What You Need To Know About Buying Turquoise Jewelry

Turquoise has been very popular in several aspects of the fashion and jewelry industry and there is a revival in current trends but what you are buying may not be the real gems that you desire. Approximately 75% of turquoise on the market comes from China but due to improper mining methods having a negative environmental impact several mines have been closed or are on much more strict regulations. There have been fluctuations in the market before based on supply and demand but with advancements in technology you will come across things like reconstituted, plastic, and dyed imitation turquoise. I will address these differences in this article so you can buy turquoise jewelry with confidence.

Reconstituted Turquoise
Turquoise is a very soft gemstone by nature and measures a 5-6 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. In the reconstitution method, turquoise flecks and pieces are ground up and an epoxy or resin is used to bind these particles to form whole blocks. This product is treated with dyes and heat then made into beads or carved and cut a variety of ways. If you are buying reconstituted turquoise and are being told that it is real turquoise, you will be paying more than it is actually worth.

Plastic Turquoise
Several department stores like Walmart sell jewelry that looks similar to turquoise but they are nothing more than plastic beads. There is nothing wrong with that as long as what they are advertising is the truth. When you get into purchasing from places that are not being ethical suppliers then you might come across products that are plastic and be paying for actual turquoise stones.

Dyed Turquoise
Another method of imitating turquoise gemstones is the process of dyeing other stones to look like turquoise. Howlite is a gemstone that once dyed looks very similar to turquoise. Travertine can also be sold as turquoise on the market but if you don't know the difference you could be paying once again more for it than it is worth.

How To Buy Turquoise
When purchasing turquoise jewelry, be sure to ask questions about the stones and whether they have been treated. Get verification from the seller that what you are purchasing is authentic. Lastly, what the return policy is and the time frame. Your best bet is to take it to a few different jewelers or gemologists so they can determine the authenticity of your item.

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How To Care For Pearl Jewelry

Pearls have been used in jewelry and adorned by many for thousands of years but the knowledge of caring for them remains unknown to many until it is too late. In order to have a sense of necessity on the importance of caring for your pearls, you must first understand how pearls are created and what gives them their desirability. This can be easily understood without taking a biology course and the important facts are listed here:

- Pearls are created inside of oysters and other types of mollusks.

- The Nacre of a pearl, what gives a pearl it's shine and beauty, is actually a part of the oyster shell's inner lining.

- When a foreign object enters the oyster, the mantle (organ that creates the shell) coats this foreign object with nacre to protect itself.

- The result of this process is a single pearl.

Caring For Your Pearl Jewelry

These are just a few simple steps you can take to help maintain the beauty of your pearls. If care isn't taken to protect their delicate structure, you may end up with a dull looking bead instead of the elegant pearl you originally had.

- Apply lotion, makeup, perfume and any other products with chemicals prior to wearing your pearl jewelry. Chemicals will harm pearls and may change their color and over all appearance.

- The safest way to clean pearls is with a soft microfiber cloth and warm water. You can use a mild soap if necessary.

- Store your pearl jewelry separately from other jewelry items since stones and metals can scratch the pearls causing irreparable damage.

TGXC is a place where you can find luxury jewelry at great prices. Shop for yourself or find gifts with us and get awesome discounts!

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~ Love & Pearls ~

View the full Collection at The Gift X Change

The Gift X Change - Facebook Jewelry Auction

• Saturday, April 6, 2013
• Starts 9:00 AM EST

  Name Your Price! Join us on Saturday, April 6, 2013 for a Facebook jewelry auction. This is an all day event where items are open to bidding from anyone. Go through our photo albums and Like your favorite items. They might be included at the auction for a fraction of the price. There will be a starting bid then highest bidder takes the item at the end of the day 11:59 PM. To register in advance, Like our Page and message/comment with your email address. If you would like to Buy any items prior to the auction, enter "Buy" in the comments section of the pictured item with your email address or send us a message. If you have any questions on specific items, try to ask them in advance but I will be available at specific times of the day as well. Some items are limited in quantities or one of a kind so get it before it's gone! ~XOXO

~ Love & Pearls ~

View the full Collection at The Gift X Change