Turquoise is often soft and will crumble. When it is stabilized, it has been hardened, usually with epoxy or resin. Sometimes, as turquoise ages, if it has not been stabilized it will discolor and flake, even if it was a solid example when originally worked. With a permanent color and nice matrix, stabilized turquoise is a beautiful value.

Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. The copper makes the silver harder and more durable but also causes the silver to tarnish over time. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver. Fine silver does not tarnish, due to the absence of copper.

As with any fine jewelry, remove it before sleeping, swimming, showering, or house-cleaning with chemicals. Store it in a cool, dry place. When it becomes tarnished, wipe gently with a silver cleaning cloth, such as a Sunshine Cloth.