Turquoise Flower Pendant

This turquoise flower pendant is a sterling silver piece with a blue-green stone set at the center of a handmade floral frame. It measures about 1.25 inches across and weighs roughly 6 grams, so it sits on the collarbone without pulling at the neck. The silver is stamped 925, and the stone is set in a bezel, which means a thin wall of metal holds it from the sides.

It is a daily piece. Not a delicate one you save for dinner parties.

What the pendant looks like up close

Each petal is shaped by hand, so no two pendants are exactly alike. The turquoise in the middle is a natural cabochon, polished smooth and domed, around 10 mm wide. Expect small differences from the photos. Some stones show a clean sky blue, others have thin brown or gray veins running through them, called matrix. That veining is normal for natural turquoise and many buyers prefer it, because it proves the stone was not dyed flat.

The silver has a light oxidized finish in the recesses of the petals. This darkening gives the flower depth and makes the stone look brighter against it.

Size and chain length

The bail (the loop at the top) fits chains up to about 3 mm thick. A snake or box chain works well. For a pendant this size, an 18 inch chain is the usual choice, since it rests just below the hollow of the throat. If you like it to peek out of a crew neck, go for 20 inches. A 16 inch chain looks good with open collars, though the flower will feel larger on it.

How to wear a turquoise flower pendant

Because the pendant has one clear color, it pairs easily with denim, white linen and soft neutrals. Silver and blue-green also look good against a tan, so summer is its best season. In winter, wear it over a charcoal knit and let the stone be the only color near your face.

If you want a matching look, try it beside our spiny turquoise pendant, which has a more textured, sculptural feel, and wear one of the two at a time rather than layering both. For earrings, turquoise dangling earrings add a second touch of blue without competing with the flower. Keep to one statement piece per area: pendant at the neck, or a bold hand piece such as a turquoise cluster ring, not all three at once.

Caring for turquoise and sterling silver

Turquoise is softer than most gemstones, about 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It scratches more easily than quartz and does not like chemicals. Put the pendant on after perfume, hairspray and lotion, not before.

• Remove it before swimming, showering or cleaning, since chlorine and soap can dull the stone
• Wipe with a soft dry cloth after wearing to remove skin oils
• Store it in a small bag or lined box, away from other jewelry that could scratch it
• Polish the silver gently with a silver cloth, avoiding the stone itself

Never soak turquoise in dip cleaners. The stone is porous and can absorb the liquid, which changes its color over time. If the oxidized recesses lighten after polishing, that is fine, and it is easy to leave them alone.

Is it a good gift?

Yes, for a few reasons. Turquoise is the traditional birthstone for December, and it is also given for the 11th wedding anniversary in some lists. The flower shape is friendly and not tied to one age group. A pendant at this size suits a teenager as well as a grandmother. If the person prefers a more symbolic design, a celtic pendant is a good alternative with a very different, knotted look in silver.

Prices for pieces like this usually start at around $40 to $60, depending on stone size and silver weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the turquoise real?

The stone is natural turquoise cut into a cabochon. Small color variations and matrix lines are expected. If a stone looks perfectly uniform and glossy like plastic, be cautious, since that is a common sign of imitation.

Will the sterling silver tarnish?

Over time, yes, as all sterling does when it meets air and moisture. Wearing it often slows this down, because skin contact keeps the surface clean. A quick wipe after each wear and dry storage will keep it bright for years.

Can I wear it every day?

You can, with a little care. Keep it away from water and harsh products, and avoid heavy knocks since the stone is soft. Many owners wear it daily for work and take it off at night.

Does the pendant come with a chain?

Please check the product options at the time of purchase, as chain inclusion can vary. If it comes without one, an 18 inch sterling chain of about 1.2 mm to 2 mm thickness is the best match.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Sterling silver is generally well tolerated, though it contains about 7.5 percent other metals, usually copper. A small number of people with a strong copper sensitivity may notice a mild reaction. If you know you react to jewelry, try wearing it for a short time first.