Turquoise Sterling
The Basics Of Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise has been known to man for many centuries now, and over time, it has grown from being a gem reserved for royalty, to one that anyone can own today. In fact, turquoise is thought by many to be the most popular opaque gemstone in the world of jewelry today. When it was first discovered, turquoise was quite expensive and cost more than other gems such as rubies and sapphires. That trend has changed today, and the tremendous popularity of turquoise jewelry notwithstanding, it is quite affordable today and less expensive than rubies. The one bright side of this lower cost is that any jewelry buff today can own silver turquoise pendants, bracelets and other turquoise jewelry.
History of Turquoise
Depending on whether you are a fan of history or geology, the history of turquoise starts a few thousand years ago, or several million years ago. From a geological perspective, the formation of turquoise started nearly forty million years ago. Water that percolated through rocks that were rich in copper and aluminum, dissolved these salts and deposited them in cavities within the parent bedrock. With time, and under conditions of high heat and pressure, the salts hardened and took the form of turquoise that we know today. From a historical perspective, the history of turquoise started about six thousand years ago when Egyptians found this blue stone in the Sinai. Because of its blue color, turquoise came to symbolize wealth and high status in society, and therefore, only people of high status were allowed to own it. The rules of ownership changed after turquoise was discovered in ancient Persia. Turkey was an important center in the turquoise trade and helped introduce this beautiful gemstone to European civilizations.
Turquoise in North America
It is believed that Native American tribes first found this stone nearly one thousand years ago. The first mining operations were carried out in the town of Cerritos near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Historical records show that six hundred years ago, tribes from this part of the Southwest were trading turquoise with other tribes in Mexico, several hundred miles away. The Natives were quite taken by the blue color of the stone, and since this color reminded them of the clear blue Southwestern skies, they immediately associated it with gods and the heavens and incorporated it into their religious beliefs and culture. That special bond with this stone continues today. The various tribes of the Southwest – Navajo, Zuni and Hopi – each incorporate their particular beliefs in their respective jewelry designs.
Turquoise in Jewelry Today
While the spiritual and metaphysical benefits of turquoise have attracted many, others simply love the bright blue color of this stone. In most jewelry applications today, turquoise is used as the sole gem, usually set in sterling silver or on rare occasions, in white gold. However, it is not unusual to see turquoise paired with other materials such as pearls or coral. Cultured pearl necklaces or coral bracelets with turquoise accents add a more contemporary touch to an otherwise classic beauty.
About the Author
In addition to gemstones, Mr. Arnolds interests extend to the field of consumer electronics where he has authored articles on digital music players, hi-def televisions, and laptop computers.
Jay King Multicolor Turquoise Sterling Silver 18 Necklace
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SET OF VINTAGE “HOWLING WOLF” EARRINGS STERLING WITH TURQUOISE – CORAL – ONYX $15.95 |
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PURPLE TURQUOISE AND PINK MOP DOME RING IN 925 STERLING SILVER SZ 8 $79.95 |
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100% SOLID .925 STERLING SILVER PURPLE COPPER TURQUOISE GEMSTONE PENDANT 1 1/2″ $3.99 |
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Red Agate & Green C Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g130 $6.99 |
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Red Agate & Green C Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g130 $6.99 |
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Red Agate & Green C Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g130 $6.99 |
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Red Agate & Green C Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g130 $6.99 |
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Red Agate & Green C Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g130 $6.99 |
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Red Agate & Green C Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g130 $6.99 |
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Red Agate & Green C Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g130 $6.99 |
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Red Agate & Green C Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g130 $6.99 |
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Red Agate & Green C Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g130 $6.99 |
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Vintage Sterling Silver – Mexico Crushed Turquoise Symbol – Pendant XD060 $27.99 |
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Vintage Sterling Silver – Handmade Polished Turquoise – Pendant XD309 $13.99 |
