Turquoise is the heart of western jewelry — but not all turquoise is created equal. Here’s what the terms mean, how to spot quality, and how to wear and care for it.
Natural, stabilized, and imitation
- Natural turquoise: mined and cut with no treatment. Rare, prized, and priced accordingly — colors and matrix (the veining) vary stone to stone.
- Stabilized turquoise: real turquoise hardened with resin so softer stones can be worn daily. Genuine, more durable, more affordable — most wearable western turquoise is stabilized, and that’s a good thing.
- Imitation / faux: dyed howlite, magnesite, or resin made to look like turquoise. Great for trend pieces at a low price — just know what you’re buying.
How to spot quality
Real turquoise feels cool to the touch and slightly heavy, with natural variation in color and matrix — no two stones are identical. Perfectly uniform color, a plasticky feel, or a visible seam often signals imitation. Reputable sellers tell you whether a stone is natural, stabilized, or faux — and we do.
Styling turquoise
Turquoise pairs with everything western. Anchor an outfit with a turquoise necklace or squash blossom, then echo it with turquoise earrings, a cuff bracelet, or a statement ring. For a polished look, keep metals consistent — turquoise loves sterling silver. Explore the full women’s jewelry collection.
Caring for turquoise
Turquoise is porous, so keep it away from perfume, lotion, and water. Put jewelry on last when getting ready, take it off first, and wipe it with a soft dry cloth. Store pieces separately so they don’t scratch.