$1,723Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.26 in L 1.34 in
Art Nouveau White Diamond Turquoise Ruby Yellow Gold Clip-On Flowers Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
1stdibs catalog worldwide. This pair of Earrings is made in 9K Yellow Gold with French Clips. The
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Ruby, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,105Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.99 in L 2.45 in
Art Nouveau Style White Diamond Ruby Enamel Turquoise Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
1stdibs catalog worldwide. These Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver. These Earrings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling ...
4 Ct Natural Turquoise & Ruby 18 Kt Yellow Gold Flower Ring & Earring Set 20Gm
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful suite of Ring and Earring Approximately 4 Ct Natural Turquoise & Ruby 18 Karat Yellow
Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bicolor Gold, Turquoise, Diamond and Ruby Bee Brooch
Located in Chicago, IL
. Material: 14 karat yellow and white gold Measurements: 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches long Gross weight: 11.40 grams
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$39,750
W 2.29 in L 1.93 in
Webb Turquoise, diamond and ruby swan brooch in 18k yellow gold and platinum
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Webb Turquoise, diamond and ruby swan brooch in 18k yellow gold and platinum The brooch features a
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,488Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.71 in L 2.21 in
Art Nouveau White Diamond Turquoise Ruby Blue Topaz Yellow Gold Flowers Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
1stdibs catalog worldwide. These Stud Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver. These
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Blue Topaz, ...
$2,488Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.71 in L 2.29 in
Art Nouveau White Diamond Turquoise Ruby Blue Topaz Yellow Gold Flowers Earrings
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
1stdibs catalog worldwide. These Stud Earrings are made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver. These
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Topaz, Blue Topaz, ...
Vintage Ruby Rose Cut Diamond & Turquoise 18K Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Item Type: Vintage Cocktail Ring Metal:18K Yellow Gold Center Stone Details Type: Star Ruby Color: Red
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$5,264Sale Price|20% Off
W 4.26 in D 0.71 in L 3.15 in
Art Nouveau White Diamond Ruby Turquoise Coral Pearl Enamel Yellow Gold Necklace
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
1stdibs catalog worldwide. This Necklace is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Necklace has 0.55 Carats of
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, ...
Natural Turquoise Emerald Ruby Sapphire pearl Bangle in 14 Kt Yellow Gold 41 Gm
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Natural Turquoise Emerald Ruby Sapphire pearl Bangle in 14 Kt Yellow Gold 41 Gm A Vintage
Ruby, Turquoise, Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Solid Gold Turquoise Ruby Flower Cluster Strap Mesh Woven Wide Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
Turquoise Colors - 2mm each (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Pinkish
Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Ring with Turquoise, Pearls, Rubies, Sapphires
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
arranged to feel bold without overwhelming the eye. Crafted in 14k yellow gold, the setting unifies the
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Amethyst, Ruby and Turquoise Fly Brooch Pin
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.8grams Pin
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Turquoise Ruby and Diamond Falcon Pin Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning Victorian turquoise and 0.08 carat ruby, 0.06 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,296
H 1.7 in W 0.89 in L 20 in
18k Gold Carved Coral Rose w/ Turquoise Halo & Ruby Pendant & Chain Necklace
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a gorgeous vintage dangle pendant necklace crafted from solid 18k yellow gold and
Coral, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Carved Flower Coral & Ruby w/ Turquoise Drop Dangle Earrings
Located in Montclair, NJ
Color - 2.4mm to 3mm (approx.) Material: 18k Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 21.37 Grams Backing: Hook
Coral, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,500
W 1.9 in L 2.5 in
Australian White Opal Turquoise Ruby Emerald Gold Egyptian-Style Carving Pendant
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
yellow gold with a braided frame and precious gems set on the corners. Turquoise, ruby, emerald and pink
Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Horovitz Alexandrie Turquoise Ring Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Vintage Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Made of 18 karat yellow and white gold, turquoise, diamonds and rubies, the Retro ring features an
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Cabochon Turquoise, Diamond, Ruby and Emerald Parrot Brooch
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
cabochons, diamond-set platinum feathers, and richly textured 18k yellow gold. The luminous robin’s-egg
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$36,240Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum Turquoise, Diamond And Ruby Pendant
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
craftsmanship that the designer is renowned for. Made from a luxurious blend of 18K yellow and white gold, this
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Platinum
5.5 Carat Turquoise Diamond Emerald Ruby Gold Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Fabulous and Stylish Turquoise Diamond Emerald Ruby and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring. Center securely
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Diamond and Turquoise Butterfly Pin
Located in New York, NY
diamonds. The body showcases an aged turquoise stone, adding a pop of color. Two ruby eyes bring a touch of
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Vintage 7.00ct Amethyst, Turquoise and Ruby Duck brooch, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This whimsical duck brooch was crafted in the 1970s. Made in 18 carat yellow gold, the duck centres
Amethyst, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pastel Rainbow Sapphire and Ruby Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
as; • Sapphire • Freshwater pearls • Burma Ruby • Swiss topaz • Ethiopian opal • Tourmalines
Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow & White Gold Turquoise Diamond Emerald Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Extraordinary and full of character, this 18 karat yellow and white gold pendant is a unique piece
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Agate, Lapis Lazu...
