18K White Gold Persian Turquoise & Diamond Jewelry Set
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Persian turquoise and diamond jewelry set in 18k white gold.
Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Persian Turquoise & Diamond Jewelry Set
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Persian turquoise and diamond jewelry set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Persian Yellow Gold 1.2tcw Emerald and Polki Diamond Jewelry Set
Located in New York, NY
This antique necklace showcases traditional Persian craftsmanship, centered around rich emeralds and hand-cut polki diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Diamond and Persian Turquoise Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 18K Diamond and Persian Turquoise Bracelet. 18K Diamond and Persian Turquoise Bracelet Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Lengt...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Estate Persian Blue Kingman Turquoise 18K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
This necklace features genuine and Robinson Egg/ Persian Blue turquoises from the Kingman mine in Arizona, delicately strung together with 18K gold beads and a congruated 14k gold c...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Diamond and Persian Turquoise Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamond and Persian Turquoise Bracelet Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Length: 8 inches Width: 1 inch wide Markings: “T...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Persian Turquoise Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning turquoise dome ring expertly crafted in 18K yellow gold with a cluster of cabochon Persian turquoises set in a bold bombe design, the ring showcases sculptural gold acc...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18k White Gold Persian Turquoise and Diamond drop earrings
Located in London, GB
A striking pair of turquoise and diamond drop earrings, crafted in 18 karat white gold and set with vivid cabochon turquoise within flowing diamond-set surrounds. The elegant articul...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Diamond and Persian Turquoise Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k White Gold Diamond and Persian Turquoise Cluster Ring Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Ring size: 7.5 Markings: “750" "T864" Metal: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Vintage Persian turquoise diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage cocktail ring is a striking interplay of color, texture, and confident design. At its center rests a cabochon cut Persian turquoise, prized for its distinctive hue and s...
White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Diamond and Persian Turquoise Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
18k White Gold Diamond and Persian Turquoise Pendant Necklace Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age. Length: 17.5 inch chain, 1.4 inch pendant...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Arizona Kingman Persian Blue Turquoise 18K Gold Diamond Bracelet
Located in GOES, NL
This bracelet features genuine Persian Blue turquoises from the Kingman mine in Arizona, delicately strung together with 18K gold beads and a diamond clasp, creating an elegant look.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Persian Blue Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamonds 18K Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
They are accompanied by 18k gold turquoise beads and a 18k gold diamond bow clasp.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Natural Persian Turquoise Diamond Earrings Women Omega Back Style
Located in New York, NY
Turquoise Diamond Earrings Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 17.2 Grams Dimensions: 22.5 mm x 20.0 mm x 15.3 mm 1: Primary Stone: Turquoise Carat Weight: 14.6 Ct. Stone...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Persian Turquoise Drop Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Persian turquoise has been prized for thousands of years and was used in ancient Persian palaces and mosques as a symbol of protection and prosperity, while rose-cut diamonds, dating...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Italian 18K Etruscan Revival ring with Persian Turquoise Cabochon, Circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural Italian Etruscan Revival ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring a vivid Persian turquoise cabochon of exceptional clarity and saturated “robin’s egg” blue. The turqu...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Two Turtles Persian Turquoise Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Brooch Pins
Located in Miami, FL
Double charming and collectible, two vintage turtle brooches, crafted circa 1960 in solid 18K yellow gold. This delightful piece features a shell adorned with vivid Persian turquoise...
Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
C1890 18K Heavy Gold Signet Ring w Persian Lion Engraving, size 8.25
Located in Baltimore, MD
This wonderful, heavy signet ring weighs a hefty 18 grams and has an engraving of a persian lion. The Persian Lion, known as Lion and Sun, symbolizes strength and courage (lion) pa...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Mid Century 18K Persian Turquoise Coral Diamond Large Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A striking mid-century cocktail ring, circa 1960s, crafted in 18K yellow gold. The centerpiece is a cabochon natural Persian turquoise, encircled by approximately 1.15 carats total ...
