$11,000 / item
Amwaj White Gold Bangle with Diamond and Turquoise
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Amwaj eye-catching 18 karat white gold bangle showcases the flawless beauty of cabochon cut turquoise set in a minimal metal setting that let their powerful glow to show, separated b...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.91 Carat Turquoise Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Covington, LA
Details Center stone: Emerald-cut turquoise cabochon weighing approximately 4.91 carats Accent diamonds: Thirty-nine round brilliant diamonds totaling approximately 0.57 carat Halo: ...
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 18k Gold
Contemporary 18K White Gold Turquoise Diamond Prong Setting Drop Earring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Elegance, refinement, and timeless charm come together in these magnificent 18-karat white gold earrings, expertly handcrafted to enhance the extraordinary beauty of natural Arizona ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Turquoise Cabochon and White Diamond Three Stone Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful turquoise round cabochon and white diamond three stone ring.
White Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
Retro Style Turquoise Tanzanite and Diamond Floral Cluster Earrings White Gold
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
A vibrant expression of color and classic design, these Turquoise, Tanzanite and Diamond Floral Cluster Stud Earrings are beautifully crafted in luminous 18k white gold.
Diamond, Tanzanite, Turquoise, White Gold
18K White Gold Turquoise Lapis Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in jaipur, IN
An exquisite pair of statement drop earrings crafted in white gold, showcasing a vibrant combination of colored gemstones and dazzling diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
$1,254Sale Price|40% Off
Natural Turquoise and White Diamond .43 Carat TW White Gold Fashion Ring
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in a beautiful 18K White Gold setting with a natural turquoise, white pinctada maxima, and natural round white diamond melee.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,620Sale Price|20% Off
Fabulous Turquoise White Gold Diamond Dangle Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings White Gold 14 K Diamond 38-RND 57-0,16-4/7 Turquoise 2-3,08 ct Weight 2.0 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewel...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Estate Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond White Gold Pendant
Located in GOES, NL
A regal handmade sleeping beauty pendant surrounded by sparkling diamonds. This statement piece features a genuine high grade true Robinson Egg Blue turquoise from the sleeping bea...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold 0.10 Carat Diamond Turquoise Earrings
Located in Great neck, NY
-14K Gold -0.73cts Turquoise 2 Round -0.10cts Natural White Diamonds -Diamond Color GH -Clarity SI1 -Butterfly Push-Back Closure -Gift Box Included!
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 2.42ct Diamond and Turquoise Ring MF27-011626
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxury ring features a unique design that is impossible to ignore. The stunning Turquoise center stone is accented by a winding snake, which comes to life thanks to Black Diamon...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold, White Diamonds and Turquoise Pendant
By VANLELES DIAMONDS
Located in Mayfair, London, GB
Our iconic Nile collection features bold shapes and chunky volumes, adorned with our unique Nile arabesque motif. Pendant crafted in 18K Yellow Gold and carved Turquoise Round Brill...
Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Turquoise Face 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Pendant
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Handmade by our artisans assembled with turquoise and diamonds. Pendant total weight 31.60 grams Turquoise Face weight 29.30 grams Diamonds weight 0.20 karat (the price is without c...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Navajo White Buffalo Turquoise and Sterling Silver Ring
By Navajo
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Navajo sterling silver and White Buffalo turquoise ring by Navajo silversmith Dixon.
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
18K White Gold 0.75ct Diamond and Turquoise Ring MF14-020226
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
At the center, a vibrant Turquoise cabochon instantly adds a stylish pop of color to any ensemble.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold 1.50ct Diamond and Turquoise Ring MF20-013026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A bold 14K White Gold setting sets the stage for this stylish luxury ring.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Drop Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cuff Bracelet
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU 33301959 Comes With Full Set (Box + Card) Date 2009 Model VCARB87000 Serial Number BL2135** Metal 18k White Gold Stones Turquoise Weight 5 g Length 42 cm Width 1.5 cm Condition E...
