How to store turquoise

How to store Turquoise
Now here is an interesting subject that I have seen a lot of opinions on. Having been in the turquoise business for thirty five years I have seen a lot of ignorance and many so called and self appointed experts. I see turquoise that is being sold for rare and highly valuable being labeled as stored away from light and humidity. Sounds good but is this really necessary to store turquoise away from light and humidity and the many other proclaimed things. Are they saying this to justify their high prices and to give themselves the mistaken identity as being an expert?
Most of the turquoise that I have been around in my thirty five years, light and humidity did not alter its color at all. I have personally followed turquoise jewelry that I have seen worn in public and stored just in jewelry box hold up just fine. I have turquoise mines in Nevada and have personally observed turquoise veins that are right on the surface, and exposed to the elements. The elements in Nevada are very extreme and the extreme temperatures that are there are some of the worst nature provides. The summers in Death Valley are very hot and upwards of 120 degrees. Turquoise that has weathered out of the host rock and has survived this extreme temperature still retains its color and hardness. I have found several of these undiscovered veins that the bright blue pieces of turquoise have their bright blue color.
Now again there are no absolutes, I have read about some old deposits of turquoise that did change with time and from being exposed to light. I found some turquoise out of Mexico that had this problem. Some of the older turquoise mines I have read old reports that they had this problem.
However natural turquoise for the most part is pourus and these pours fill in over the years with oil from your skin. Also lotions and soap and other things that we get our hands into will fill these pours and will alter the color and appearance of turquoise. So I would highly recommend that you always take off your turquoise rings or bracelets when you are washing your hands or putting lotion on. I would also think perfume and sun block and many other thing you put on yourself can hurt your turquoise. And even though I have seen turquoises survive many years of being on the surface in Death Valley. I would also recommend you store your turquoise away from direct sunlight.
I just get tired of the scare tactics some people use to sell their jewelry and act like experts. I want you to enjoy your turquoise and wear it and not be afraid of hurting it... I have seen many turquoise pieces wear for several generations of use. Your turquoise should last your lifetime and be handed down to your heirs.
copyright@2010 James Saunders