Vintage 14K Rose Gold 0.84ct Diamond and Turquoise Ring MF06-020226
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This antique ring features a classically elegant design that will never go out of style. A Turquoise cabochon center stone beautifully complements the 14K Rose Gold setting.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Ring Rose Gold with Big Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and Diamonds
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Ring rose gold with big Sleeping Beauty Turquoise and diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Turquoise Rose Cut Diamonds Yellow Gold 9 Karat Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
The contrast between the warm yellow gold, the subtle sheen of silver, and the vibrant turquoise, accented by the shimmering diamonds, creates a harmonious and luxurious composition.
Diamond, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 9k Rose Gold and Silver Topped Turquoise Cluster Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring features a beautiful turquoise cluster arranged in a bold dome design. Crafted in warm 9k rose gold with a silver-topped setting, the contrasting metals highlight t...
Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Turquoise Beads Diamond Accents Station Chain Necklace 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Turquoise Beads Diamond Accents Station Chain Necklace 18 Karat Rose Gold features turquoise beads accented with tiny diamonds set on the chain.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Turquoise, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Kt Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Retrò ring in 14 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central turquoise surrounded by sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Stingray Leather Cuff Bracelet, Baroque Turquoise, Diamonds and 18K Rose Gold
Located in BILBAO, ES
The richly textured stingray leather creates a striking contrast with the vivid natural turquoise and the warm tones of the rose gold setting.
Brown Diamond, Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Rose Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 4-12 Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired Turquoise Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Made in 18K Rose Gold.
Diamond, Turquoise, Rose Gold
Turquoise, Aquamarina Colour Topazs, Diamonds, 14 Kt Rose Gold Earrings.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing dangle earrings in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with a flower of diamonds in the upper part; below, an oval topaz and a structure studded with diamonds and a central top...
Diamond, Topaz, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Antique Navette Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a turquoise navette shaped cabochon - opaque robin's egg blue in color Bezel set with a halo surround of bead set rose cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.52 carat total ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Turquoise Half Bead Double Row Rose Gold Link Statement Bracelet
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Victorian Vintage Show Stopper Turquoise Double Row Gold Bracelet. Hand set with Half Bead Turquoise.
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Jane Taylor 18 Karat Rose Gold Cuff Bracelet with Cabochon Turquoise
By Jane Taylor Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Jane Taylor Jewelry is a family run company focused on creating modern heirlooms since 1994. This 18 karat rose gold cuff bracelet has a squarish shape and a matte finish.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Early Victorian 14 Karat Rose Gold Turquoise Pearl Double Band Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
This is stunning in person, 14k Rose gold ring with bezel set Turquoise and 3 pearls running down the middle.
Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Turquoise, Topaz, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 14 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central turquoise surrounded by diamonds, topaz and, laterally, two turquoise paste.
Diamond, Topaz, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Natural Turquoise and White Diamond 1.27 Carat TW Rose Gold Pendant
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's classic turquoise pendant. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Rose Gold setting with a heart shape natural turquoise and a heart shape natural pink pinctada maxima complimente...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Turquoise, Emeralds, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Pendant
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful pendant in 14 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a flower of turquoise paste and leaves studded with emeralds and diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Turquoise Swirl Ring Sz 9 Estate 14k Rose Gold Cocktail Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish turquoise 'swirl' ring crafted in 14 karat rose gold.
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Rose Gold Marquise Turquoise Diamond Halo Amethyst Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 4-12 Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired Turquoise Diamond Halo Amethyst Engagement Ring Made in 18K Rose Gold.
Amethyst, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Blue Natural Turquoise 9 Karat Rose Gold Necklace Handcrafted in Italy
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Picture n. 8 shows the necklace with its matching bracelet (LU126212732892). Crafted in: 9 karat rose gold. Size of each natural turquoise: 12x8 mm / 0.472x0.314 inches.
Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
$14,700Sale Price|30% Off
JR 18 Karat White Gold Drop Diamond Rose Cut Turquoise Necklace
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR 18 Karat White Gold Drop Diamond Rose cut & Briolettes Turquoise Necklace Every necklace has a story to tell!
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1950s Turquoise Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. Thin antique ring, its ring is joined retaining in its center a cultured pearl shouldered by 2 pearls of tinted turquoise.