$9,642
W 1.18 in L 17.5 in
Vintage Pearl and 23 Carat Ruby Strand Turquoise and Diamond Clasp Necklace
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
necklace with a 4.20 carat turquoise and 3.38 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold clasp; part of our
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Brooch Pendant Trembler Basket Pin Sapphire, Ruby, Turquoise
Located in Wallkill, NY
Lovely 18K Gold Tremblant brooch. Rubies, Turquoise, and Sapphire This is fabulous, each flower
Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Yaeche Freres 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Coral Turquoise Fur Clip
Located in New York, NY
cabochon coral and turquoise, facet cut rubies and sapphire fur clip Approximate Weight: 7.8 grams
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow ...
Opera Length Rainbow Sapphire, Turquoise and Opal Yellow Gold Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
gemstones such as; • Sapphire • Burma Ruby • Swiss topaz • Ethiopian opal • Australian opal • Tourmalines
Citrine, Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Turquoise, Amethys...
Rubies Diamonds Coral 14 Karat Yellow Gold Fly Brooch
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exquisite 14-karat yellow gold and 800 silver brooch, crafted in the shape of a fly, is an
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Parrot Cocktail ring Diamond Turquoise Ruby Onyx Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
gold with a yellow gold beak. The total weight of round diamonds of top quality is 0.40 carats (F/G-VVS
White Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Fly Brooch c.1900 – Old Mine & Rose Cut Diamonds, Burmese Rubies, Turquoise
Located in Santa Monica, CA
. - 14K yellow gold body and legs & silver wings - Wings decorated with rose cut and old mine cut
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Interchangeable 18kt Yellow Gold Ring With 5 Screw on Pieces, Ruby, Coin, Sapph
Located in Antwerp, BE
Amazing Interchangeable Yellow Gold Ring With 5 Screw on Pieces, the easiest way to change the look
Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$26,265
W 0.71 in L 0.91 in
Mid-Century Turquoise Ruby Diamond Clip Earrings in the Style of VCA 1950s-1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Turquoise, Ruby and Diamond Bombé Clip Earrings in 18K Gold, French, circa 1950s–1960s
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Enchanted Yellow Gold Diamond Turquoise White Agate Ruby Egg Pendant Mega Locket
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
. The Enchanted Yellow Gold Diamond Black and White Agate and Ruby Egg Charm Pendant is a bold and
$6,581
W 3.31 in L 1.89 in
Antique 19th Century Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Haircombs Yellow Gold Portuguese
Located in Lisbon, PT
intricately chased yellow gold mounts. Each comb is adorned with a delicate foliate motif, set with rose-cut
Diamond, Ruby, Spinel, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D, Enamel and Yellow Gold Butterfly Brooch with Diamond and Ruby
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Set Brooch with Diamonds weighing 0.71ct and Ruby eyes that weigh 0.11ct. Sophia D
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
$6,451
W 1.15 in D 0.44 in L 1.3 in
Double Sided Flower Vase 18K Yellow Gold Carved Sapphire Ruby Emerald Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold double-sided pendant designed as a vase of flowers set to one side
Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gol...
$2,297Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.5 in L 1.78 in
Art Nouveau Style Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Yellow Gold "Flowers" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
1stdibs catalog worldwide. This Pendant is made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver. This Pendant has
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Bl...
$3,348Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.58 in D 1.34 in L 1.82 in
Art Nouveau Style Ruby Emerald Sapphire Opal Yellow Gold "Moon Phases" Pendant
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
1stdibs catalog worldwide. This Pendant is made of 9K Yellow Gold. This Pendant has 0.50 Carats of Rubies
Emerald, Garnet, Opal, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise...
