This necklace is a mix of some odd stones that I would have never thought to put together. At the base is an irregularly shaped Brazilian Oco Agate slice; coloring is beautiful with raw edges and swirling white around. It has been handcrafted in artistic non-tarnish brass wire. The necklace is strung in some old stones of faceted rectangular Antique Jade; colors ranging from an almost clear, olive, mixed coloring and some that are a hint of off mustard color. Between I’ve putt another old stone, smoothly polished elongated barrels of Turquoise; which has been heat treated and stabilized turning it a nice color of brown with deep dark veining. It is a nice dark contrast to the lightness of the antique jade.Heat Treatment of Stones
Centuries ago, someone stumbled upon the magical effect of applying heat to gemstones. High heat, such as that from a charcoal fire, can make a bland looking gemstone change its color into something spectacular. If this fortunate technique were not discovered, there would be very few affordable gemstones of good color in the market.
This method of treating stone produces dramatic natural changes by the use of heat only, the dramatic changes being, deeper more brilliant colors, smoother texture, richer luster, and easier workability. This method first includes; Providing stone material, then with or without a sand bath, placing the stone material in a heat treating environment, increasing the temperature in specific increments until the effective heat treating temperature is reached, keeping the stone at that temperature until all the desired changes have occurred, the temperature is then decreased in specific increments until the material is at room temperature. Once the stone is treated and cooled, it is ready to be shaped, and or polished.
Treatments of Turquoise
Treated turquoise, frequently used in modern jewelry, has been altered from its original state by a process intended to improve the color and/or durability of the natural stone. There are a number of different ways that turquoise may be treated.
Treated turquoise has existed for centuries. The earliest kinds involved a fine application of oil or wax to the stone, making it shine and deepening the color. This type of treated turquoise tends to "sweat" when exposed to heat or sunlight and can become cloudy over the years; however, the treatment can sometimes be successfully reapplied.Most American turquoise today is stabilized or bonded with a treatment of plastic, epoxy, or water glass. This type of treated turquoise retains its look and luster better than oil or wax treated turquoise, and the stabilization process can be used on turquoise that is too unstable to benefit from the oil or wax method. Epoxy stabilization was developed in the 1950s by Colbaugh Processing of Arizona.
Native American jewelers in the Southwestern United States strengthen thin pieces of high-grade turquoise through a process termed backing. The turquoise is glued to a stronger material to prevent its cracking. Early turquoise backings were made of car battery casings and records, while modern jewelers usually use epoxy steel resin.
Some turquoise is dyed to improve its color or make it more uniform. Prussian blue is the most common dye used in this treatment. Some people do not like dyed turquoise, as they feel it is artificial, and it sometimes leaves color on the skin or fades.
