Vintage Turquoise Necklace
A vintage turquoise necklace brings together vibrant blue stones and precious metals, offering a distinct piece of period jewellery for daily wear or collection.
Vintage Turquoise Necklace
A vintage turquoise necklace encompasses a range of historic designs from the Victorian, Edwardian, and mid-century periods. These pieces frequently pair bright blue turquoise stones with yellow gold, rose gold, or silver settings.
The most common examples on this page reflect the intricate craftsmanship of the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements. Buyers will find pendants, longguard chains, and matching jewellery suites featuring matrix turquoise alongside pearls and enamel.
Materials and Construction
The construction of these pieces relies heavily on nine-carat and fifteen-carat gold alongside sterling silver mounts. Goldsmiths and silversmiths shaped these metals into delicate pendant frames, chains, and hinged settings to secure the stones.
Craftsmen enhanced the visual depth of the jewellery by incorporating seed pearls, diamonds, and vitreous enamel alongside the central turquoise elements. Hand-beating, wirework, and delicate collet settings define the metalwork across the various pieces.
Vintage Turquoise Necklace Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for vintage turquoise necklace among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
The selection includes pendants, longguard chains, and complete jewellery suites set with turquoise, pearls, and enamel.
Assessing Quality and Execution
Quality in these necklaces rests upon the skill of the metalwork and the integration of secondary gems like natural pearls and diamonds. Superior examples display thoughtful proportions, secure stone settings, and maker marks that indicate workshop origin.
The condition of the turquoise itself, whether uniform blue or patterned matrix stone, affects the character of the piece. Well-preserved enamel work and intact original chains further distinguish the finer pieces in the selection.
Deakin & Francis·The Gaskins·Liberty & Co
The Vintage Turquoise Necklace Glossary
- Matrix turquoise
- Turquoise stones that retain portions of the host rock, creating webbed or mottled patterns across the blue surface. This characteristic appears frequently in Arts and Crafts jewellery.
- Longguard chain
- A long, continuous neck chain designed to be doubled over or fitted with a watch slide. These versatile chains often measure thirty inches or more.
- Negligee necklace
- A pendant style featuring asymmetrical drops suspended from a central motif, popular during the Edwardian period. The design creates a delicate, cascading effect on the chest.
- Parure
- A matched set of jewellery intended to be worn together, typically comprising a necklace, earrings, and a ring or brooch. These coordinated suites share matching stones and metalwork themes.
- Enamel
- Vitreous glass fused to metal through high-temperature firing, used to add permanent colour and pattern. It appears in translucent and opaque varieties on silver and gold pendants.
Vintage Turquoise Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for a vintage turquoise necklace?
Turquoise is a relatively soft and porous stone that absorbs oils, cosmetics, and water easily. Clean the piece gently with a dry, soft cloth and avoid chemical dips or ultrasonic cleaners.
Store the necklace separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching the metal and stone surfaces. Remove the jewellery before swimming, bathing, or applying perfumes.
How can I tell Edwardian pieces from Victorian ones?
Victorian pieces tend to feature heavier gold settings, star motifs, and darker stone arrangements that reflect earlier sentimental jewellery traditions. The styles are often bold and grounded in traditional symmetries.
Edwardian jewellery moves towards lighter silver and gold mounts, lace-like filigree, and fluid Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau lines. These designs frequently incorporate pearls and enamel alongside turquoise.
What is a matrix turquoise necklace?
A matrix turquoise necklace incorporates stones that show the natural host rock webbing through the blue turquoise material. This appearance was favoured by Arts and Crafts makers who valued organic, unpolished aesthetics.
These pieces often feature hand-hammered silver or rose gold settings that complement the earthy tones of the matrix stones. The design emphasises natural textures over uniform colour.
Can I wear a longguard chain every day?
Longguard chains can be worn regularly provided the links and clasp mechanisms are checked for wear. Their substantial length allows them to be doubled over the neck for a layered look.
Care should be taken with antique spring rings and bolt rings, as older mechanisms can weaken over time. Regular inspection by a jeweller ensures the chain remains secure.