Posted 8 years ago
johi
(1 item)
I'd be grateful for any information about the stone used in this necklace. I bought it as turquoise, but would be interested to know if it is genuine turquoise or a turquoise imitation, or perhaps variscite? The silver is marked 925 and there is a silver hallmark on the clasp although too small for me to read properly. The stones are set with lots of glue and one of the stones has fallen out already so I've attached closer shots of that.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give.
More likely that it's dyed Howlite.
A video from Turquoise Skies explaining the differences:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND2nr3OHJmA
Often, it's difficult to tell what's real and what's imitation.
Thanks for the link Efesgirl. I had read about howlite but not seen that video before. I kind of assumed it wasn't genuine when I bought it so I won't be disappointed if it is howlite but it would be nice to know. Thanks for replying, Jo
No matter what the stones turn out to be, it's still a beautiful necklace.
Here is another video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUdRIt_YMhk
Thanks again Efesgirl. ; )
I read that acetone can be used to test for dyed howlite so have been rubbing the loose stone with a cotton bud soaked in nail polish remover - there is no sign of any colour coming off. The stone also seems to be quite hard - the point of some scissors will just about make a mark.
I'm not sure if the dye test rules out howlite or if some dyed howlite will not respond to the acetone? Anyway, I'd still be grateful for any more thoughts as to what it could be.
Natural turquoise in that size /amount would be very expensive and probably not mass produced. The way the necklace is put together indicates modern imports, so my answer based on those two factors would be - not natural turquoise. I bet it looks great on, though - really makes a statement.
Thanks everyone for your comments. It is not really the type of jewellery I would normally wear but it caught my eye and I think its a really fun piece!
Valentino97, I would love to see the white howlite bracelet.