$2,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Halo Evil Eye Turquoise 18K Rose Gold Pendant Charm Medallion Necklace
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Diamond Halo Evil Eye Turquoise 18K Rose Gold Pendant Charm Medallion Necklace Turquoise Gemstone
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold,...
$7,650 / set
H 0.79 in W 0.67 in
18K Yellow Gold Gemstone Basket Pitcher Lantern Urn Charm Set For Bracelets
Located in Westport, CT
A unique set of five handmade estate 18K yellow gold charms, each displaying an intricate and
Emerald, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$831Sale Price|20% Off
W 1.3 in L 1.25 in
Antique Snake, Hammer and Stars Brooch, 9k Gold and Silver, Diamond, Ruby, Pearl
Located in NEWARK, GB
own little charm or talisman. The happy faced serpent has a diamond set head and Ruby eyes, the
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Genuine Estate 260 Carat Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond & Sapphire Necklace
Located in GOES, NL
Turquoises graduated in size • large 14K solid gold sparkling diamonds, rubies, emerald and rainbow sapphire
Diamond, Turquoise, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapph...
Multi-Color Stones 14 Karat Yellow Gold Clamper Bracelet
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. 14 karat yellow gold clamper bracelet.Handmade by our artisans assembled
Coral, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Turquoi...
$7,960
W 2.9 in L 1.75 in
Antique Multi-colored Gemstones Diamond Silver-Topped 14k Yellow Gold Butterfly
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
turquoise, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Crafted in 14k gold and silver-topped, this Victorian treasure
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Luna Felix MultiColored Gemstone 22k Yellow Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
yellow gold, the pendant exhibits a modern aesthetic with an intricate arrangement of stones. This piece
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli, Opal, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, T...
Serpent Snake 18K Yellow Gold Gem Set Pendant
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat (18K) yellow gold and gem set pendant designed as a yellow gold snake or serpent
Chrysoberyl, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Moonstone, Multi-g...
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold 6.25" Cameo & Gemmed Slide Charm Hidden Watch Bracelet
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous vintage piece is crafted in solid yellow gold and features a wonderful slide charm
Amethyst, Citrine, Coral, Emerald, Garnet, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sa...
$2,074
W 0.48 in L 0.79 in
Ruby 1.29 Ct Cluster Pendant 18 Kt White Gold Round Brilliant 0.60 Carat Diamond
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Emerald, Ruby, a variety of colored Sapphires (Orange, Green, Pink, Blue, and Yellow), Amethyst, Garnet
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emera...
Trio Necklace in 18 Karat Yellow Gold by Allison Bryan
By Allison Bryan
Located in London, GB
solid 18-carat yellow gold. The pendants are strung on a delicate 16-inch 18-carat gold chain. The
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, B...
codebyEdge 18k Yellow Diamond Gold Stacking Ring Customizable - Letter V
By codebyEdge
Located in London, GB
yellow or rose gold. Please contact us for any specific customisation you would like. We can also make to
Diamond, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Beryl, Citrine, Yellow Diamond, Black Dia...
18K Gold Chain Bracelet Handcrafted Futuristic Gems Customizable Length
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the stunning Rossella Ugolini 18K Yellow Gold Chain Bracelet, a true masterpiece that
Aquamarine, Citrine, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Italian Multicolor Gemstone Enamel Diamond Gold Flower Earrings
Located in New York, NY
petals crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with 12 round cabochon turquoises, 12 mixed-cut round sapphires
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 18k Gold Gemstones Earrings Signed MBM
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Colorful vintage earrings made of 18k yellow gold and set with ruby, diamond, aquamarine, turquoise
Aquamarine, Citrine, Ruby, Amethyst, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Donkey Cart Brooch with Pearls & Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
A captivating miniature work of sculptural jewelry, this finely crafted 18K yellow gold figural
Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$3,500 / set
W 1.19 in D 0.79 in L 1.58 in
Chased Gold Wire Whimsical Ostrich with ProngSetGems Small Brooch, c.1928
Located in Chicago, IL
turquoise and ruby, along with baguettes for a citrine "beak" and two tourmaline "feet" that accentuate the
Chalcedony, Citrine, Ruby, Turquoise, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 14k 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.