How do I care for turquoise jewellery?

Turquoise is a relatively soft and porous stone that absorbs oils, cosmetics, and water easily. Clean pieces gently with a dry, soft cloth and avoid chemical dips or ultrasonic cleaners. Store items separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching. Removing rings before washing hands preserves the integrity of both the stones and the metal settings.

How can I date a turquoise ring?

Dating relies on examining the mounting style, metal fineness marks, and cutting style of any secondary gems like rose-cut diamonds. Victorian and Edwardian pieces often utilise 15ct gold or silver-backed gold, accompanied by characteristic floral or navette cluster motifs. Official hallmarks, where present, provide precise assay office symbols and date letters. Comparing the structural construction against known period benchmarks clarifies the era of manufacture.

Why do some turquoise stones turn green?

Turquoise contains copper, which can react over time with skin oils, soaps, acids, and environmental moisture. This chemical interaction alters the natural blue hue towards a greener shade. While some colour shift is a natural result of age and wear, proper storage and minimal exposure to liquids help maintain the original tone.