Pearl, Turquoise, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Art Nouveau Baroque Pearl and Turquoise Necklace 10K Rose Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Necklace Metal: 10K Rose Gold Total Weight: 4.1 Grams Chain Length: 16" Stamped: "10K" Gemstones: Turquoise and baroque pearl Condition: Preowned, excellent
Pearl, Turquoise, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Rose Gold Marquise Turquoise Halo Peridot Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 4-12 Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired Marquise Turquoise Diamond Halo Peridot Engagement Ring Made in 18K Rose Gold.
Diamond, Peridot, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Turquoise, White Agate, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold and Rose Gold Earrings.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion dangle earrings in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with flowers of paste turquoise linked by leaves in rose gold studded with diamonds.
Agate, Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$9,392Sale Price|20% Off
Arizona Turquoise Pendant Zambian Emerald Necklace Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Details Item Code :- SEPD-3720 Gross Wt. :- 17.73 gm 18k Rose Gold Wt. :- 15.73 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 1.26 Ct. ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Pink Opal, Ariz...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Turquoise, Aquamarine, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 14 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central turquoise surrounded by a frame of diamonds and aquamarine.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Carnelian, Turquoise, Onyx, Agate, Tourmaline, Rose Gold and Silver Necklace.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Retrò necklace mounted with spheres in 9 kt rose gold and satin silver spheres between spheres of tourmaline, onyx, green agate, turquoise and carnelian.
Agate, Carnelian, Onyx, Tourmaline, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold Turquoise and Rose Cut Diamond Bar Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold Turquoise and Rose Cut Diamond Bar Brooch truly exquisite and detailed diamond and turquoise brooch The item comes without the box in the photos but will b...
Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Turquoise, Pearls, Emeralds, Stones, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Earrings.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Dangle earrings in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with two flowers of turquoise paste surrounded by leaves studded with emeralds, diamonds and stones.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18K Rose Gold Marquise Turquoise Halo Morganite Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 4-12 Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired Turquoise Diamond Halo Morganite Engagement Ring Made in 18K Rose Gold.
Diamond, Morganite, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rose Gold Turquoise Victorian Cluster Cocktail Ring 12k Cabochon Antique 5 3/4
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Era: Victorian Metal Content: 12k Rose Gold Stone Information Natural Turquoise Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Cut: Round Cabochon Style: Cluster Cocktail Measuremen...
Turquoise, Rose Gold
Turquoise, Sapphires, Diamonds, 9Karat Rose Gold and Silver Snake Bracelet
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful snake bracelet mounted with beaded of turquoise alternated with silver structures studded with diamonds as body and a snake head and tail in 9 karat rose gold and silver s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Natural Pave Diamond Turquoise Inlay Mosaic 14k Rose Gold Cuff Bracelet
Located in Diera, AE
Details:- Item Code :- SEB-61155 (14k) Gross Wt. :- 20.1 gm 14k Rose Gold Wt. :- 18.64 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 0.50 Ct. ( SI Clarity & HI Color ) Turquoise Wt. :- 6.80 Ct.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Tanisa Nahata Diamond & Turquoise Huggies in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Tanisa Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These pieces are part of our dainty and fine jewelry line known as TanisaJewelry - see more on Instagram @tanisajewelry. Diamond & Turquoise Huggies in 18K Rose Gold White Diamond:...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold...
$7,292Sale Price / set|20% Off
Arizona Turquoise Gemstone Dangle Earrings Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
The rose gold complements the vibrant hues of the gemstones, creating a harmonious and captivating aesthetic.
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Turquoise and Diamond Brooch in 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It has a few minor surface scratches on the back with some very slight discoloration to the metal. Metal: 14 karat rose gold Turquoise: 9 stones Natural Diamonds: .15 ctw Weight: 5...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
11.30 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
11.30 Carats Natural Turquoise and Diamond 14K Solid Rose Gold Ring Total Natural Oval Turquoise Weight is: Approx. 8.40 Carats Turquoise Measures: 18.00 x 13.00mm Natural Round...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
0.80ct Turquoise and Diamond Bar Stud Earrings in 14k Rose Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Featuring 0.58ct composite turquoise slices surrounded by 0.22ct round cut diamonds, all set on 14k rose gold.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose 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
9.10 Ct Diamonds, Turquoise, Rubies, Sapphires, Rose Gold and Silver Brooch.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing butterfly brooch in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with turquoise on the body and wings are studded with sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18K Rose Gold Halo Diamond Marquise Turquoise Australian Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 4-12 Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired Turquoise Diamond Halo Opal Engagement Ring Made in 18K Rose Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, Rose Gold
18K Rose Gold Halo Diamond Oval Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The turquoise is a beautiful blue and makes an amazing combination with the diamonds and rose gold.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$10,900 / item
Antique Style Turquoise Rose Cut Diamond Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18K gold and sterling silver, these beautiful earrings are encrusted with turquoise and 9.98 carats rose cut diamonds with blackened finish.