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Stud Earrings
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 Karat white gold stud earrings. Handmade by our craftsmen assembled with turquoise and diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
31.66 Carat Turquoise Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Earrings
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold, these beautiful earrings are hand set in 31.66 carats Turquoise and 2.29 carats of glimmering diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral Turquoise Sapphires 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Necklace made entirely by hand in 18-karat white gold embellished with small sapphires and composed of ovals and spools of different sizes of natural red coral and turquoise.
Coral, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A rare Vintage Alhambra necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels, exquisitely crafted in solid 18K white gold. This exceptional piece features the Maison's iconic Alhambra motif s...
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Etho Maria White Gold & Yellow Gold Turquoise and Blue Topaz Hoop Earrings
By Etho Maria
Located in New York, NY
Etho Maria White Gold & Yellow Gold Turquoise and Blue Topaz Hoop Earrings PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z145987 Listing Title: Etho Maria White Gold & Yellow Gold Turquoise and Blue Topaz H...
Turquoise, White Gold
GIA Certified Turquoise Onyx Diamond White Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's bold and beautiful natural triangular turquoise earrings with black onyx and diamond accents in 14k white gold. 2 large cabochon bluish green Turquoise each with a bezel set d...
Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Drop Earrings
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
BUNDA 16.96ct Turquoises and Diamonds drop earrings in 18k white gold
By Ben Bunda
Located in SYDNEY, AU
These pair of BUNDA 'Vine' turquoise earrings in 18 carat white gold, feature a pair of turquoise drops, fitted with hand crafted caps and diamond set hooks.
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold
Elegant 5.25ct Turquoise Ring in 14K White Gold, Textured Band, India
Located in jaipur, IN
This elegant ring is crafted in rich 14-carat white gold, featuring three vibrant turquoises. The textured gold band adds a touch of artisanal charm, making it a perfect blend of nat...
Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Turquoise Diamond Cat Grain Setting Brooch
Located in Marcianise, IT
Elegant and highly refined, this cat-shaped brooch is crafted in 18-karat white gold and adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds and natural Arizona turquoise, one of the world’s most so...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Turquoise and Diamonds Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Brilliant Turquoise Ring with Diamonds 14k White Gold 8.70 grams overall design size is approx. 15 x 15mm Stone size oval cabochon 8 x 6 Persian Turquoise finger size 6.5 Bri...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Emerald Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Emerald, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Turquoise Diamond White Gold Dangle Pendant Necklace
Located in Stamford, CT
GIA certified turquoise and diamond pendant necklace. GIA certified pear shaped turquoise gemstone set in 18k white gold setting with 44 round brilliant cut pave set accent diamonds....
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Natural Coral Turquoise 18K White Gold Drop Earrings
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
In conclusion, these 18-karat white gold earrings with coral and turquoise are a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship.
Coral, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sleepy Beauty Turquoise Earrings Dangle Blue and Diamonds 14k White Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Turquoise & Diamond Earrings Solid 14k White Gold Approx 8.60 grams Natural Diamonds approx 2.50 carat G-VS Removable/Interchangeable bottom turquoise parts Length: approx 2...
Turquoise, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
$1,640Sale Price|20% Off
Carat Jewellery 14K White Gold Turquoise Diamond Clip-On Earrings
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted in luminous 14 karat white gold, these striking earrings capture the beauty of turquoise in a bold and elegant design.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
US 6.5 Resizing is available Turquoise 2.65 carats White Round Diamonds 0.50 carats
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pippo Perez Turquoise and Diamond Cross Earrings in 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Center Gemstone: Blue Turquoise Diamond Count: 60 Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS Diamond Carat Weight: ~ 0.25 carats Tot...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
$13,500 / item
48.7 Carat Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Brooch
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
A stunning turquoise brooch set in 48.7 carats turquoise and 2.79 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW MEGHNA JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. M...
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold, 14k Gold
Handcraft Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Drop Earrings
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Turquoise 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfax, VA
A refined and highly collectible Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra pendant necklace, crafted in solid 18K white gold (Au750) and set with a vibrant natural turquoise motif.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds Turquoise Coral White Gold 18 Karat Drop Earrings
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Fantastic earrings made entirely by hand by expert master craftsmen. Made of 18 Karat white gold with natural diamonds coral and turquoise.