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Green Copper Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g112 $6.99 |
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Green Copper Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g112 $6.99 |
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Green Copper Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g112 $6.99 |
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Green Copper Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g112 $6.99 |
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Green Copper Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g112 $6.99 |
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Green Copper Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g112 $6.99 |
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Green Copper Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g112 $6.99 |
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Green Copper Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g112 $6.99 |
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Green Copper Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g112 $6.99 |
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ROSS SIMONS CARVED TURQUOISE AND SAPPHIRE RING, STERLING SILVER, SIZE 6, NEW/BOX $99.00 |
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Sterling Silver Indo Drop Earrings with Turquoise Ball $20.31 |
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Hand made Sterling and Turquoise Squash blossom $2,225.00 |
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Vintage sterling bracelet w/turquoise stones cuff bracelet 26.6 grams $24.99 |
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Handcrafted Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Ring Size 9 $12.11 |
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PN209 Turquoise 925 Sterling Silver Retro Dolphin Pendant Fit For Necklace Chain $0.99 |
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HORSE PENDANT TURQUOISE MULTI COLOR INLAY .925 STERLING SILVER $88.00 |
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Vintage Sterling Silver – Turquoise Lovers Rings – Pendant XD378 $13.99 |
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VINTAGE STERLING SILVER TURQUOISE & ONYX BRACELET 37.9 GRAMS $34.99 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $7.49 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $7.65 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $7.80 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $7.96 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $8.11 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $8.27 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $8.43 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $8.58 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $8.74 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $8.90 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $9.05 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $9.21 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $9.37 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $9.52 |
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3mm Turquoise Leather & Sterling Silver Cord Necklace 14″ 16″ 18″ 20″ 22″ 24″ $9.68 |
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100% SOLID .925 STERLING SILVER PURPLE COPPER TURQUOISE GEMSTONE PENDANT 2″ $3.99 |
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NICE CROSS IN TURQUOISE / MULTI COLOR INLAY .925 STERLING SILVER $88.00 |
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Purple c Turquoise Sterling Silver Plated Ring SZ6.5 18 $0.99 |
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Yellow Turquoise Jasper Dangle Earrings w/ Swarovski Crystals on Sterling Silver $11.00 |
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Glistening Green Copper Turquoise .925 Sterling Silver Pendant 1.7″ $16.75 |
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Yellow Turquoise Jasper Dangle Earrings w/ Swarovski Crystals on Sterling Silver $11.00 |
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Native Navajo Sterling Silver Turquoise Womens Bracelet $219.00 |
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Vintage Sterling Silver – Ornate Die-Cut Triangular Turquoise – Pendant XD037 $18.99 |
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Huge Vintage Sterling Silver Turquoise Mixed Style Jewelry Lot Must See $290.00 |
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HANDSOME DOG IN TURQUOISE / MULTI COLOR INLAY .925 STERLING SILVER $68.00 |
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BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY IN TURQUOISE / MULTI COLOR INLAY .925 STERLING SILVER $150.00 |
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STERLING SILVER EAR RINGS AND RING TURQUOISE $4.99 |
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Beautiful Vintage Sterling Silver and Turquoise Pin $24.00 |
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Gorgeous Sterling silver necklace with turquoise beads $93.00 |
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7+GMS NATURAL TURQUOISE 925 STERLING SILVER RING SZ7 FS $31.99 |
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925 Solid Sterling Silver Chunky Turquoise Vintage Ladies Ring Band Size N $31.25 |
