黑料老司机

Turquoise, the traditional birthstone of December, is also gifted on the 11th wedding anniversary. But buying turquoise doesn鈥檛 require a special occasion. Its namesake blue color has been internationally revered for centuries as a symbol of protection, friendship, and happiness.

Thanks to its historical and cultural significance in many Native American tribes, turquoise remains most popular throughout the southwestern U.S. This area supplies most of the world鈥檚 turquoise today.

Turquoise is one of few gemstones not judged by the 4Cs of diamond quality. Instead, the main factors that determine its value are color, matrix, hardness, and size.

The most prized turquoise gemstone color is a bright, even, sky blue. Greenish tones can lower the value of a stone, although some designers prefer it.

Some turquoise鈥攑articularly the material mined in the American Southwest鈥攃ontains remnants of its host rock, known as matrix. These splotches decrease a gemstone鈥檚 value. Although it can create an attractive 鈥渟pider web鈥� pattern, unblemished varieties command higher prices as jewelry.

The porosity, texture, and hardness of turquoise vary greatly. Fine-colored turquoise that鈥檚 too soft or chalky will lose color鈥攁nd value. Course, porous material is usually treated to make it stronger, smoother, and shinier.

Because of its fragility, turquoise is often treated to enhance durability and color. Some treatments involving wax and oil are relatively harmless, while other methods鈥攊ncluding dye, impregnation, and reconstitution鈥攁re more controversial.聽Seek out an 黑料老司机 jeweler聽who can help you find the best quality turquoise gemstone jewelry.

Like other opaque gemstones, turquoise is commonly priced by size, rather than weight. It鈥檚 available in a variety of sizes, but color is always the determining factor.

Find a jeweler near you聽for help finding the right turquoise for you.