How to Pick a Turquoise Birthstone

Turquoise has experienced many popularity surges over the past century. As it continues to be mined from existing sources, its cost has climbed, creating a market for synthetic turquoise by inexperienced buyers. Real turquoise has a color, luster and veining that can't be duplicated with plastics or reconstituted stone. Discover the wide range of turquoise types that vary by location of origin so you can pick a turquoise birthstone of quality and value.

Things You'll Need

• Reputable dealer
• Appraiser
• Documentation of authenticity

Instructions

View Turquoise by Mine

1. Examine a turquoise birthstone from Kingman Mine. Stones from this mine are labeled "high blue," which is an intense greenish-blue color veined with brown or copper streaks, and is the preferred industry standard for turquoise.

2. View Bisbee and Morenci Mines turquoise for their unique properties. Most Bisbee stones are a darker blue than Kingman and very heavily veined in an almost polka-dot pattern. Morenci stones usually contain a pure-black matrix that may take on a silver cast when polished.

3. Browse Castle Dome and Sleeping Beauty Mines turquoise. Both are clear blue with no matrix, but Castle Dome gems are very chunky and textured, while Sleeping Beauty stones are flat and smooth.

4. Compare domestic turquoise with samples mined in Iran, China or other areas to determine your personal likes and dislikes.

Pick Turquoise to Suit Your Purpose

1. Pick a turquoise birthstone in its naturally mined state or set as jewelry, watchbands, belt buckles or other accessories.

2. Choose turquoise in bead or stone form, alone or set with other polished minerals, such as coral and mother-of-pearl.

3. Pick the birthstone with the source, finish and setting that most appeal to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Turquoise is the birthstone for December, along with alternate "blue" gems topaz and tanzanite.

• Turquoise is the official celebratory gemstone for the eleventh wedding anniversary.

• In color and texture, turquoise types are location specific.

• A turquoise birthstone is never faceted, but may be polished and ground or left in its natural state.

• A "matrix" is the natural darker veining within the blue stone.

• Beware of fakes! Authentic turquoise should be bluish-green or greenish-brown and opaque, never transparent.

• Be sure your dealer offers a secure return policy.

• Lots of synthetic jewelry looks similar to turquoise. Only a jeweler knowledgeable in the unique qualifications of turquoise can give you an assessment of authenticity and correct market value. Have an expensive purchase appraised by a third party.

• Turquoise is more porous than other hard gemstones, such as amethyst or topaz, and is prone to damage from bumps or scrapes. Take special care in wearing or storing it.