • For spring and summer, white is the perfect canvas for turquoise.  It's crisp and refreshing.
  • Although turquoise is often paired with coral, turquoise worn with certain red clothing can often be tricky depending upon the color tones. The primary beauty of this stone, however, is that it can go with just about anything, including your basic browns and blacks.
  • Turquoise offers the versatility of jazzing up the classic suit yet carries over into evening and black tie. For those who travel it is the quintessential travel jewelry.
  • Turquoise looks best this season paired with cognac, white or black. 

Caring for Turquoise

Turquoise is a hydrous compound of copper and aluminum, so it loses color when it loses water. To keep your turquoise from becoming dehydrated, it is a good idea to water it, as you would your houseplants, with pure saline water periodically to revive or maintain color.
Turquoise is porous, so chemicals can damage it. Use only pure water and a soft cloth to wipe it clean, and you can clean your turquoise frequently without causing damage. The natural oil of your skin is good for turquoise, and it will naturally polish it when you wear it. If it is set in silver, wearing if often will also keep the silver from tarnishing. Silver polish will damage the surface of turquoise.

Don't store turquoise with harder gemstones or other materials that might rub against it and cause damage. Turquoise can fade in sunlight, excessive sweat, chlorine bleach and dishwater. 

With this you cant go wrong with choosing turquoise!




Shopping for Turquoise:
Here is a link to my other turquoise pieces: http://www.etsy.com/shop/carolrose2008

2 comments:

  1. I never knew turquoise needed to be watered! I'll have to do that to mine right away.


    http://www.sweetheart.etsy.com

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  2. Yes, I found that discovery quite interesting too Kristina :)

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