Turquoise Care for Heirloom Jewelry

If we haven't met, hi — I’m Kait, a silversmith with nearly a decade of experience working with turquoise. Since much of my work includes American-mined turquoise, I get a lot of questions about how to care for it. Turquoise is beautiful and meaningful, but it’s also a relatively delicate stone. With the right care you can keep your pieces looking great for decades, and even pass them down as family heirlooms. Here’s what to know to keep your turquoise bright and blue for years to come.

What turquoise is: composition in plain terms

Chemically, turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, which means that water molecules are built into its crystal structure. That hydration, combined with the way turquoise forms, often leaves the stone somewhat porous and prone to absorbing liquids, oils, or dyes. You’ll also see “matrix” running through many stones: those darker veins are fragments of the host rock, and they influence both the look and the toughness of the piece. All of this means that turquoise sits on a spectrum from fairly fragile to reasonably stable — denser, tightly formed specimens will stand up better to everyday wear, while softer, more porous material is more likely to stain, darken, or chip. Treatments like resin stabilization can greatly improve durability and resistance to water, while dyed or reconstituted materials behave differently, so always ask about a stone’s origin and any treatments before you buy.

Where turquoise forms & why environment matters

Turquoise forms in arid, copper-rich landscapes where mineral-laden groundwater slowly reacts with surrounding rocks, depositing the blue-green phosphate over long periods of time. That chemistry and climate explain why historic and famous turquoise mines cluster in places like the American Southwest, Iran, and parts of Central Asia — regions with the right mix of copper, host rock, and dry conditions. The same dry, mineral-rich environment that gives turquoise its signature color also contributes to its natural porosity: the stone can be relatively open-textured and therefore more sensitive to moisture, oils, and household chemicals. In short, the geology that makes turquoise beautiful also makes it a gem that benefits from a little extra care.

Why you should NEVER get your turquoise wet

• Absorption: Natural, untreated turquoise can absorb water, oils, lotions, perfumes, and other liquids. Absorbed substances can darken, stain, or change the color and translucency over time.
• Surface changes: Repeated wetting and drying may create a permanent surface haze or alter surface luster on fragile material.
• Leaching and reactions: Water combined with soaps, chlorine, acidic sweat, or cleaning agents can react with the copper in the stone or with surface treatments, causing discoloration.
• Structural risk: In very porous specimens, prolonged exposure to liquids can weaken the stone subtly, making it more prone to cracking under stress.

Note: stabilized or treated turquoise (a common practice) is far less vulnerable to water. Sellers should disclose treatments — more on that below.

Practical care tips — everyday and long-term

1. Avoid soaking or submerging: Don’t wear turquoise jewelry in the shower, pool, hot tub, or while washing dishes. Even quick dips can introduce chlorinated or soapy water that alters color or finish.
2. Remove before applying products: Put jewelry on after lotion, perfume, sunscreen, or hair products; these substances can stain or penetrate porous stones.
3. Clean gently: Wipe stones with a soft, dry cloth. If a bit of grime needs removal, use a barely damp cloth with plain water and dry immediately. Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, or commercial jewelry cleaners unless the seller explicitly states the piece is safe for them.
4. Avoid chemicals and heat: Household cleaners, bleach, acid (vinegar), and extreme heat can permanently damage or discolor turquoise.
5. Know the treatments: Many turquoise stones are stabilized (resin treatments), dyed, or reconstituted. Stabilized stones resist water and staining better; dyed or reconstituted materials can be more vulnerable. Always ask your maker/seller about treatments and care instructions specific to that piece.
6. Proper storage: Store turquoise separately in a soft pouch or lined box to avoid scratches. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity swings. A silica packet can help control moisture in a storage box.
7. Periodic maintenance: Routinely check settings and mounts for loose stones. Have a trusted jeweler tighten prongs or settings before a stone is lost or damaged.
8. When things go wrong: If a stone cracks, darkens, or shows unusual staining, stop wearing it and consult a reputable jeweler or the original maker. Sometimes cleaning, stabilization, or re-mounting can restore and preserve the piece.

Passing turquoise down through generations

My personal recommendation for heirlooms: keep a written care note to be passed down with them someday. Jot down where the stone was sourced, whether it’s natural, stabilized, dyed, or reconstituted, and any specific care instructions the maker recommends so future owners aren’t left guessing. Store heirloom turquoise separately in a soft pouch or lined box to avoid surface scratches, and for high‑value items, think about getting a professional appraisal and insurance so the piece is protected beyond careful handling. Finally, consider periodic professional cleaning and inspection. A jeweler can tighten settings, address small chips, or re‑stabilize a stone before a minor issue becomes irreversible, helping your turquoise to stay beautiful for generations.

Quick checklist to ask sellers

• Is this turquoise natural, stabilized, dyed, or reconstituted?
• Where is the turquoise sourced from (what mine/region/seller)?
• Are there special care instructions for this piece?
  

Final thoughts

Turquoise carries color, history, and meaning — but it’s also sensitive. Treating it like the living, hydrated gem it is (not like quartz or diamond) will keep it vivid and wearable for generations. When in doubt, ask the maker. Honest sellers will happily tell you about treatments, origins, and the best ways to care for your piece.

Feel free to reach out to me with specific questions, and for more wear & care tips for your sterling silver and turquoise jewelry, click here.