Sleeping beauty turquoise earrings|Genuine pearl stud earrings

We search the world over for the best turquoises.

Turquoise is found in or near copper deposits and it depends on the presence of copper ions for its formation. The blue color is enhanced when lots of copper is present. The green color of some turquoise is caused by iron, aluminum and chromium. When zinc is present the deposits are yellowish or yellow-green in color, a rare combination that so far has been found in only a few areas.

Most of the turquoise in this site comes from the Sleeping Beauty mine, located near Globe, Arizona. This mine produces a light blue color stone of solid color with no matrix. This mine is one of the larges in North America and its turquoise is one of the most favorite among collectors.

Turquoise Care:

The most common dangers to turquoise are scratches, sharp blows, hot water, and household chemicals.

Also, perfumes and other cosmetics will attack the finish and may alter the color of turquoise gems, as will skin oils. Therefore, cosmetics, including sunscreen and hairspray, should be applied before putting on turquoise jewelry.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may also discolor or dehydrate turquoise. Turquoise jewelry should not be worn to a beach.

After use, turquoise should be gently cleaned with a soft cloth to avoid a build up of residue, and should be stored in its own box to avoid scratching by harder gems.

The pores of the stone will easily absorb body oils or other oils causing the stone to yellow over time. If a turquoise jewelry piece was worn against the skin clean it in water with a squirt of dishwashing detergent for a minute then rinse and dry with a soft cloth.

Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner on turquoises and avoid chlorine.

Also realize that all turquoise is susceptible to aging and may turn a greenish or possibly darker with age.

Pearl Care:

Clean with soft cloth.

After several uses you can wipe with olive oil to protect the pearls from becoming brittle over the years.

Store separately from other jewelry. Pearls can become damaged if stored with other jewelry.

Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner on pearls and avoid chlorine.

Salt water baths are acceptable for pearls but proof that these baths actually help maintain pearl luster has not been confirmed.

Cosmetics, including sunscreen and hairspray, should be applied before putting on pearl jewelry.

How pearls are rated:

There is no internationally recognized standard for grading pearls, ratings are subjective. Akoyas, salt water pearls and freshwaters are graded by the A–AAA system by most retailers. The A–AAA grading system:

AAA	A gem-quality pearl, virtually flawless. The surface has a very high, mirror-like luster with at least 95% of the surface free from defects. It is perfectly round and for Akoyas, a nacre depth of at least .75mm.
AA	The surface has a very high luster with at least 75% of the surface free from defects. For Akoyas, a nacre depth of at least .5mm.
A	The lowest grade pearl, which has a low luster, chalky appearance and more than 25% of the surface showing defects. This type can be mounted to hide the defects. For Akoyas, a thin nacre of .25mm or less.