Turquoise is a captivating gemstone, and its trademark bluish-green hues echo some of Earth's most beautiful bodies of water. This material can either be crushed or meticulously cut and polished to showcase its natural beauty. Personally, I love using crushed turquoise to represent the rushing waters of the Brandywine River in many of my Landscapes designs. Especially when set in silver, turquoise evokes a timeless elegance and a stunning aesthetic that make it the perfect addition to any wearer's jewelry collection.

Turquoise is a mineral composed of copper and aluminum. It is often found in veins and nodules, and its unique composition gives it a distinct blue-green appearance that sets it apart from other gemstones. The presence of copper is responsible for the striking colors that are characteristic of turquoise.

Turquoise's mesmerizing range of blue-green hues are often arranged in intricate patterns, adding depth and character to the stone's appearance. Its color can range from sky blue to robin's egg blue, and from vibrant teal to deep green. Turquoise has a hallmark opaque texture with a glassy luster, further enhancing its visual appeal.

 As one of the oldest known gemstones, turquoise has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It has been prized by various civilizations, from ancient Egyptians to Native American tribes, who revered it for its beauty and believed it possessed protective and healing properties.

While I love the look of turquoise in its natural form, there is something breathtaking about the appearance of crushed turquoise. Its shimmering hues echoes the beautiful pallet of nature's wide-ranging greens and blues, while its free-form texture emulates rushing waters and rocky river beds. As I experimented with this stone, I found that blending it with the smooth, silky consistency of sand adds a unique texture; this sense of earthiness mirrors the grains of sand found on the banks of the Brandywine. The interplay between the vibrant crushed turquoise and the grounding presence of sand creates a harmonious balance, evoking the wonders of nature that inspire me to create. Through my turquoise designs, I aim to convey the breathtaking colors and textures that exist in the natural world, allowing anyone who wears my jewelry to carry a piece of its beauty with them wherever they go.

In my Landscapes collection, the vibrant hues of turquoise beautifully mimic the shimmering, reflective qualities of the Brandywine River. By incorporating the soft, earthy tones of sand, I can convey the tranquil riverbanks and surrounding landscapes, adding a sense of depth and authenticity to my designs.

The cheerful tones of turquoise serve as the perfect accent for my music-inspired Notes of Nature collection. Just as melodious birdsong brings joy and uplifts the spirit, the vibrant blues and greens of turquoise add a playful, lively touch to my designs. Turquoise harmonizes with the essence of nature's melodies and captures the whimsical spirit of the collection.

The vibrant blues of turquoise and the neutral tones of sand beautifully merge to create a stunning illusion of feathers on our iconic Sand Birdie design, meant to represent a combination of many of my favorite song birds. The rich hues are reminiscent of jays, finches, and bluebirds, while the sandy hues echo the staid colors of sparrows, buntings, and wrens.

At Chadds Ford, all of our turquoise is suspended in resin to capture and enhance the vibrant beauty of this gemstone. To keep your turquoise jewelry safe from damage and looking its best, we recommend using the following tips and tricks for storage, cleaning, and care:

I always recommend that customers store turquoise jewelry in a cool, dry area like a jewelry box, a jewelry armoir, or a drawer. To keep your jewelry looking as beautiful as the day you received it, avoid exposing it to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this can cause the resin that encases the turquoise to become discolored or warped. Additionally, try to store each piece of turquoise jewelry in a separate compartment or a soft pouch for protection; this will also help to cut down on tarnish for pieces that are finished in silver. 

Cleaning our resin-based turquoise jewelry is actually quite simple! To begin, prepare a mild soapy solution using lukewarm water and a gentle, non-abrasive soap. Dip a soft cloth or a soft-bristle toothbrush into the soapy water, ensuring it is not too wet, and gently scrub the surface of the jewelry. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure or immerse the jewelry in water for an extended period. After cleaning, rinse the jewelry with clean water and pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, as they can damage your jewelry! Regular, gentle cleaning will help maintain the beauty of your keepsakes without compromising their integrity.

Always be sure to remove any jewelry before engaging in rigorous exercise or chores that may subject it to impact or chemicals. Sweating, exposure to harsh detergents, or accidental knocks can potentially harm the resin that suspends the turquoise or the metal base of your jewelry. Additionally, it's best to put your jewelry on last when getting ready, as this will help you to avoid applying cosmetics, lotions, or perfumes on or around your jewelry. Taking these precautions will help preserve the longevity and beauty of your turquoise jewelry!

From landscapes to musical notes, the versatile beauty of turquoise lends itself seamlessly to various themes and inspirations. Its unique composition, coupled with its associations with positive energy and healing properties, adds depth and meaning to so many of my nature-inspired creations. If you are eager to find a memorable, eye-catching keepsake that embraces the beauty of nature, be sure to browse our collection of turquoise jewelry today!