Turquoise stones for jewelry have been a source of fascination for the artisans and collectors, for hundreds of years. Just by their brilliant blue-green hues, they can bring charm to any jewelry piece. Once you pick out a perfect turquoise gemstone setting, you actually have the power over the gem to reveal its full potential. A setting not only keeps your gem safe but also allows its inherent beauty to be visible. How correct fittings make these dazzling gems more popular, is what we will find out.
Why Turquoise Stones for Jewelry Demand Quality Settings
Turquoise is a 5-6 grade gemstone on the hardness scale of Mohs. That indicates that it is less hard than many other gemstones. Hence a protective setting is absolutely necessary if a piece is to be worn daily. Bezel settings encircle the edges of the gemstone with metal. This thus creates a tightly fitted area which not only guards against chips but also against cracks. The prong kind of setting offers very little protection but at the same time it allows maximum light to fall on the stone. Such settings are ideal for gems worn at special occasions.
What you have fixed your setting on will influence not only the strength of the stone but also the extent of the risk that poor quality meals will result in loose stones. These latter can, over time, lead to total loss of the gem without one’s knowledge. These are the conditions that professional jewelers are aware of and hence understand the requirements. They fit setting styles to your manner of living accordingly.
Southwest Turquoise Jewelry Setting Traditions
The noteworthy features of turquoise jewelry from the Southwest, among others, are the style of setting. The Native American artisans were the first to come up with the techniques and a lot of their developed methods are still in use today. These designs use mostly silver as the base metal. It is the contrast of blue turquoise with rendered bright silver that produces the amazing visual effect.
Cluster settings gather several stones and create geometrical figures out of them by the artistic arrangement. These notably make one of the boldest pieces. Channel settings chamber the coulisse-held stones. The procedure results in smooth and sleek lines. Inlay work consists in pressing the turquoise into the metal surface so that it is even with it. Each of these four has distinct aesthetic qualities.
The metal used is still mostly sterling silver though. Turquoise is a naturally colored stone and the silver matches perfectly. Some recent designers use gold to set their pieces. These are then the beautiful, costly jewelry pieces that come out of it.
Selecting the Perfect Turquoise Gemstone Setting
If you are going to pick out a design of setting, first think of your way of life. People leading active life must have the most secure and protective designs. Bezel and flush settings can offer the highest security for a gemstone. They are very sturdy against any bumps as well as against everyday activities.
The style that is yours is of the same importance as well. Or rather, if not vintage then surely the heavily embellished and intricate of the metalwork in the ring will be of the ancient-inspired kind and like the names suggest, will have antique characteristics to them. The style of modern would be more inclined to focus on smooth lines and use minimal decoration. The setting is there to help the stone and not take over its place.
Besides that, the stone size determines which setting will be chosen in that case. Big turquoise cabochons will require support structures that are strong enough to carry them. Small stones are good for doing delicate work and refined settings. It would be best to discuss your options with an experienced jewelry designer.
Finding Quality Gemstones for Sale
Certified turquoise specimens are what reputable dealers mainly offer. They support the information with the origin of the stone and the treatments. Pure turquoise is the one that will cost you a lot if you want to buy it. The stabilized ones are more affordable and at the same time, offer the durability of the stone.
Before buying a stone, you should examine it thoroughly. See if the color of the stone is uniform and the matrix patterns are few. Also, look at it for surface cracks or any kind of damage. The quality gemstones for sale should have the authenticity certificates.
With the help of online platforms, you can have an extended variety of choices. Be seller reviews and ratings carefully and thoroughly. Also, ask them to send you a detailed photo from different angles. Before you decide to buy, inquire about the return policy.
Are you also thinking about some other colorful alternatives? The rhodochrosite stone price is dependent on the quality and the size.
Caring for Your Turquoise Settings
The right approach to maintenance can prolong the lifespan of jewelry by quite a few years. Before taking a swim or a bath, you should take off turquoise pieces. Chemicals and soaps can affect the stone’s surface very much. Besides, it is good to keep the jewelry in soft cloth pouches and separately.
In addition, you should also clean the jewelry pieces with lukewarm water and a mild soap that won’t be too aggressive. A soft brush may be used to clean little areas of metal. Never use ultrasonic cleaners to clean your jewelry. It can result in the breaking of your turquoise pieces.
If you are a professional, please do it regularly. In addition, check for loose prongs and metal wear with the help of professionals. It is the early detection that frees one from the big problem of stone loss.
Making Your Investment Count
Turquoise of high quality for jewelry purposes is what the wise investments are made of. If proper settings are used, it becomes an investment for generations to come. Pot for jewelers that have a long experience and understand the nature of turquoise. Moreover, they make the pieces that are not only attractive but also strong.
The jewelry with turquoise that you always wanted is out there waiting for you to find it. Decide on the settings which fit not only your style but also your needs. Be proud of these timeless pieces by wearing them.
