I love turquoise! It comes in a variety of colors & textures. It pairs well with silver (my favorite metal). And it has such a rich & diverse history!
However... I am always hesitant about using turquoise or even posting pictures of my gorgeous turquoise beaded creations like the pieces pictured here.
You see, turquoise is often faked! Much of what is being advertised as turquoise is in reality dyed howlite or magnesite.
Howlite & magnesite are wonderfully useful & versatile stones, but they aren't turquoise. They are often carved into cute shapes and dyed in an array of colors.
Having every stone professional tested is impractical for normal jewelry purchases. However, there are other methods you can use. Here are a few quick tips to help protect your investment.
- Often dyed stones will bleed or the colors will fade or wear off. When in doubt, rub your thumb over it a few times or with a dab water.
- Turquoise is a coveted stone and it is rare to see it carved into little skulls or peace signs.
- Turquoise is a realitively soft stone. It is often "stabilized" with chemicals to hold it together & harden.
- Turquoise stones will be the same color all the way through.
- Dyed Howlite or magnesite will usually only be colored on the outside. If you chip it or crack it open, it will be white inside.
- It is always a good idea to purchase jewelry from a seller you trust or a reputable vendor.
I use reputable vendors to supply my stone beads, but occassionally mistakes happen. So, I also test all the stone beads that I purchase for authenticity by checking for hardness on the Mohr scale and soaking stones to test for color fastness.
Unfortunately, we live in a buyer beware world today. So, it is important to stay informed.
Stay safe & have a blessed day!
www.artofvictoriamorgan.etsy.com
No comments:
Post a Comment