Is Turquoise Jewelry More Expensive than Diamond?

Jewelry was an artwork that was practiced extensively by our ancestors to be worn in special occasions, festivals and a symbol of prosperity.

Gemstones like opal, turquoise, corals, sea-shells, bones and wood, all of them find a special place in pre-Columbian traditions. The artistry of jewel making and carving had to be mastered before one had to take the profession of goldsmithy. The secrets of artwork were retained with families and generations.

The magnificent stone turquoise is an opaque mineral. If you are interested in knowing its chemical composition – it will suffice to know that it occurs in nature as a chemical compound of hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum. The stunning luster ranged from azure colour of sky or serene blue waters of river and yellowish green tinge that is waxy. The mineral in its natural condition is found in parched climates. Other than Southwest America, it is also found in Asian regions of Persia, northwest of China and Egypt.

The turquoise word is coined from an ancient French word for Turkish traders who first brought the precious stone to European countries. The gracious stone has seen its prime days with Aztec empires and the famous Egyptian pharaohs like Tutankhamen, the pharaoh whose golden funeral mask was embellished with this treasured stone.  

You will be surprised to know that not all turquoise mined has the characteristics of being cast in jewelry. Those that are of gem quality can be more expensive than diamonds. Less than 5 percent of turquoise stones coming out of mines are fit for setting in ornaments. Most of the stones are coming out of China; they might be filled with epoxy for stabilization and treated for sheen and luster.

The turquoise that finds itself in the market is recovered as a by-product from copper mines. Once a thriving and rewarding industry, it is becoming difficult to find gem quality turquoise for the reason that many American Southwest mines are emptied of the gemstone and closed due to heavy mining and Government restrictions.