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Gold Persian Turquoise and Diamond Halo Ring, Europe, c.1900
Located in Miami, FL
An important antique ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, centered with a magnificent 14-carat oval cabochon Persian turquoise, distinguished by its saturated robin’s-egg blue color and ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
18k Persian Turquoise and Diamond Pendant Womens Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon
Located in New York, NY
Turquoise and Diamond Pendant Necklace Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 8.0 Grams Dimensions: Length: 33.0 mm Width: 18.5 mm Height: 10.0 mm 1: Primary Stone: Natural ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Persian Turquoise Large Vintage Dome Styled Earrings, c. 1960
Located in Aspen, CO
18K yellow gold oval earrings, with a slight dome, possessing 46 well matched fine robin's egg blue natural turquoise fancy bead set and surrounded by two ropes of gold. The earrings...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Heavy Vintage Persian Yazdi Necklace Solid 18K Gold Barrel Link Chain 109.9g 32
Located in Great Neck, NY
An exceptional vintage Persian Yazdi necklace (“Zanjir Yazdi”) crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, dating to approximately the 1960s.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Natural Persian Turquoise Cabochon and 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1950s, this mid-century ring features a natural Persian turquoise oval-shaped cabochon measuring 14x10mm and weighing approximately 6.05 carats. The turquoise cabochon...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's 18k Solid Gold Ring With Amethyst Persian Style Band Oltremare Gioielli
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Persepolis Warriors: Persian-Inspired 18k Gold Ring with Amethyst – Italian Craftsmanship in an Ancient-Inspired Band Step into history with this meticulously crafted solid gold ring...
Amethyst, 18k Gold
18K Persian Turquoise Large Vintage Dome Styled Earrings, c. 1960
Located in Aspen, CO
18K yellow gold oval earrings, with a slight dome, possessing 46 well matched fine robin's egg blue natural turquoise fancy bead set and surrounded by two ropes of gold. The earrings...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Persian Turquoise Diamond Ring Women Size 7 18K Yellow Gold Glam Luxe
Located in New York, NY
Turquoise and Diamond Gold Ring Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 11.2 Grams Ring Size: 7 (Resizable) Dimensions: Width 19.0mm X Length 25.0mm X Height 10.0mm 1: Primar...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1980s Italian 18K White Gold Persian Turquoise & Diamond Floral Earrings
Located in Miami, FL
A rare and exquisite pair for collectors of fine Italian jewelry or lovers of bold vintage florals. Period: Contemporary Style: Floral, Statement Origin: Italy Stones: Persian Turquo...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold/Platinum Persian Turquoise and Diamond Earrings
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These David Webb earrings feature vibrant, round turquoise cabochons centered within a bold, square-shaped 18K yellow gold frame, accented by four triangular platinum clusters set wi...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Elegant Vintage 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond and Persian Turquoise Earrings
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This splendid pair of 18k yellow gold, late 20th century earrings are a symphony in design and highly complimentary colors. Rich 18k gold blends with delicate Persian turquoise and b...
Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Victorian 15-18k Yellow Gold, Silver, Diamond & Persian Turquoise Star of David
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Rare Mid-19th Century 5.0 carats Old Mine Cut Diamonds and Persian Turquoise Star of David Pendant, C.1850s Between the span of the Victorian era and our present day, the ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Silver
Epic Persian Turquoise & Diamond Cocktail 18KT Ring
By F Vergano
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Heirloom Quality...................... Italian expert Craftsmanship 18 karat yellow gold ring with exquisite Persian Turquoise and Diamonds. Hand Engraved Florentine finish shank an...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
$5,520Sale Price|20% Off
Persian Turquoise pendant necklace long 18KT solid gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rare Persian Turquoise pendant with 35 carats of natural turquoise in 18KT solid yellow gold, will come with 18" chain. Certificate of authenticity comes with purchase! ABOUT US We ...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Midcentury Persian Turquoise and 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Berkeley, CA
The turquoise is a warm and yummy sea foam blue from Persia and is set in a carved filigree prong setting. The turquoise sits high on the setting and is securely held in place by ten...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Persian Turquoise Diamond Tsavorite Tanzanite Gold & Platinum Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fun and beautiful pair of earrings featuring two pieces of fine Persian turquoise. They weigh 4.98 carats total and have a rich, even sky-blue color. Accenting them are 0.14 carats...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Tsavorite, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Alex Jona Persian Turquoise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Necklace
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona collection, long necklace of Round and Smooth Iranian Turquoise Beads ranging from 8.4MM to 11.18MM. GW: 759 cts. Length: 53.74", 18K Yellow Gold Clasp weighing 9.2 grams. ...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Midcentury Persian Turquoise and 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Berkeley, CA
The turquoise is a warm and yummy sea foam blue from Persia and is set in a carved filigree prong setting. The turquoise sits high on the setting and is securely held in place by ten...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Persian Turquoise & Diamond Ear Clips
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Crafted from 18 karat white and yellow gold, this pair of exquisite ear clips are set with deep blue turquoise and diamonds. The ear clips are shaped like a teardrop and each centre ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Monumental Scale Vintage Persian Turquoise & Gold Statement Ring For Him or Her
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This truly colossal 18K yellow gold vintage Persian turquoise statement ring is both simple in design and formidable to behold. The center oval, natural Persian Turquoise cabochon w...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Persian Turquoise and Pearl and Diamond Bracelet
Located in Stamford, CT
A fine, feminine, 18 kt bangle bracelet sets a Persian turquoise daisy with a natural pearl directly center bringing you warm thoughts of summer all year. Rose diamond dew drops, app...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Coin Diamond Pendant with Modern Chain Probably Antique Persian Safavid Coin
Located in Viena, Viena
an antique coin in a modern setting and reinterpreted, probably an antique Persian Safavid coin (1501-1722) with a diameter of approx. 13 mm, set in a gold frame without damage, surr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Persian Turquoise Diamond Halo Ring 18 Karat White Gold Retro Antique
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous Antique Retro - Art Deco Ring with gorgeous natural Persian Turquoise cabochons of stunning beauty with a halo of 10 sparkling white Diamonds set in 18 Karat White...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dubini Ancient Silver Persian Coin Signet 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This unique DUBINI coin ring from the 'Empires' collection features an authentic silver Persian coin minted circa 123-88 B.C. set in 18K yellow gold. ABOUT THE COIN The diademed an...
18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Victorian Persian Turquoise Ring Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Antique
Located in New York, NY
This is a magnificent Antique Victorian - Art Deco Ring with a gorgeous natural Persian Turquoise cabochon of stunning beauty surrounded by a halo of 24 sparkling antique Rose Cut Di...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
13.40 Carat Persian Turquoise Bombay and Diamond ZYDO Signed Designer Gold Ring
By ZYDO
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant and finely detailed Designer Signed ZYDO Persian Turquoise and Diamond Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Oval Cabochon Persian Turquoise ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,100
Persian Turquoise Gold Earrings
By Lori Kaplan Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Persian Turquoise earrings encased in 18K gold with sterling silver backs. The top turquoise has the ear wire integrated. Hand fabricated using recycled gold in my Soho, NYC studio....
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,650
Persian Turquoise Gold Earrings
By Lori Kaplan Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by Victoria watch fob charms, I've created these Persian turquoise earrings, bezel set in 18k gold with a watch fob element of the cross bar. I hand pick each stone for it'...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,400
Persian Turquoise Gold Necklace
By Lori Kaplan Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Ocean blues and greens make this 13 carat teardrop shaped Persian Turquoise special. Encased in 18K gold with an 18K gold link chain, it is backed with a textured sterling silver as...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$2,800
Chandelier Earring with Persian Turquoise and Peridot
By Lori Kaplan Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Using my Victorian inspired cross bar, I've created these chandelier earrings in faceted oval Peridots with smooth oval Persian Turquoise. The persian turquoise looks great with gol...
Peridot, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$8,500 / item
Persian Turquoise Peacock Ring In 18K Yellow Gold
By Sanaz Doost
Located in Toronto, ON
Peacock Ring in 18K yellow gold and natural Persian turquoise; an ancient treasure of Neyshabur, was inspired by geometric shapes in Persian architecture.
Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Sylva & Cie Reclaimed Vintage Persian Turquoise Earrings with 18k Yellow Gold
By Sylva & Cie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pear Shaped Cabochon Persian Turqoise: 9.70 total carat weight 18k yellow gold Pierced earrings on wire.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,950
Remarkable Midcentury Persian Turquoise Diamond Sapphire Flower Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Signature Piece Large, impressive, colourful signature piece of the 50's skilfully hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold in a marvellous composition of fine gemstones forming an uni...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$45,300
29.70 Carat Persian Turquoise Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant, golden bracelet of both beauty and style. 18 Persian Turquoise Cabochons -- surrounded by vibrant white diamonds -- imitate sunflowers as they surround ones wrist. 10 th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,800
Persian Turquoise Diamond Gold Chandelier Dangle Earrings
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These custom creation exclusive Aristocrat Jewelry Collection stunning earrings feature carved persian turquoise drops and 2.10 carats of VS clarity F color diamonds set within 18 ka...
Diamond, Turquoise, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,650
Outstanding Natural Persian Turquoise Solitaire Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Dress Up! Charm and style is here all Smashing pair of 1970 ca natural Persian Turquoise cabochon earrings , beautifully polished and cushion cut to fit the gorgeous and very stylis...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,985
Natural Pyrited Persian Turquoise Pendant in 18 Karat Gold
By The Golden Eye
Located in Santa Fe, NM
A striking Persian Turquoise Pendant with unusual pyrite matrix in a 72.5ct oval cabochon is bezel set in 18k gold with our signature satin finish. The Natural Pyrited Persian Turquo...
Turquoise, Turquoise Matrix, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,060
Persian Turquoise and Moonstone Drop Earrings in 18 Karat Gold
By The Golden Eye
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Lush tear drop cabochons of clear sky blue Persian Turquoise sit below faceted round moonstones set in 18k gold. Bezel set with our signature satin finish, these Persian Turquoise & ...
Moonstone, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$13,950
Fine Yellow Gold Persian Turquoise and Diamond Cocktail Bombe Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Fine Persian Turquoise and Round Diamond Cocktail Ring set in 18k yellow gold. Persian Turquoise is approximately 25.02ct and is of fine quality. The ring is in a beautiful bombe s...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
The thought of vintage and antique turquoise jewelry often conjures up images of striking Navajo bracelets and necklaces worn with a denim shirt and cowboy boots. This all-American look has been celebrated by fashion designers like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger on their runways and in ad campaigns. In the October 2016 issue of Vogue magazine, Tom Ford said he only wears turquoise jewelry at his Santa Fe ranch. So what is it about this gorgeous blue-green stone that makes us wish that we were born in December?
It’s not surprising that turquoise is abundant in New Mexico and Arizona because, according to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), it needs to be in “dry and barren regions where acidic, copper-rich groundwater seeps downward and reacts with minerals that contain phosphorus and aluminum.
Turquoise is not found in a single crystal but is a combination of microcrystals. Its appearance, waxy and opaque, is attributed to its structure and composition. “It’s an aggregate of microscopic crystals that form a solid mass. If the crystals are packed closely together, the material is less porous, so it has a finer texture. Fine-textured turquoise has an attractive, waxy luster when it’s polished. Turquoise with a less-dense crystal structure has higher porosity and coarser texture, resulting in a dull luster when it’s polished,” notes the GIA. Since no one wants to set a dull piece of turquoise, porous turquoise is often treated to make the stone more attractive.
In the United States, there have been discoveries of turquoise from 200 B.C. It is not just loose turquoise stones that have been found, but entire suites of jewelry from prehistoric times. In the late 19th-century, the Navajo Indians, who learned silversmithing from the Spanish, started to make beads out of turquoise and eventually combined it with silver around the 1880s. Initially this jewelry was for ceremonial purposes, but it became fashionable once the tourism in the Southwest picked up in the beginning of the 20th century.
Find antique and vintage turquoise rings, necklaces, bracelets and other accessories on 1stDibs.