Blue Turquoise Gold Jewellery
Blue turquoise gold jewellery brings together vibrant blue stones and rich gold settings across Victorian, Edwardian, and mid-century designs.
Blue Turquoise Gold Jewellery
Rings and pendants dominate the available forms, often incorporating cluster designs, star motifs, and five-stone arrangements. Buyers frequently encounter Victorian 18ct gold rings set with turquoise and diamonds, as well as distinct Arts and Crafts creations.
Earrings and necklaces provide alternative expressions, ranging from dangling hoop earrings to intricate negligee necklaces. These items showcase combinations of turquoise with pearls, enamel, and diamonds across yellow and rose gold settings.
How they were made
Craftsmen utilised 9ct, 15ct, and 18ct gold in both yellow and rose hues to form the structural foundations of rings, pendants, and brooches. Silver was occasionally combined with gold settings, particularly in diamond and gemstone clusters.
Natural turquoise stones, including matrix turquoise and sleeping beauty varieties, were shaped into cabochons and set alongside diamonds, split pearls, and blue enamel. Hand-painted miniature portraits and detailed scroll work further demonstrate period manufacturing techniques.
The selection includes mourning lockets, negligee necklaces, dangling hoop earrings, and hand-painted portrait rings dating back to the nineteenth century.
What varies in quality
The sophistication of the metalwork and the integration of secondary gems dictate the distinction between standard and superior pieces. Heavier 18ct gold settings paired with well-matched diamonds and uniform turquoise cabochons represent higher manufacture.
The clarity and consistency of the blue turquoise colour, alongside the preservation of delicate enamel or hand-painted details, separate ordinary examples from exceptional historical specimens.
Dorrie Nossiter
The Blue Turquoise Gold Jewellery Glossary
- Cabochon
- A gemstone shaped and polished with a smooth, rounded surface rather than faceted. This cut highlights the natural colour and texture of turquoise.
- Negligee necklace
- A pendant necklace featuring asymmetrical drops suspended from a central chain. Popular during the Edwardian and Arts and Crafts periods.
- Mourning locket
- A piece of jewellery designed to hold a keepsake or hair miniature in memory of a deceased person. These frequently incorporate black or blue enamel.
- Five stone ring
- A ring design featuring a linear row of five gems of comparable size. This configuration is commonly seen in Victorian turquoise and diamond rings.
Blue Turquoise Gold Jewellery: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I date a turquoise ring?
Dating relies on stylistic clues, gold hallmarks, and setting techniques characteristic of periods like the Victorian era or the 1920s. Examining the back of the piece often reveals specific maker marks or assay office stamps.
Changes in gemstone cuts and mount designs also help narrow down the decade of manufacture. Comparing the piece to documented examples from the same period confirms its approximate age.
Are turquoise stones fragile?
Turquoise is a softer gemstone that requires careful handling to prevent scratching or surface damage. Exposure to harsh chemicals, cosmetics, and prolonged direct sunlight can alter the stone colour.
Storing pieces separately in lined boxes protects the gems from abrasion by harder stones like diamonds. Gentle cleaning with a soft, dry cloth preserves the polished surface.
What is matrix turquoise?
Matrix turquoise refers to stones that retain visible web-like veins of the host rock running through the blue material. This natural characteristic adds distinct patterns to the gemstone.
Such stones were frequently utilised in Arts and Crafts and Edwardian designs to emphasise natural aesthetics. Each piece displays a unique pattern determined by the original mineral host.
How should I clean antique gold jewellery?
Antique gold jewellery benefits from gentle wiping with a soft cloth to remove everyday surface dust. Water immersion should be avoided if the piece contains pearls, enamel, or closed-back settings.
Professional cleaning is recommended for items with intricate scrollwork or fragile stone settings. Regular inspections by a jeweller ensure the claws holding the turquoise and diamonds remain secure.