Turquoise is one of the most beloved and historically significant gemstones, prized for its distinctive blue-green color. However, turquoise is also one of the most delicate and porous gemstones, requiring extremely careful handling and specialized care. This comprehensive guide provides expert-approved methods for safely cleaning, storing, and maintaining your turquoise jewelry to preserve its beauty for generations.
Drawing on recommendations from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and Deeve's five-generation expertise in fine jewelry, this guide offers science-based care instructions specifically tailored for turquoise.
Understanding Turquoise Characteristics
What Makes Turquoise Unique and Delicate
Turquoise possesses distinct characteristics that require exceptional care:
- Hardness: 5-6 on the Mohs scale (relatively soft and easily scratched)
- Porosity: Highly porous structure that absorbs oils, chemicals, and liquids
- Composition: Hydrated copper aluminum phosphate that can dehydrate and crack
- Treatments: Often stabilized with resins or wax to improve durability and color
- Sensitivity: Extremely vulnerable to chemicals, heat, oils, and cosmetics
- Color change: Can darken, discolor, or turn green from exposure to oils and chemicals
Since turquoise is typically set in 14K or 18K gold settings (or sterling silver), it's important to care for both the gemstone and the metal. Learn more in our Complete Guide to Caring for Fine Jewelry.
Daily Care and Wear Practices
The "Last On, First Off" Rule
Always put turquoise jewelry on last and take it off first:
- Apply all makeup, perfume, hairspray, and lotions before putting on turquoise
- Remove turquoise immediately upon returning home
- Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after each wearing
- Never apply cosmetics, perfumes, or lotions while wearing turquoise
When to Remove Turquoise Jewelry
Always remove turquoise before:
- Swimming (chlorine and saltwater will damage turquoise)
- Showering or bathing (water and soap can be absorbed)
- Exercising (perspiration contains oils and acids)
- Applying any cosmetics, perfumes, lotions, or hair products
- Cooking (heat, oils, and food acids)
- Cleaning with any household products
- Washing hands (even mild soap can affect turquoise)
- Sleeping
- Any activity involving water, chemicals, or oils
Avoid Skin Contact with Oils
Natural skin oils can darken and discolor turquoise over time:
- Minimize direct skin contact when possible
- Wipe turquoise after each wearing to remove oils
- Consider wearing turquoise on special occasions rather than daily
- Be aware that body chemistry affects turquoise differently for each person
Cleaning Your Turquoise Jewelry
Gentle Dry Cleaning Method (Preferred)
What You'll Need:
- Soft, dry, lint-free cloth (microfiber or jewelry polishing cloth)
Cleaning Process:
- Gently wipe the turquoise with a soft, dry cloth
- Use light pressure to remove surface dust and oils
- Avoid rubbing vigorously
- This should be done after each wearing
Minimal Moisture Cleaning (Only When Necessary)
What You'll Need:
- Soft cloth
- Distilled water (room temperature)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Dampen cloth slightly: Use distilled water only, wrung out thoroughly
- Quick wipe: Gently wipe the turquoise surface
- Dry immediately: Use a dry section of cloth to remove all moisture
- Air dry completely: Allow to air dry for at least 30 minutes before storing
- Never soak: Do not submerge turquoise in water under any circumstances
Cleaning Frequency
- After each wearing: Wipe with soft, dry cloth
- Moisture cleaning: Only when visibly dirty, maximum once per month
- Professional cleaning: Consult a jeweler experienced with turquoise if deep cleaning is needed
What to ABSOLUTELY NEVER Use on Turquoise
Extremely Harmful Methods and Substances
Never use:
- Ultrasonic cleaners: Will damage or destroy turquoise
- Steam cleaners: Heat and moisture will crack and discolor turquoise
- Any soap or detergent: Even mild soap can be absorbed and cause discoloration
- Jewelry cleaning solutions: Far too harsh for turquoise
- Water immersion: Never soak turquoise in water
- Hot water: Can cause cracking and color change
- Chemicals: Ammonia, bleach, acids, alcohol, or any cleaning products
- Abrasives: Toothpaste, baking soda, or rough cloths
- Oils: Mineral oil, baby oil, or any oils (despite old myths)
- Polishing compounds: Too abrasive for soft turquoise
Proper Storage for Turquoise
Storage Best Practices
Essential storage guidelines:
- Individual storage: Store each turquoise piece separately in soft cloth pouches
- Avoid contact: Keep away from all other jewelry to prevent scratching
- Fabric-lined boxes: Use soft, fabric-lined jewelry boxes
- No plastic bags: Plastic can trap moisture and emit chemicals
- Stable environment: Store in cool, dry place with consistent temperature
- Away from chemicals: Store far from perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning products
Environmental Considerations
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Heat can cause cracking and color change
- Moderate humidity: Too dry can cause cracking; too humid can cause other issues
- No direct sunlight: UV exposure can fade turquoise color over time
- Consistent conditions: Avoid temperature and humidity fluctuations
Understanding Turquoise Treatments
Stabilized vs. Natural Turquoise
Stabilized turquoise:
- Treated with clear resins to improve durability and color stability
- More resistant to oils and chemicals than natural turquoise
- Still requires gentle care but slightly more durable
- Most commercial turquoise jewelry uses stabilized stones
Natural (untreated) turquoise:
- Extremely porous and vulnerable
- Requires even more careful handling
- More likely to change color from oils and chemicals
- Highly valued but needs exceptional care
Wax-Treated Turquoise
- Some turquoise is treated with wax or paraffin
- Wax can melt or wear off with heat or friction
- Requires extra protection from heat sources
- May need professional re-waxing over time
Professional Care and Maintenance
When to Seek Professional Help
Consult a jeweler experienced with turquoise:
- If turquoise appears dull or discolored
- For setting inspection and prong tightening
- If you notice cracks or damage
- For professional assessment of treatment type
- Before attempting any cleaning beyond dry wiping
Professional Services
- Setting security inspection
- Gentle professional cleaning if needed
- Re-waxing or re-stabilization (if applicable)
- Damage assessment and repair recommendations
Special Considerations for Turquoise Settings
Protective Settings
Turquoise benefits from protective setting styles:
- Bezel settings: Offer maximum protection for soft turquoise
- Low-profile settings: Reduce risk of impact damage
- Secure settings: Prevent loss of stones
Understanding what makes gold jewelry heirloom quality includes choosing appropriate settings for delicate gemstones like turquoise.
