Beautiful 43ct Colbaugh Composite Kingman Turquoise & Pink Opal cabochon set in sterling silver and fine silver gallery wire bezel. The ring is adorned with 14 silver droplets and a triple sideband. The cabochon is marquise cut and a whopping 53 x 15mm in size. The base plate is textured and the ring is a size 7.5-8.
AUD $345.00 + Shipping
The Colbaugh family has the longest history of mining, processing, cutting, and selling Kingman turquoise in the world.
The Family name is synonymous with its product that has been mined since 1962.
Kingman Turquoise & Pink Opal + Bronze from Kingman Turquoise Colbaugh.
What is stabilized turquoise?
Soft, low-grade, turquoise that has undergone a stabilization process to enhance its hardness and color. During this process, the stone is put under pressure, causing it to absorb a clear epoxy or plastic filler. This results in a harder stone that is suitable for use in jewelry. The stabilization process was first invented in the 1950s in Arizona.
Why is turquoise stabilized?
Turquoise by nature is a relatively soft, porous stone, and it can vary greatly in its quality. Only higher grade natural turquoise is actually dense enough that it can be cut and shaped without damaging the stone. Softer, lower-grade turquoise has to be treated in some way in order for it to be usable in jewelry. The resulting piece of turquoise is then much stronger and easier to cut, polish, and set by a jeweler without risk of breaking. Stabilized turquoise can be produced in large quantities and is less expensive than natural turquoise.