Diamond, Turquoise, Coral, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary 18K White Gold Turquoise Diamond Bezel Setting Drop Earring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
The 18 kt white gold enhances the contrast between the vibrant turquoise and the sparkle of the diamonds, resulting in an elegant and refined aesthetic.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Diamonds Turquoise Yellow Gold Leaves Theme Retrò Bracelet
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing semi-rigid retrò bracelet leaves theme in 18K yellow gold mounted with 4.80 ct of top quality white diamonds and gorgeous turquoise stones (1.70 g).
White Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ambrosi 18kt White Gold Diamond Turquoise & Emerald Necklace Set
By Ambrosi
Located in New York, NY
The necklace showcases a mesmerizing interplay of 28 hand-carved turquoise fans and 28 oval cabochon emeralds, gracefully arranged across two adjoined concentric strands.
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds Turquoise Onyx 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This elegant necklace in 18-karat white gold is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, blending the sophistication of gold with the vibrant beauty of natural turquoise, enriched ...
Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,365Sale Price|25% Off
14K White Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Diamond Ring, 0.52ct Halo
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Whether as a gift or for personal indulgence, it makes an exceptional addition to any jewelry collection. 14 Karat White Gold Turquoise 12mm Diamonds 0.52 Carat
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Drop Earrings
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Floral 14K White Gold Turquoise Cabochon & Diamond Stud Earrings
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made floral-shaped earring is crafted from 14-carat white gold and features a TURQUOISE CABOCHON gemstone set within a halo of sparkling DIAMOND.
Turquoise, 14k Gold
Handcraft Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Carved Turquoise and 9.24tcw Diamond Flower Earring & Brooch Set
Located in New York, NY
This coordinated earring and brooch set is crafted in 18k white gold and designed with carved turquoise flowers surrounded by 9.24ctw of diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
$715Sale Price / item|35% Off
14k White Gold Turquoise and Diamond "Evil Eye" Necklace
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Total Carat Weight:APPROX 0.35CT Style:Chain WEIGHT:3GR Base Metal:Gold Diamond Clarity Grade:Slightly Included (SI1) Setting Style:Prong Number of Gemstones:25 Type:Necklace Seconda...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 7x9mm Turquoise Diamond Earrings in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These radiant earrings are beautifully crafted in 14 karat white gold, showcasing the vibrant allure of turquoise.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$770Sale Price / item|56% Off
14k White Gold Turquoise and Diamond "Evil Eye" Necklace
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Total Carat Weight:APPROX 0.31CT Style:Chain WEIGHT:3GR Base Metal:Gold Diamond Clarity Grade:Slightly Included (SI1) Setting Style:Prong Number of Gemstones:20 Type:Necklace Seconda...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Turquoise Coral Onyx 18 Karat White Gold Choker Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This sophisticated necklace in 18-karat white gold exemplifies timeless elegance, enriched by an alternating series of coral and onyx spheres with barrels of onyx and turquoise.
Coral, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary 18K White Gold Turquoise Diamond Prong Setting Drop Earring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Thanks to the combination of white gold, brilliant diamonds, and high-quality natural turquoise, this piece is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a sophisticated, distinctive accesso...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Turquoise Diamonds Coral 18 Karat White Gold Pendant Necklace
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This necklace in 18-karat white gold is a triumph of color and sophistication, celebrating the unique beauty of natural gems in a contemporary design.
Coral, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alex Jona Turquoise Aquamarine 18k White Gold Dangle Pendant Earrings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, pair of dangle pendant earrings set with two aquamarine cabochons weighing 8.13 carats in total, suspending two engraved turquoise...
Turquoise, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold Round Cabochon Cut Turquoise and Round Diamond Necklace
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 14K white gold Turquoise: 160 round cut: 12.04cttw Diamonds: 160 round cut: 3.09cttw Color: G-H Clarity: SI1 Length: the necklace measures 17.0” inches in length Weight: 24...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Handcraft Turquoise 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White 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
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.