This necklace is made from two strands of natural Chinese turquoise 10 mm barrels.  The shorter strand (19 “) nestles inside the longer strand (20”).  I have interspersed these beads with Peruvian opal disks making this a very unique necklace.   The Peruvian opal has a lot of vibrant turquoise blue in it and the beads are clearer.  Since the Peruvian opal is natural it also has some gold color in it which adds to the interest and uniqueness of the necklace.  I have finished this necklace with an 18k gold vermeil clasp.

Turquoise is the birthstone of December as well as the zodiacal stone for Sagittarius.  It is believed to attract wealth, love and power.  Chinese turquoise is known for its variation of color variation as wells as the beautiful patterns on the stones.  The colors can range from a deep blue green to a green and even a brown.   It often has patterns of brown or black in the natural stone.  Jewelry made using Chinese turquoise can be worn with many colors and styles.   The beautiful rich colors of the stones makes for a very dramatic piece of jewelry and a fashion statement.  Turquoise is always in fashion throughout the seasons and over the years.

Peruvian blue opal is relatively rare and is only found in the Andes mountains in Peru. It is a moderately translucent stone with color similar to the Caribbean Sea.  It can have golden yellow, brown or black inclusions.