All About Turquoise Beads: A Deep Dive into Genuine Varieties and Shapes
Hey there, turquoise beads lover! Ready to explore the mesmerizing world of turquoise beads? Brace yourself for a journey filled with beauty, authenticity, diversity, and incredible craftsmanship. Let’s uncover the vast array of genuine turquoise types and discover the endless variety of shapes and forms they come in – from Rondelles to chips to nuggets, and more.
Genuine Turquoise Varieties
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Beads
Nestled within Arizona's Sleeping Beauty Mine, these beads boast a distinctive and gorgeous sky-blue hue with minimal matrix. Admired for their uniformity and clarity, Sleeping Beauty Turquoise beads are prized possessions in the world of jewelry making.
Sourced from the Kingman Mine in Arizona, these beads show a remarkable range of colors, from vibrant blues to deep greens, often with intricate matrix patterns so unique, giving more character to each bead. Kingman Turquoise beads captivate with their versatility and natural beauty.
White Buffalo earns its name from its pristine white purity, evoking the essence of the legendary white buffalo. Held in high esteem by Native Americans, this stone is as rare as it is captivating. Unearthed solely from a solitary mine worldwide, White Buffalo Dolomite is loved because of its unparalleled beauty. Often mistaken for turquoise, this gem follows a unique mineralization process, distinguishing its true nature. Frequently discovered alongside turquoise, the similarities perpetuate the misconception surrounding its identity.
Originating from Nevada's Lone Mountain mine, these beads showcase mesmerizing blue-green tones and intricate matrix patterns. Each bead carries the essence of its geological heritage, adding a touch of beauty and wonder to any jewelry piece.
Chinese Turquoise Beads
Chinese Turquoise beads come in a diverse array of shades, spanning from vivid blues to vibrant greens, and often feature unique matrix patterns. Two of the most popular ones are Giraffe turquoise beads and Treasure Mountain turquoise beads. These beads offer a wealth of creative possibilities for jewelry artists!
Types of Turquoise Beads
Rondelle Beads
Rondelle beads are disc-shaped with a rounded edge, resembling small wheels. These beads can come in different sizes, from very small to quite large. Their smooth, polished surface allows them to catch and reflect light, adding sparkle and elegance to jewelry pieces.
Rondelle beads are commonly used as spacer beads in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, which is why they are popular among jewelry artists; in addition, using Rondelle beads helps in enhancing the overall design with their shape.
Chip beads are irregularly shaped fragments of turquoise, often resembling small stones or pebbles. These beads vary in size, shape, and thickness, reflecting the natural diversity of turquoise.
Chip beads are known and are prized for their rustic and organic appearance, making them ideal for creating bohemian-inspired jewelry. They can be strung together for a textured look and can be combined with other beads to add visual contrast and dimension to a design.
Nugget Beads
Nugget beads are irregularly shaped and resemble small nuggets or pebbles. These beads showcase the raw, organic beauty of turquoise, with its unique matrix patterns and colors. Each nugget bead is unique, showing the natural differences found in the gemstone.
Nugget beads are often used as centerpieces in jewelry designs, creating statement pieces that celebrate the raw essence of turquoise. They can be strung individually or combined with other beads to add texture and even more beauty to a piece.
Heishi Beads
Heishi beads are flat, disc-shaped beads made by cutting or grinding turquoise into thin slices. These beads have been used by Native American tribes for centuries and are often strung together to create intricate necklaces and bracelets.
Heishi beads can vary in size, color, and texture, depending on the method of production and the type of turquoise used. They add a traditional and cultural element to jewelry designs, with each bead bearing the unique markings and characteristics of the turquoise from which it originated.
Barrel Beads
Barrel beads are cylindrical, resembling small barrels or drums. These beads are commonly used as centerpieces in jewelry creations, with their elongated shape providing a striking look to other bead shapes.
Barrel beads can be smooth or faceted, adding texture and depth to a design. They are often used in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, where their cylindrical shapes create a sense of movement and fluidity.
Round Beads
Round beads are spherical and come in various sizes, ranging from tiny seed beads to larger statement beads. These beads are versatile and can be used in various jewelry designs, from simple stringing projects to intricate bead weaving patterns.
Round beads offer a classic and timeless look, with their smooth, uniform surface providing a sleek and polished finish to jewelry pieces. They can be combined with other bead shapes and sizes to create dynamic and visually appealing designs.
Turquoise Beads Jewelry Creations
Turquoise beads, prized for their vivid hues, are beloved by jewelry artists worldwide. These captivating beads infuse elegance into any piece, from necklaces to earrings. Whether used in designs or as bold focal points, turquoise beads bring authenticity, uniqueness, and artistry to jewelry.
Take a look at these beads jewelry creations created by brilliant artists from our Moose community!
Turquoise Beads: Authenticity and Quality
When acquiring turquoise beads, it's important to prioritize authenticity and quality. Genuine turquoise beads should exhibit vibrant coloration, intricate matrix patterns, and a smooth, polished texture. Look for reputable sources and suppliers who provide detailed information about the origin and authenticity of their beads to ensure a genuine and high-quality purchase.
Turquoise Moose provides high-quality turquoise beads from various mines across the world. Check out our collection here.
Turquoise beads, with their genuine kinds and diverse shapes, offer a lot of creative possibilities for jewelry artists and beads enthusiasts alike. Create with them today!
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