Petite Healing Turquoise Bracelets

Red turquoise, while visually stunning, is often created by dyeing other stones like howlite or magnesite to resemble turquoise. Real turquoise is naturally a blue-green color. Regardless of whether your "red turquoise" is dyed genuine turquoise or another treated material, proper care is essential to maintain its color and integrity.

Gentle handling and wearing
Remove During Activities:
• Take off your red turquoise jewelry before engaging in activities that could expose it to chemicals, water, or potential impacts. This includes tasks like swimming, showering, cleaning with harsh detergents, or engaging in strenuous physical activity. Harpo Paris advises removing turquoise jewelry when washing your hands, doing sports, showering, or swimming.
Apply Cosmetics Last:
• Put on lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and makeup before wearing your jewelry. These chemicals can discolor or damage turquoise or affect the dye in treated materials. Even skin oils and sweat can discolor turquoise.
Avoid Impacts:
• Red turquoise, like natural turquoise, can be relatively soft and prone to chipping or breaking when dropped or knocked against hard surfaces. Handle your jewelry gently.
Protect from Sun and Heat:
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or high heat, as this can fade the color of dyed stones and potentially damage the material itself. According to rockidentifier.com, howlite is susceptible to discoloration or damage from direct heat sources and flames.
Check Settings:
• Regularly inspect your jewelry for any loose prongs or settings and have them repaired by a professional jeweler to avoid losing the stones.

Cleaning
• Always use the gentlest cleaning method suitable for the material.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
• Never use commercial jewelry cleaners, ammonia, bleach, or any abrasive substances on red turquoise. These can strip the dye, damage the stone, or etch the surface. BriteCo Insurance warns that you should avoid using harsh chemicals such as jewelry cleaners, household cleaners, and pool chemicals on turquoise.
Wipe After Each Wear:
• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe away oils, dust, and residues after each wear.
Warm Water and Mild Soap (with caution):
• You can gently wipe the beads with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. However, some sources advise against using even mild soap on turquoise due to its porosity. If using soap, ensure it's alcohol-free.
Avoid Soaking:
• Do not soak the jewelry in water, as this can weaken the stone, tarnish metal components, or potentially cause the dye to bleed or fade. Palms Trading Company recommends using a soft lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface of the stone to help remove any oil or residue, avoiding soaking the jewelry as prolonged water exposure can weaken the stone or tarnish the metal.
Soft Brush (if needed):
• A soft-bristled brush, like a baby toothbrush, can be used to gently clean around settings or in crevices. Be very careful not to scratch the stone.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly:
• Rinse the jewelry briefly and thoroughly under cool, running water to remove soap residue. Pat dry immediately with a clean, soft cloth or paper towel, ensuring no moisture remains. Allowing water to sit on the stone, particularly turquoise, can harm it.
No Ultrasonic or Steam Cleaners:
• Avoid these as they can damage turquoise and potentially affect dyed materials.

Storage
Cool, Dry, Dark Place:
• Store red turquoise jewelry in a cool, dry, and dark environment, away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors. Avoid storing it in damp places like bathrooms.
Separate Storage:
• Store each piece individually in a soft pouch or a lined compartment in a jewelry box to prevent scratching from harder gemstones or other jewelry pieces. Eagle Rock Trading Post advises storing turquoise separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
Consider Anti-Tarnish:
• If the jewelry has metal components like sterling silver, consider storing it in an airtight bag or with anti-tarnish slips to prevent tarnishing. Crystal Findings notes that to avoid sterling silver tarnish, you should store your jewelry properly, avoid harsh chemicals, and keep the jewelry separate from other precious metals and gemstones.

By following these specific care instructions, you can help preserve the beauty and vibrant color of your red turquoise jewelry for many years to come.