Since ancient times, humanity has relished the beauty and allure of rare and vibrant stones. We’ve contended with dark caves and perilous mines to uncover these treasures. Perhaps the most eye-catching discovery of all? That would be turquoise.
Flashing a captivating blue-green colour, turquoise is a natural gemstone often unearthed from southwestern dust, exuding a rugged and weathered charm that has long proven alluring to jewelers.
If you’re ready to add a fresh shock of colour to your outfits, it pays to learn how to style turquoise jewelry. Turquoise stone jewelry can transform any look into something extraordinary.
Choosing the Right Turquoise Jewelry for Your Look
Before building a collection of men’s turquoise jewelry, you’ll first want to hone your look. Turquoise stone accessories can enhance any look by adding touches of beauty and fashion. Do you have a defined aesthetic? Are you aiming for accent pieces or memorable statements? Formal attire, or road-worn everyday wear?
Once you’re clear on your aesthetic, consider how the subtle blast of turquoise can emphasize it.
By nature, turquoise cuts a noticeable presence, so it’s best paired with understated ensembles that call for a spark to tie them together.
Turquoise jewelry comes in numerous forms, each suited to different modes of expression:
- Necklaces
- Earrings
- Rings
- Bracelets
Let’s talk about how to integrate these pieces.
Highlighting Statement Necklaces
When wearing neutral tones (think blacks, greys, and dark leather) a well-chosen necklace serves to level up an otherwise subdued style.
A turquoise statement necklace, preferably one leaning toward vivid blues rather than subtle greens shades, adds a jolt of colour—made all the more arresting by the neutral backdrop.
When choosing a necklace, be sure to factor in the neckline:
- With V-neck or scooped tops, opt for longer necklaces to fill in the space and draw eyes to the turquoise’s luster.
- For crew necks, go with a smaller chain that won’t tumble below the collar.
Since turquoise readily blends with other colours, experiment with different palettes and gauge the effect. You may stumble across surprising (and pleasing) combinations.
Another note: when wearing a turquoise statement necklace, it’s best to simplify your remaining accessories. Too many statements can muddy the message. Experimenting with different designs helps in crafting a personal style that stands out. If you want to add more accessories, consider subtle men's sterling silver jewelry pieces that don’t outshine your necklace.
Stacking Rings and Bracelets
If you plan on highlighting turquoise via rings and bracelets, consider stacking them for enhanced effect. This allows you to take advantage of style features like contrast and texture.
When stacking, start with the turquoise focal point—whatever hooks your eye. Then layer some smaller, complementary designs around it. Steer clear of redundancy by varying design, width, and even metals: mixing men’s brass jewelry with other tones and turquoise can create a nuanced ring stack.
Essentially, you want each layer to:
- Strike the eye in a unique way
- Draw the viewer's gaze to the turquoise piece
Also, regarding bracelets, beware of tangling. Avoid consecutive dangly pieces and lean toward fitted styles.
Subtle Elegance with Earrings
Sometimes, a look requires a light touch. Turquoise earrings deftly inject a dash of elegance into an intentionally understated ensemble.
Strong options include:
- Turquoise drop earrings that won’t dangle and distract the eye
- Simple studs that deliver tasteful turquoise colouring without overwhelming the rest of your accessory choices.
With earrings, you’ll also need to take hairstyle into account. For example, if you sport a ponytail, consider embracing longer earrings; studs can sometimes get lost in the background if your hair is pulled back.
With long hair, studs or small rings, add just the right amount of accent without conflicting with the falling locks. Incorporating turquoise into your hairstyle can create unexpected focal points that enhance style
Styling Turquoise Jewelry for Different Occasions
Match your jewelry to your look with intent. Sculpted pieces sharpen formalwear, while rugged details ground a more relaxed fit. It’s all about balance—wear what feels right and let the details speak for themselves.
Pairing Turquoise with Other Accessories
Turquoise loves company. The subdued glimmer of brass or sterling silver jewelry makes them excellent turquoise complements, adding a timeless sheen without clashing with turquoise’s exuberant colour.
You can also combine turquoise with other classic gemstones for added effect. Stellar options include:
- Quartz
- Black onyx
- Smoky Quartz
- White agate
Like silver and brass, complimentary gemstones should either possess understated or neutral colour palettes that won’t steal turquoise’s thunder.
Matching Turquoise Jewelry with Clothing Colours
As we’ve seen, highly unique colours like turquoise work best when paired with darker backgrounds. This rule also holds to clothing.
If you’re planning to wear turquoise jewelry, choose “blank canvas” colours (white and black) or opt for earth tones (mellow shades inspired by natural surroundings). Earth tones include:
- Sage
- Clay
- Muted coral
- Warm blues
- Ochre
- Rich, dark browns
Since turquoise forms in the desert, dusky earthen hues make natural partners.
Caring for Your Turquoise Jewelry
Each type of jewelry holds unique demands for care, preserving its beauty and quality. While turquoise ranks above the most fragile gemstones, it’s still a delicate jewel. It also features a porous surface, vulnerable to heat and harsh chemicals.
To ensure a lasting shine, it’s important to learn how to properly care for turquoise jewelry:
- Wear it often – Your skin’s oils help keep turquoise bright and healthy.
- Protect it from chemicals – Sunscreen, skincare products, perfume, cleaners—numerous household products trigger tarnish and can lead to permanent damage.
- Keep it dry — The water found in pools, showers, and sinks often contains sulfur, which readily corrodes turquoise. Remove turquoise jewelry before swimming or bathing.
- Store with care – Keep your turquoise in felt or plastic bags, away from sunlight and high temperatures. Bag each piece separately to avoid scratching.
- Know what to clean turquoise jewelry with – Use a soft cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap. Gently wipe the stone and dry it immediately to maintain its brilliance.
Capture the Tone of the Desert Sky with Clocks + Colours
A shade as rare as turquoise takes on an almost mystical quality. There is a deeper meaning of turquoise jewelry and it deserves to be shared . Be that place by incorporating the flicker of turquoise into your collection. Find your perfect piece at Clocks + Colours.
Over the years, we’ve curated a collection of the finest handcrafted turquoise jewelry available. Draw inspiration from our stunning selection of men’s turquoise jewelry and compliment it with the dark tones of black onyx.
Our craftsmen rise every day with one goal: to distill the ancient art of metallurgy into modern expressions. Discover our work today.
Sources:
National Geographic. How Turquoise Became Synonymous With New Mexico. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/how-turquoise-became-synonymous-with-new-mexico#:~:text=Turquoise%20occurs%20in%20spots%20where,southern%20California%2C%20and%20New%20Mexico.
Apartment Therapy. What Are Earth Tones, and How Can They Work in Your Home?
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/earth-tones-37425124
Britannica. Turquoise. https://www.britannica.com/science/turquoise
International Gem Society. Turquoise Value, Price, and Jewelry Information. https://www.gemsociety.org/article/turquoise-jewelry-gem-information/
