Purchased this ring

Bought this ring. Is med blue with silver/ gold hints and white patches. 18k. Any thoughts?


2 Likes

I’m not the best at turquoise ID. Copy the photo and use google image. There are a number of possibilities as there is variation in each mine.

I think we’ve heard that these high-domed turquoise cabs are often persian in origin, but that’s not an automatic attribution. Setting in gold, however, also makes me think persian.

Thank you for your information. Are they ways to know if it is natural or simulated?

@Jadunaway1966 My guess is that the stone isn’t simulated. I’m saying that because the white patches look like either host rock or quartz inclusions to me. The pyrite inclusions look natural. Looking at turquoise in person as opposed to a photo can be two different experiences, though. Also, in my opinion, this isn’t Persian turquoise. I’d lean toward Kingman turquoise (maybe Fox turquose, IDK.) Just curious ~ none of the ring’s prongs appear to be touching/holding the turquoise cab in place ???

Thank you so much for your information. I will have a jeweler look at the prongs

@Jadunaway1966, I don’t know that your stone is natural turquoise. It appears to be real turquoise, but it could be stabilized. The vast majority of turquoise is stabilized to make it hard enough to work with. Natural turquoise is much more rare and expensive. The terms that are used surrounding the stone are, “natural” if it’s completely untreated, and “real” (or genuine or something like that) if it’s actual turquoise (not fake/block) but stabilized. So in other words turquoise can be “real” but not necessarily “natural;” if that makes sense.

As far as being able to tell natural turquoise from stabilized turquoise, it’s often very hard to do without a lot of expertise. I have a little easier time telling actual turquoise from fake, (which is what I think you mean by simulated), but unfortunately the makers of fake turquoise are getting better all the time. That is why I’m very careful where I buy my jewelry. In lower grade natural turquoise you will often see color change of the stone. Some people don’t like that, and prefer stabilized. I personally like to see that color change, because I think it adds personality. However, really high grade turquoise doesn’t change color so you can’t go on that alone.

Here’s a nice little article regarding the differences. What is the difference between stabilized and natural turquoise? – Garland's?

And I don’t know that your stone is stabilized instead of natural - I’m just saying I can’t tell. And as far as mine attribution, all we are doing is is making educated guesses. No way of knowing without actual provenance.

1 Like

Looking at your stone, I do think it’s beautiful, but I couldn’t even hazard a guess on the mine. The high dome makes me think Persian, but the green and blue together makes me wonder about Royston, and yet it also looks like some Kingman I’ve seen. And then it also reminds me of some stones I have from my mom which may be Fox. Wherever it is from, enjoy it!

Edit: just reread that it has silver flecks - hence pyrite. I
am not sure if Fox or Royston is known for that, so maybe Persian or Kingman. But just guessing :grin:

Great article Zia. Thanks for posting it. So there is another good reason why old NA jewelry is expensive. The stones before 1950’s are natural and if they lasted this long…they are high grade.

1 Like

You are welcome!

I’m not sure that it means they are necessarily high grade. I have a little Fred Harvey style cuff that is from the 20-30’s, and the stones have changed to all variations of colors, so they are not high grade, just good enough to have not crumbled :grin: The stones in my mom’s old earrings (from the 40’s) have not had as much color change (none since I’ve owned them) so are prob a better grade.

2 Likes

I appreciate your reply. Im new in the turquoise world and have alot to learn. I did enjoy the article.

1 Like

Thank you for your help