matte african turquoise round beads 6mm

African Turquoise: A Gemstone for Alluring Designs 

American Bead Corp welcomes you to the world of African Turquoise, a captivating gemstone that injects a touch of vibrant allure into your jewelry creations. While its name suggests a relation to turquoise, African turquoise is a form of jasper, boasting a unique color palette and captivating beauty.

This guide delves into the characteristics of African turquoise beads, explores their diverse shapes and applications, and equips you with the knowledge to identify high-quality stones. Additionally, we'll uncover the latest trends in gemstone bead designs, inspiring you to craft stunning jewelry pieces.

(1) Introduction to the Stone: Unveiling the Essence of African Turquoise

• Hardness: African turquoise registers between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes it a relatively durable stone suitable for everyday jewelry wear.
• Color: Unlike traditional turquoise's vibrant blue hues, African turquoise showcases a mesmerizing interplay of colors. It ranges from light blue-green to deep green and grays, often accentuated by creamy white accents and flecks of brown and black within its matrix. This captivating interplay creates a stunning visual depth.
• Origin: As the name suggests, African turquoise is primarily sourced from various locations across the African continent. Some of the notable sources include Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

(2) Bead Formats: A Kaleidoscope of Shapes for Creative Expression

African turquoise beads at American Bead Corp come in a captivating array of shapes, allowing you to bring your design visions to life:

• Round Beads:

• Polished: These classic beads boast a smooth, lustrous finish, perfect for creating timeless necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
• Faceted: The precise cuts of faceted beads enhance African turquoise's natural brilliance, adding sparkle to your designs.
• Matte-Finished: Matte-finished beads offer a more subdued look, ideal for creating elegant, sophisticated jewelry pieces.

• Beyond the Round:

• Flat Ovals: These versatile beads add a touch of organic elegance to your designs. They can be incorporated into statement necklaces, pendants, and earrings.

• Rondelles: Characterized by their disc-like shape with flattened sides and a single drill hole, rondelles are perfect for creating cascading necklaces and delicate bracelets.

• Heishi: These tiny disc-shaped beads, traditionally made from shell materials, are now available in African turquoise, offering a unique textural element to your designs. They excel in creating multi-strand bracelets and necklaces with a bohemian flair.

• Free-Form Chips: These irregular-shaped beads add a touch of organic charm to your creations. They are ideal for use in necklaces, bracelets, and mixed-media pieces.

(3) Usage in Jewelry Design: Unleashing the Versatility of African Turquoise

The diverse shapes and captivating colors of African turquoise beads translate into a multitude of design possibilities:

• Round beads, particularly in the 8mm size, are popular choices for healing bracelets. Their comfortable size allows for easy wear throughout the day.
• Rondelles and Heishi excel in minimalist designs. Their delicate size and clean lines create a sense of understated elegance.
• Flat ovals and other unique shapes can be incorporated into more elaborate styles. Consider combining them with pearls, crystals, or other gemstones to create one-of-a-kind statement pieces.

Pro Tip: Explore our extensive collection of findings like clasps, spacers, and stringing materials to complete your unique jewelry designs.

(4) Identifying Quality Gemstone Beads: A Guide for Discerning Crafters

Refining your eye for quality ensures you select the perfect African turquoise beads for your projects. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Gemstone Quality: Look for beads with consistent color distribution and minimal blemishes or cracks. A natural matrix adds to the stone's character but should not compromise its structural integrity.

• Straight Drilling: The holes drilled through the beads should be straight and centered. This ensures a smooth flow of stringing material and facilitates even bead placement in your designs.
• Facet Quality (for faceted beads): Precise cuts and sharp edges maximize the brilliance and play of light within the gemstone.

• Color: African turquoise occurs naturally in a range of colors. If the color appears overly vibrant or uniform, it might be dyed. Opt for stones with a natural color variation for a more authentic look.

(5) Trends and Fashion: Embracing the Latest Styles in Gemstone Bead Jewelry

The world of gemstone bead jewelry is constantly evolving, and African turquoise is at the forefront of some exciting trends:

• The Rise of Healing Bracelets: There's been a surge in interest in jewelry that promotes well-being.  African turquoise, known for its grounding and protective properties, is popular for creating healing bracelets. The use of 8mm beads offers a comfortable fit for extended wear.

• Bohemian Brilliance:  The bohemian style, characterized by its free-spirited and nature-inspired aesthetics, is a significant fashion influence. African turquoise heishi beads, with their organic shapes and earthy tones, are perfect for creating multi-strand bracelets and necklaces that capture the essence of boho chic. Consider incorporating tassels, feathers, or wooden beads for an extra touch of bohemian flair.

• Modern Minimalism: Minimalism remains dominant in fashion, and gemstone bead jewelry is no exception. The delicate scale and clean lines of rondelles and faceted African turquoise beads lend themselves beautifully to minimalist designs. Explore pairing them with sleek metal findings or geometric components for a touch of contemporary edge.

• Embrace the Mix: Don't be afraid to experiment with combining different shapes, sizes, and colors of African turquoise beads. This allows you to create unique, eye-catching jewelry pieces that reflect your style.

American Bead Corp: Your One-Stop Shop for Exquisite African Turquoise Beads

At American Bead Corp, we are passionate about providing our customers with the finest selection of African turquoise beads. We offer various shapes, sizes, and finishes to cater to your every design need.  Our commitment to quality ensures you receive genuine African turquoise beads that will add a touch of captivating beauty to your creations.

Please browse our extensive collection of African turquoise beads today and unleash your creativity!