How do I tell the difference between imitation turquoise and stabilized turquoise and non-treated turquoise?
In our shop, imitation beads will always have an (R) in their title. Also it will be mentioned in their detailed product description. Most of the imitation turquoise produced today is a solid, medium blue colour with little-medium veining. At a first glance and used on their own or with glass, silver etc. the imitation turquoise will look genuine, however if you compare the imitation beads to the stabilized and natural beads, you will notice that the imitation beads have a slight “plastic” look. If they are new, the might also have a light synthetic smell. Again, whether or not the bead is genuine should reflect in its price. If you find very cheap turquoise beads for sale, they are most likely imitations.