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100% SOLID .925 STERLING SILVER PURPLE COPPER TURQUOISE GEMSTONE PENDANT 1 1/2″ $3.99 |
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SILVER TURQUOISE RING STAMPED STERLING. Old Harvey tourist era size 8&1/2 $20.00 |
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925 Solid Sterling Silver Turquoise Vintage Cluster Ladies Ring Band Size O $31.25 |
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SIZE 9 Purple Copper Turquoise Sterling Silver Plated Vintage ST Ring g206 $0.99 |
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Purple c Turquoise Sterling Silver Plated Ring SZ9.5 17 $0.99 |
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925 Solid Sterling Silver Chunky Turquoise Vintage Big Ladies Ring Band Size S $31.25 |
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925 Sterling Silver Earrings with Blue Turquoise Peace Signs $3.18 |
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Onyx & Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g129 $5.99 |
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Onyx & Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g129 $5.99 |
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Onyx & Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g129 $5.99 |
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Onyx & Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g129 $5.99 |
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Onyx & Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g129 $5.99 |
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Onyx & Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g129 $5.99 |
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Onyx & Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g129 $5.99 |
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Onyx & Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g129 $5.99 |
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Onyx & Turquoise Gemstone Sterling Silver Plated Ring g129 $5.99 |
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925 Solid Sterling Silver Turquoise Vintage Cluster Ladies Ring Band Size Q $31.25 |
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New 925 Solid Sterling Silver Turquoise Vintage Cluster Ladies Ring Band Size M $31.25 |
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925 Solid Sterling Silver Turquoise Vintage Love Heart Ladies Ring Band Size O $31.25 |
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GREEN COPPER TURQUOISE GEMSTONE 100% SOLID .925 STERLING SILVER 1 7/8″ PENDANT $3.99 |
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^OUTSTANDING^ TURQUOISE Dangle Earrings Sterling .925 $9.99 |
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MON AMIE Sterling Leaves w/Dyed Turquoise Earrings $45.00 |
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New Girl’s Sterling Silver TURQUOISE HORSESHOE Earrings $7.99 |
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Navajo Handcrafted Sterling Silver Bear Claw Turquoise Post Earrings $13.00 |
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Vintage DESIGNER Sterling Silver Turquoise Toe Ring $29.00 |
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BARSE.925 Sterling Silver Turquoise Pendant $46.00 |
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Purple c Turquoise Sterling Silver Plated Ring SZ 8 g16 $0.99 |
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Old Pawn Zuni Inlay Sterling Ring Jasper Spiny Oyster Turquoise Mother of Pearl $95.00 |
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Vtg Sterling Turquoise Screw on EARRINGS $7.99 |
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Sterling Silver TURQUOISE Zuni Bear Fetish Dangle Earrings.. $7.00 |
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Estate Sterling Silver Native American Cross Pendant w/ Turquoise 12.5g IN:O246 $49.99 |
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Vintage Navajo Ed Kee SIGNED #8 Mine Turquoise Sterling Silver Ring Spiderweb $450.00 |
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RG128 Turquoise Gemstone Fashion Jewelry Retro 925 Sterling Silver Ring SZ8 $0.99 |
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VTG ArtDeco .925 Sterling Silver Leather Turquoise Coral Choker Necklace Pendant $29.99 |
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Hand Crafted Turquoise and Sterling Silver Necklase with matching earlings $15.93 |
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Hopi money clip Sterling Siver 24 Gms Turquoise Overlay bear Heartline Hallmark $47.96 |
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Navajo Morenci Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace Bench Bead Sterling Silver $1,375.00 |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Teardrop Enhancer $40 Turquoise teardrop enhancer in Tarnish free Sterling Silver. |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Ring $47.99 Sterling Silver Turquoise Ring crafted in 925 Sterling Silver Dimensions: Height: 15.00 mm Width: 10.00 mm. |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Earrings shepherd hook backs $34.95 Sterling Silver & Turquoise Earrings shepherd hook backs. |