Diamond, Turquoise, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
Arizona Turquoise Gemstone SI/H Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Dangle Earrings
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Arizona Turquoise Gemstone SI/HI Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Dangle Earrings features top stud is delicately inlaid with turquoise, connected by a vertical line of brilliant round dia...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Style Rose Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Halo Diamond Engagement Ring. Metal- 18K Rose Gold, .750.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Owl Bird Turquoise Diamond Sapphire Garnet & Ruby 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 3.90x2.50x2.60cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "21 Blue Sapphire 0.10 CT 14 White Diamonds 0.06 CT 33 Green Garnet 0.14 CT 2 Ruby 0.03 CT 1 Turquoise 3.50 CT 18KR 6.40 ...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$488Sale Price|30% Off
Micro-Sculptures of Turquoise, Diamonds Rose Gold and Silver Link Bracelet
Located in Napoli, Campania
Link Bracelet in 9kt rose gold and silver, (length 19.50 cm) (width 1 cm).
Diamond, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold
Pomellato M'ama Non M'ama Turquoise & Zircons Ring In 18k Rose Gold
Located in London, GB
We Adore - Pomellato M'ama Non M'ama Turquoise & Zircons Ring In 18k Rose Gold From the M'ama Non M'ama collection is this distinctive ring designed with a turquoise cabochon to...
Turquoise, Zircon, Rose Gold
Rose Gold and Turquoise Vintage Bangle Petite Size signed VCA and Numbered
Located in Wailea, HI
Rose Gold and Turquoise Vintage Bangle Petite Size signed VCA and Numbered Vintage bangle, crafted between the 1960s and 1970s.
Turquoise, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
French 19th Century Fine Pearls Diamonds Turquoise 18 karat Rose Gold Set
Located in Poitiers, FR
Set in 18 karat rose gold, horse head and mercury hallmarks. This rare antique set includes : An antique ring featuring a round-shaped setting encircled by a band of calibrated turqu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold,...
14K Rose Gold 0.08 Carat Diamond Sapphire & Turquoise Evil Eye Necklace
Located in Great neck, NY
This striking Evil Eye Necklace crafted of 14K Gold features Luscious Blue Sapphires which trace the outline of a Turquoise eye, with white diamonds ensuring that the gaze won't wave...
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, Rose Gold
Vintage Ruby Rose Cut Diamond & Turquoise 18K Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Details Item Type: Vintage Cocktail Ring Metal:18K Yellow Gold Center Stone Details Type: Star Ruby Color: Red Cut: Faceted Checkerboard Side Turquoise Details: Color: Light Blue ...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$352Sale Price|44% Off
Turquoise, Rubies, Stones, Onyx, 9 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Bracelet
Located in Napoli, Campania
As closure, a butterfly shape clasp in 9 karat rose gold and silver structure mounted with white stones as wings and rubies.
Onyx, Ruby, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Turquoise Lapis Lazuli 9 Karat Rose Gold Dangle Earrings Handcrafted in Italy
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Crafted in: 9 karat rose gold. 4 natural turquoise 2 natural lapis lazuli Total weight: 7 grams Total length of each earrings: 58 mm / 2.283 inches. ________________________________...
Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Turquoise, Onyx, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Retrò Bracelet
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful retrò bracelet in 14 karat rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central turquoise between two onyx.
Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Turquoise, Tsavorite, Diamonds, Stone, 14 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Bracelet
Located in Napoli, Campania
As closure, a clasp in 14 karat rose gold and silver structure mounted with a stone with a figure of woman surrounded by diamonds, and tsavorites.
Diamond, Tsavorite, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Turquoise Drops and Rose-cut Diamond Earrings, Silver and 18K Gold.
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Antique Silver and 18K Gold Earrings with Turquoise Drops and Rose-Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise
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.