Why Turquoise Changes Color
Common Causes of Color Change
Turquoise can darken, turn green, or change color due to:
- Skin oils: Natural body oils are absorbed and cause darkening
- Cosmetics: Lotions, perfumes, and makeup chemicals
- Perspiration: Sweat contains oils and acids
- Sunlight: UV exposure can fade color over time
- Chemicals: Household cleaners, chlorine, etc.
- Dehydration: Loss of water content can affect color
Important: Color changes in turquoise are often permanent and cannot be reversed.
Turquoise Rings: Extra Precautions
Why Turquoise Rings Need Exceptional Care
Rings experience the most exposure and wear:
- Consider turquoise rings for special occasions only
- Remove before any hand washing or water exposure
- Choose bezel settings for maximum protection
- Be extremely cautious during all daily activities
- Consider turquoise pendants or earrings for less vulnerable wear
Travel Care for Turquoise
When traveling with turquoise jewelry:
- Use a padded jewelry travel case with individual soft pouches
- Wrap each piece in soft cloth for extra protection
- Carry in your carry-on luggage (never checked bags)
- Avoid wearing during travel activities
- Keep away from all cosmetics and toiletries in luggage
- Consider leaving turquoise at home for beach or pool vacations
Insurance and Documentation
Protect your turquoise investment:
- Obtain professional appraisals from qualified gemologists
- Document whether turquoise is natural, stabilized, or wax-treated
- Photograph pieces from multiple angles
- Keep all certificates and purchase receipts
- Consider specialized jewelry insurance
- Update appraisals every 2-3 years
Signs Your Turquoise Needs Professional Attention
Watch for these warning signs:
- Color changes or darkening
- Visible cracks or crazing
- Dull or chalky appearance
- Loose settings or damaged prongs
- White spots or discoloration
- Any unusual changes in appearance
Comparing Turquoise Care to Other Gemstones
Turquoise requires the most delicate care of common gemstones:
- More delicate than: Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and even emeralds
- Similar care to: Pearls (both are porous and sensitive)
- More vulnerable to: Chemicals, oils, water, and heat than almost any other gemstone
Long-Term Preservation
For turquoise you want to preserve as heirlooms:
- Follow all care guidelines without exception
- Minimize wearing to special occasions
- Store properly in stable environment
- Keep detailed documentation of treatment type
- Accept that some color change may occur naturally over time
- Consider professional conservation for antique pieces
Related Care Guides
Explore our other specialized jewelry care guides:
- Complete Guide to Caring for Gold and Diamond Jewelry
- How to Clean and Care for Pearls
- How to Clean and Care for Emeralds
Learn More About Fine Jewelry
Deepen your understanding of jewelry materials and craftsmanship:
- Gold Education Hub - Learn about the gold settings that hold your turquoise
- Diamond Education Hub - Explore our diamond jewelry care resources
- Why Jewelry Repairability Matters
Conclusion
Turquoise is a precious and delicate gemstone that demands exceptional care and attention. Its porous nature and sensitivity to chemicals, oils, and water make it one of the most vulnerable gemstones in fine jewelry. However, with proper care—dry cleaning after each wear, protective storage, minimal exposure to moisture and chemicals, and regular professional inspection—your turquoise jewelry can maintain its captivating beauty for generations.
At Deeve, we're committed to helping you preserve your precious turquoise jewelry. Our expert jewelers understand the unique requirements of turquoise and provide specialized care services to ensure your pieces receive the gentle attention they deserve.
Remember: When it comes to turquoise, less is more. Minimal handling, gentle dry cleaning, and protective storage are the keys to long-term preservation. When in doubt, always consult a professional jeweler experienced with turquoise care.