Turquoise Jewellery: A Buyer's Guide
Turquoise brings a warm sky-blue that pairs beautifully with gold. Here's how to choose it, what quality to look for, and how to care for it.
Quick answer
Turquoise is a soft, opaque blue-to-green stone prized for thousands of years. The most valued colour is an even sky blue, though blue-green and stones with natural veining (matrix) are loved too. Because it's soft and porous, turquoise suits protective settings in solid gold. We set turquoise in 9ct, 14ct or 18ct gold, never plated, in necklaces, rings, crosses and more — made to your size.
What turquoise is
Turquoise is an opaque gemstone ranging from bright sky blue to green, often crossed by fine dark or golden veining known as matrix — the natural rock it formed in. It has been worn for adornment and meaning for millennia. Unlike a faceted diamond, turquoise is usually cut as a smooth cabochon (a domed, polished shape) so its colour and surface do the talking.
Judging turquoise quality
Colour. An even, saturated sky blue is the most prized; blue-green and greener stones are also popular and often more affordable.
Matrix. Some buyers love the character of natural veining; others prefer a clean, even face. Neither is “better” — it's about the look you want.
Surface & texture. A smooth, well-polished cabochon with no chalky patches shows the best colour.
Treatment. Because turquoise is porous, much of it is stabilised to harden it for jewellery — a normal and accepted practice. We'll always tell you what a stone is.
Turquoise styles in gold
Necklaces & pendants. A single turquoise cabochon on a gold chain is a classic; a turquoise cross is a particularly popular style. See our pendant guide for chain pairing.
Rings. A protective bezel setting suits turquoise well, keeping the soft stone secure.
Earrings & bracelets. Turquoise drops and beads pair beautifully with warm yellow gold.
Turquoise sits alongside other coloured stones in our range — see the gemstone options.
Turquoise meaning and birthstone
Turquoise is a December birthstone and has long been associated with protection and good fortune across many cultures. That heritage makes it a thoughtful choice for a gift with meaning, particularly a December birthday.
Which gold suits turquoise
Turquoise glows against warm yellow gold, which is the traditional pairing, though white and rose gold give a more modern or softer look. Every setting is solid 9ct, 14ct or 18ct gold, never plated — see 9ct vs 14ct vs 18ct gold. Qualifying pieces are UK hallmarked under the Hallmarking Act 1973. A bezel (a rim of gold around the stone) is the most protective setting for a soft stone like turquoise.
Caring for turquoise
Turquoise needs a little more care than a hard stone. Keep it away from water, perfume, hand cream and household chemicals, which can dull or discolour it over time. Put your turquoise on after applying cosmetics, wipe it only with a soft dry cloth (never soak it), and store it separately so harder stones don't scratch it. Treated with care, a turquoise piece keeps its colour for years.
Choosing your turquoise
Because every piece is made to order in your size and carat, you can keep the design you love and adjust the details to suit. Message our team on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What colour turquoise is best?
An even, saturated sky blue is the most prized, but blue-green stones and those with natural matrix veining are also popular and often more affordable. The best colour is the one you love.
Is turquoise a hard or delicate stone?
Turquoise is relatively soft and porous, so it needs more care than a diamond or sapphire. A protective bezel setting and sensible everyday care keep it looking its best.
Is turquoise a birthstone?
Yes, turquoise is a December birthstone, and it has long been linked with protection and good fortune — which makes it a meaningful gift.
Why is some turquoise treated or stabilised?
Because turquoise is porous, much of it is stabilised to harden it for jewellery. This is normal and widely accepted. We'll always tell you what a stone is.
What gold suits turquoise best?
Warm yellow gold is the traditional pairing and makes the blue glow, though white and rose gold give a more modern look. All our settings are solid 9ct, 14ct or 18ct gold, never plated.