Hello,
I bought this strand of turquoise from a local shop in Maryland. The seller said she bought the beads in the 90s from her trusted gem supplier, she can’t remember the source but thinks that it’s Chinese turquoise. Personally, the beads remind me of Persian turquoise, and I’m curious what your thoughts are. I’m also hoping that I didn’t buy high quality plastic beads. The color of the beads vary slightly, some beads have a thin black vein.
Either way, I love this necklace.
This is my first time posting a question. I’ve joined the group a couple of months ago and learned a lot from previous posts.
Something is not sitting right with me regarding those beads. The knots in between are typical Asian. I would start with a hot pin test in an inconspicuous area. eBay is selling similar color unstrung beads for $14 per 8”.
7 Likes
Hello and welcome,
Barrel-shaped beads, knotting, and highly commercial-looking uniformity are typical of Chinese dyed howlite. However, it could be a composited/resin/artificial material, hard to tell exactly from the pics.
[Large Hole Turquoise Howlite 10x14mm Barrel Beads with 2.5mm Drilled Hole - approx. 8 inch strand]
6 Likes
I appreciate your response. The shop owner designs necklaces and she is the one who strung them in this style. She could’ve lied to make a sale. I’d be surprised. She’s had the shop for at least 20 years. I never bought anything from her before, just not my style.
Thank you, The dimensions are not the same, but I see what you’re pointing to. Is nail polish remover the way to test if it’s dyed howlite?