Gemstones - Answers To Questions Often Asked

Gemstone Grades
Gemstones are graded by letters and/or plus or minus. Grades can vary depending on a variety of situations. Gemstones are graded on clarity or color, polish, cut & inclusions. You can get perfect coloring in a stone, however the cut may not be uniform giving a true handmade look instead of machined perfection.

I personally use different grades for a unique style in my jewelry whether it be for a one-of-a-kind look or a luxe higher end piece.

Pearl Grades
Pearls are graded on their size, shape, color & thickness of nacre (the pearly outside of a pearl). Pearls, however have increased in popularity so much, even the lower grades and especially the odd shapes such as a coin pearl have dramatically increased in price.
　
Why Are Gemstones Dyed Or Stabilized?
Gemstones are sometimes dyed for even color or low quality beads. Rubies at times are dyed which can give a nice variety of hues compared to the totally natural. All are still quite beautiful & give the jewelry maker a different color range to uses with other stones.

Stabilizing protects some gemstones as well as enhance their color. A perfect example would be Chrysocolla which is a soft stone, is stabilized for more durability, however it is best to used these stones in necklaces and earrings rather than bracelets which receive more abuse. Treat your chrysocolla jewelry as if they were delicate pearls to prevent damage.

Understanding Turquoise Varieties Before You Buy

Left: Green (apple) Mojave turquoise

What Is Turquoise?
Turquoise starts out as a white porous chalk form. The colors differ depending on metals which mix with water. Blue turquoise is created by the combination of copper mixed with water, green turquoise is created from lead mixed with water.

Because turquoise is a porous stone, it needs to be stabilized with treatments such as wax. This helps to harden the stone, polish and protect it, making it somewhat resistant to most chemicals such as chlorine. It helps turquoise become less prone to staining or discoloring. Please be aware, turquoise can eventually fade in sunlight and do not use harsh chemicals when cleaning. Use a damp soft cloth to gently clean when needed. Turquoise benefits from wearing because it is porous, the oils in your skin can actually help polish it.
　
Differences In Turquoise - Know Before You Buy
Turquoise can be dyed when its natural colors are not quite developed and chalky, still resulting in a higher price range but giving the turquoise a nice even color. Think of it as turquoise that needed a little help.

Sleeping Beauty turquoise is one of the most sought after today. It is mined here in Globe, Arizona. This turquoise is very expensive even for the lowest of grades. The higher grades are a perfect, beautiful sky blue in color without any matrix. I still have yet been able to afford these beauties, but one of these days they will be mine ;)

Other varieties of turquoise are not turquoise at all but dyed magnesite, which in its natural state is white to cream in color with brown or black matrix (veining). This turquoise has an almost perfect, even color. Howlite is often used due to it taking dye very well. Howlite in its natural form is white with a gray matrix.

Turquoise that is white & chalky is ground up, formed & dyed in a variety of colors with or without matrix (veining), this is known as chalk turquoise. It is cheaper than the natural form but can still have a medium range price. African Turquoise is merely a dyed jasper having more of a greenish tint to it. I can not find reliable resources for mosaic turquoise. It looks like small pieces of turquoise that are pressed together like a mosaic tiled table. A unique but fun stone which is gaining popularity.

All turquoise listed above is quite beautiful ranging in different colors, cuts and price ranges. These tips are to educate those to make a wise purchase whether it be jewelry or beads. Some sellers may try to pass off chalk turquoise for expensive Sleeping Beauty turquoise. Always ask questions before purchasing from any seller unless you know you are purchasing from a reputable one.

Turquoise has been an extremely popular stone for centuries having many meanings. It encourages enthusiasm, prosperity, success, communication, life, and help balance the blue throat chakra. It is also the birthstone for the month of December. This is not to deter you from buying the lower priced varieties of turquoise. Please experiment with all of them and have fun with it. I know I do.

Blue magnesite turquoise

Natural blue turquoise

Natural green turquoise

Blue mosaic turquoise