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Sterling Silver W/Turquoise Rounded Corners Slider $40 Sterling Silver with Turquoise rounded corners slider. |
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Sterling Silver Pear Shaped Turquoise Earrings $107.62 Sterling Silver Pear Shaped Turquoise Earrings Southwestern style. Get noticed with these sterling silver turquoise hoop earrings. Specifications: .925 Sterling Silver, Genuine Turquoise, 44mm Length |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Heart Shape Stud Earrings $29.95 Sterling Silver 8x8mm Turquoise Heart Shape Stud Earrings. |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Drop Center Enhancer $50 Round tarnish free Sterling Silver enhancer with Turquoise center drop. |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Coral Ring $114.3 Sterling Silver Turquoise Coral Ring Sterling silver rings make being fashionable look easy. Stay ahead of the curve with this bold design. Specifications: Sterling Silver, Rhodium Plated, 8mm Turquoise Cabochon, 8mm Coral Cabochon, 14mm, Available in sizes 7 & 8 |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Cabochon Ring $197.8 Sterling Silver Turquoise Cabochon Ring Sterling silver rings make being fashionable look easy. Stay ahead of the curve with this bold design. Specifications: Sterling Silver, 15mm, Available in sizes 7 & 8 |
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Sterling Silver Natural Turquoise-Set Hoop Earrings $91.12 Sterling Silver Natural Turquoise-Set Hoop Earrings Southwestern style. Get noticed with these sterling silver turquoise hoop earrings. These post hoop earrings are set with round and square natural turquoise for a southwestern flair. Specifications: .925 Sterling Silver, Genuine Turquoise, 25 x 5mm |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Heart Ring $29.95 Sterling Silver Turquoise Heart Ring. The innovative design in silver makes our Sterling Silver Turquoise Heart Ring an instant hit. Perfect for the contemporary woman who appreciates elegance and who wants her gemstone ring to complement her own personal style. Order this today or browse our incredible selection of fashion gemstone rings. Ring Information Sterling Silver Polished Finish Sizes 5 – 9 Available Gemstone Information Heart Cut Turquoise Bezel Setting |
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Barse Turquoise Nugget Sterling Cap Earrings EXCLE242T (Women’s) – Genuine Turquoise $352 A genuine turquoise nugget is accented with a detailed sterling cap. Earring is approximately 1.75″ long, including wire. |
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Barse Roped Sterling Turquoise Pendant SP5398T (Women’s) – Genuine Turquoise $29.95 Roped sterling swirls on each side of a genuine turquoise teardrop. Small turquoise accents adorn each side and the textured bail. Pendant is approximately 1.5″ long, including bail. |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Square Drop Earrings $34.99 Sterling Silver Turquoise Square Drop Earrings crafted in 925 Sterling Silver Dimensions: Width: 7.50 mm Length: 24.00 mm. |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Round Drop Earrings $39.99 Sterling Silver Turquoise Round Drop Earrings crafted in 925 Sterling Silver Dimensions: Width: 8.20 mm Length: 21.00 mm. |
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Sterling silver pendant necklace, ‘Turquoise Intrigue’ (Indonesia) $227.95 Made Sriasih designs a captivating necklace featuring the shimmering elegance of sterling silver. The pendant welcomes the colorful intrigue of reconstituted turquoise. .925 Sterling silver. |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Gem Shanked Ring – designed by Soixante Neuf $216 Soixante Neuf Sterling Silver Turquoise Gem Shanked Ring |
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Charlene K Green Turquoise Gemstone Cuff – Sterling $165.6 Charlene K-Green Turquoise Gemstone Pendant |
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Charlene K Blue Turquoise Gemstone Cuff – Sterling $165.6 Charlene K-Blue Turquoise Gemstone Pendant |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Coral Ring – Size 7 $114.3 Sterling Silver Turquoise Coral Ring – Size 7 Sterling silver rings make being fashionable look easy. Stay ahead of the curve with this bold design. Specifications: Sterling Silver, Rhodium Plated, 8mm Turquoise Cabochon, 8mm Coral Cabochon, 14mm, Size 7 |
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Sterling Silver Turquoise Coral Ring – Size 8 $114.3 Sterling Silver Turquoise Coral Ring – Size 8 Sterling silver rings make being fashionable look easy. Stay ahead of the curve with this bold design. Specifications: Sterling Silver, Rhodium Plated, 8mm Turquoise Cabochon, 8mm Coral Cabochon, 14mm, Size 8 |
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Sterling Silver & Turquoise Dream Catcher Earrings $10.99 Earrings measure 1 3/4″ long.. Sterling silver & turquoise dream catcher earrings. Traditional Native American design. Sterling silver dream catcher & feather with turquoise bead accents. French hook styling. Native American handmade jewelry, each piece is unique. Capture the elegant styling of the Southwest with a pair of authentic turquoise dream catcher earrings – at a bargain price! Womens Earrings are sterling silver with a touch of defining turquoise. |