Turquoise
An opaque blue to green stone, soft and porous. Called firoza in India and worn for Jupiter in astrology.
Turquoise is around 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale and absorbs oils and cosmetics readily, which is why old pieces often turn green.
Most commercial turquoise is stabilised with resin to harden it, and a good deal of inexpensive material is dyed howlite rather than turquoise at all.
Its blue sits beautifully against white and peach pearls, which is why it appears so often as a spacer bead.
When you are buying
Treat it like a pearl: no perfume, no ultrasonic cleaning, and store it away from heat. Ask whether it is stabilised, which is normal and worth knowing.
Turquoise and pearl pieces
16 pieces in the collection right now, from ₹3,750.
Trendy Pearl Necklace in Pearls and Rose Quartz
The Turquoise Halo Pearl Drops
Subtle 22Inch White Oval Pearls Taar Necklace With 925 Turquoise Pendant
SaleRegal White Pearl Necklace With A Turquoise Oval Thewa Pendant
Dainty Peach Pearls With Purple Garnet Beads Necklace
Radiant 19 Inches White Pearls Necklace With SP Purple Garnet Beads
Luxurious 23 Inches White Pearls With Purple Garnet Beads Necklace
Glistening White Pearls Necklace With Turquoise Beads
Semi-Precious
A commercial label for every gemstone outside diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald. Not a measure of quality.
Coral
A red to orange organic gem formed from marine coral skeleton. Paired with pearls in traditional Indian sets, and worn as moonga in astrology.
Gemstone
Any mineral or organic material cut for jewellery. Traditionally split into precious (diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald) and semi-precious.
Pearl Care
Pearls are soft and porous. They need to go on last, come off first, and be stored apart from everything else.