Turquoise beads are highly popular and they are a favorite for many jewelry designers. This is because these beads have great diversity and they can be used in the creation of stunning and beautiful bracelets, necklaces and rings. Turquoise stone is also popular when it comes to trade, creation of art pieces and also in many religions. One major benefit of using these beads for jewelry making is that its color allows for a variety of materials to be used as settings. These beads can be paired with white gold, gold, sterling silver, stainless steel and even platinum and they will still look fabulous.
Turquoise is the gemstone for December and many people also wear turquoise jewelry on their fifth wedding anniversary. Turquoise beads for jewelry making are in high demand and since the stone is not really cheap, it is essential to assess them for quality when buying. Given below is information on things to consider when buying turquoise beads for jewelry making.
Types Available
These are available in three main types. Here’s a look at what these are.
Blue gem – these are quite durable and come in light colored hues. Deep shades are also available. The mine that produced blue gem turquoise is in Nevada, but presently it is not operational which makes these beads more valuable.
Kingman – turquoise beads that come from the Kingman mine have black veining in the stone. They are available in a variety of hues.
Sleeping Beauty – the most uniform turquoise beads are the sleeping beauty turquoise. The hues range from light blue to medium blue and these beads tend to be quite expensive.
Treatment Details
Another important thing to consider when buying turquoise beads for jewelry making is the kind of treatment they have undergone. These can include:
Dye – dyed turquoise beads for jewelry making have an enhanced color and the hues appear intense and uniform.
Reconstitute – some artisans tend to gather the fragments of the stone, powder them and the reconstitute them into large beads that can be used for jewelry making.
Wax and oil – this treatment allows the hues to become brighter and intense. But, this treatment can only be used on expensive stones because if they are used on low quality stones, the stones can sweat and lose their color.