A buyer’s guide
Untreated Hubei turquoise
How collectors, custom jewelers, and studio silversmiths can evaluate claims without confusing beauty, provenance, and proof.
What “untreated” should mean
In precise product language, untreated turquoise has not been stabilized, impregnated, dyed, coated, reconstructed, or otherwise enhanced after mining, apart from cutting and polishing. “Natural” and “untreated” are not interchangeable: a naturally mined stone may still have been treated.
Why evidence matters
Color, matrix, hardness, polish, and surface character can inform an experienced assessment, but a photograph cannot conclusively prove treatment status. A responsible seller explains whether a claim comes from a supplier, documented chain of custody, or independent laboratory testing.
Questions to ask before buying
- Is this the exact stone I will receive?
- Has it been stabilized, impregnated, dyed, coated, or backed?
- Who provided the origin and treatment information?
- Is an independent report available for this individual stone?
- Are weight, dimensions, reverse photographs, condition, and return terms published?
The Oakwell approach
Oakwell is untreated-first, but evidence comes before marketing language. Each stone receives one of three labels: Verified Untreated, Supplier-Represented Untreated, or Treatment Disclosed.