Turquoise is one of the most beloved and ancient gemstones, admired for its striking blue-green hue. It has been cherished for thousands of years, appearing in the jewelry of ancient cultures like the Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans. Today, turquoise remains a popular choice for people who appreciate its beauty and historical significance. This article will explore the most popular types of turquoise jewelry, helping you understand why this stone continues to captivate jewelry lovers worldwide.
Why Turquoise is So Popular in Jewelry
Turquoise has a rich, vibrant color that makes it stand out. Its unique shades range from deep blue to light green, often with natural black or brown veins running through it. This variety, combined with its affordability compared to other gemstones, makes it accessible to many.
Beyond its beauty, turquoise has long been associated with protection, healing, and positive energy. Many believe it brings good fortune, peace, and wisdom to its wearer. These qualities contribute to its continued popularity in jewelry today.
Now, let’s dive into the different types of turquoise jewelry that are most sought after.
1. Turquoise Rings
One of the most popular ways to wear turquoise is in a ring. Turquoise rings come in many styles, from simple and elegant to bold and statement-making. Here are some common types of turquoise rings:
Solitaire Rings: These rings feature a single turquoise stone as the centerpiece. Often set in sterling silver, they provide a clean, classic look.
Cluster Rings: For those who want something more eye-catching, cluster rings group multiple smaller turquoise stones together. This creates a bolder, more intricate design.
Turquoise and Diamond Rings: Combining turquoise with diamonds elevates the beauty of both stones. The cool blue of turquoise pairs perfectly with the sparkling clarity of diamonds.
Turquoise rings are popular for both everyday wear and special occasions, offering a striking way to showcase the stone.
2. Turquoise Necklaces
Turquoise necklaces are another popular form of jewelry. They come in various designs, from minimalist pendants to dramatic statement pieces. Some popular styles include:
Turquoise Pendants: A single turquoise stone set in a pendant is a simple and timeless way to wear this gem. Pendants can be large and bold or small and delicate, allowing for versatility in styling.
Beaded Necklaces: Turquoise beads are strung together to create a necklace that can range from casual to elegant. Beaded necklaces are often paired with other gemstones or materials like silver and leather for added texture.
Turquoise Inlay Necklaces: Inlay work involves embedding pieces of turquoise into a setting, usually silver or gold. The result is a smooth, polished look where the turquoise is flush with the metal.
Necklaces are an excellent way to wear turquoise because they allow the stone to rest near the heart, enhancing its believed healing properties.
3. Turquoise Earrings
Turquoise earrings are versatile and can be worn with both casual and formal outfits. Whether you prefer studs, dangles, or hoops, there is a turquoise earring style for everyone. Here are the most common types:
Turquoise Stud Earrings: These earrings feature small, round, or oval turquoise stones. Studs are simple and elegant, making them perfect for daily wear.
Turquoise Drop Earrings: Drop earrings hang below the earlobe and often feature one or more turquoise stones. They can be simple or highly decorative, depending on the design.
Turquoise Hoop Earrings: Hoops adorned with turquoise stones or beads offer a trendy yet timeless look. They can be small and subtle or large and bold.
Turquoise earrings are lightweight and add a splash of color to any outfit, making them a favorite among jewelry lovers.
4. Turquoise Bracelets
Bracelets are another beautiful way to showcase turquoise. They can be worn alone or stacked with other bracelets for a more layered look. Popular types of turquoise bracelets include:
Turquoise Cuff Bracelets: A cuff bracelet is typically wide and made of metal, often sterling silver, with one or more turquoise stones set into it. Cuff bracelets are bold and eye-catching, making them a great statement piece.
Beaded Bracelets: Similar to beaded necklaces, turquoise bead bracelets are strung on elastic or wire. They can feature a single strand or multiple strands of turquoise beads, often mixed with other gemstones or silver accents.
Charm Bracelets: Charm bracelets with turquoise stones offer a playful and personalized way to wear turquoise. The charms can feature small turquoise stones or turquoise inlay designs.
Whether simple or intricate, turquoise bracelets are a great way to add a pop of color to your wrist.
5. Turquoise Brooches and Pins
While not as commonly worn today, brooches and pins featuring turquoise were highly popular in past centuries. They are making a comeback as vintage fashion gains popularity. Brooches can be pinned to clothing, hats, or scarves, adding a touch of elegance and color. Some types include:
Antique Turquoise Brooches: These brooches often feature intricate designs with turquoise stones set in gold or silver. Many antique brooches have been passed down through generations, making them cherished heirlooms.
Modern Turquoise Pins: Today’s pins often feature sleek, minimalist designs with turquoise accents. They can be worn on lapels, bags, or hats for a modern take on a classic accessory.
Brooches and pins may not be as common as rings or necklaces, but they offer a unique way to wear turquoise and showcase its beauty.
6. Turquoise Anklets
Anklets made of turquoise beads or stones are another popular option, especially for those who love bohemian or beach-inspired fashion. Turquoise anklets are lightweight and perfect for summer outfits, offering a playful and stylish way to wear the stone.
See Also: How to Wear Turquoise Jewelry
7. Turquoise Men’s Jewelry
Turquoise is not just for women’s jewelry. Men’s turquoise jewelry is also highly sought after, particularly in cultures where turquoise has traditional significance, like Native American or Southwestern styles. Some popular types of men’s turquoise jewelry include:
Turquoise Rings: Men’s turquoise rings are often larger and feature chunkier designs. They may be set in silver or even paired with leather for a rugged look.
Turquoise Bracelets: Leather bracelets with turquoise stones are a popular choice for men. They combine the earthy appeal of leather with the vibrant blue of turquoise, creating a bold accessory.
Turquoise Belt Buckles: In the American Southwest, turquoise belt buckles are a classic men’s accessory. These buckles often feature intricate silverwork with large turquoise stones as the focal point.
Turquoise adds a distinctive touch to men’s jewelry, offering a blend of history, culture, and style.
Caring for Turquoise Jewelry
To maintain the beauty of your turquoise jewelry, proper care is essential. Turquoise is a relatively soft stone, ranking between 5 and 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, so it can be easily scratched or damaged. Here are a few tips for caring for your turquoise jewelry:
Avoid Chemicals: Chemicals like perfumes, lotions, and cleaning agents can damage the surface of turquoise. Always remove your turquoise jewelry before applying any products.
Keep Away from Water: Turquoise is porous, which means it can absorb liquids. Prolonged exposure to water can cause the stone to change color. It’s best to remove turquoise jewelry before swimming or showering.
Store Properly: When not wearing your turquoise jewelry, store it in a soft cloth pouch or a separate compartment in your jewelry box to prevent it from scratching against harder gemstones or metals.
Conclusion
Turquoise is a timeless gemstone that remains a favorite in the world of jewelry. Whether worn in rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets, turquoise offers versatility and beauty in every piece. Its rich history and cultural significance, combined with its striking color, make it a gemstone that will never go out of style. Whether you’re looking for something simple and elegant or bold and unique, turquoise jewelry offers something for everyone.
