Featured HOW DO I TELL IF CHUNKY TURQUOISE IS REAL OR COSTUME?

I found this in a box of mostly costume jewelry my mom left me.
How do I tell if these are real turquoise and not costume?
There is no marks or 925 numbers on the clasp or anywhere else that I can find - and I want to be sure how to check if they're real - I heard you stick a hot pin in one & smell it? But I don't know if that's for turquoise?
Did they make turquoise necklaces without the chain/necklace being silver?
Thank you!

 

No hot pins!

Debora

 

It could be dyed howlite/magnesite or resin stabilized turquoise.

 

With that black veining, I'd bet they've been messed with somehow.

 

Look at the holes in the beads especially if the edges has some wear. Dyed howlite will be white. Look closely to see if any dye has settled into the cracks. I found a dyed marble necklace once that closely resembled turquoise. When I looked up the maker, it turned out he was known for his dyed marble pieces. Good luck. I hope it works out for you.

 

Hi,
I am in complete agreement with Debora. NEVER EVER USE THE HOT PIN on anything EVER. I have treated some horrible burns from people sticking hot pins into celluloid and other stuff.
greg

 

ok no hot pins!

 

My first thought was howlite too and that’s reinforced by the non silver beads.

Still attractive and salable at a price.

 

Here is another one I found that I like - it's got that primitive look, but the end of the necklace & clasp with possibly any maker's mark or name is missing. Any ideas if this is a "good" piece?

 

Also these - but they are marked; Dian Malouf 925 & 14kt
Cool earrings!

 

That necklace is total 70s modernist. No idea whodunnit, if it was ever marked.

The leopards are total late 80s, but as a cat freak I'd wear them in a heartbeat. The designer is still active.

From her website: Known for bold silver and gold jewelry enlivened by diamonds and vivid semiprecious stones, Dian Malouf is one of the few fine jewelry designers whose work is instantly recognizable. Dian has designed over 10,000 pieces since the very first silver dome ring that she made for herself, which launched the business by popular demand in 1986. Many are one-of-a-kind pieces prized by collectors. Dian Malouf designs are sold by top specialty stores and discerning jewelers. Dian's Jewelry is made in the USA.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...341&_odkw=dian+malouf&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1

 

Love the earrings!!!

 

Love the Malouf’s too. One of my favorite earrings are a pair of Dian’s in silver and turquoise with 14K bezels. I bought them in the 90s at Neiman’s.

 

Getting back to the original necklace, fake Chinese turquoise can't be ruled out:

http://www.ddgnevada.com/wood/fake/fakechineserock.html

The metal parts give it the general look of Native American work, but it's easily faked & you would expect some marks if it were genuine, at least something to indicate sterling. Not that you might not find fake Chinese turquoise used in genuine NA work.

 

I agree with both.
The fancy name of dyed howlite is turquenite, but that is just to make people believe it is some sort of turquoise.

Aside from the fact that you should never stick a hot pin in anything, I am puzzled as to how they would stick a hot pin in stone.

 

The real question seems to be how to tell dyed howlite from fake Chinese turquoise.

 

I think they are one and the same. It says in the link you provided, where they talk about the toilet cleaner: "Cleans Toilets and Dyes Howlite too!"

 

Every day a new skill learned

 

And you thought it couldn't get any better after testing with a UV light in a dark closet.
Although your Tokyo sewer pendant is pretty difficult to beat.

 

Ah, the infamous ‘poo’ pendant thread.
It is still in my hoard as I’m at a total loss as to what to do with it.
It’s being given a run for its money by Ashley’s weird ‘things’ in a pendant at the moment though.