It may be the birthstone for December, but the cool blue-green of turquoise seems the perfect addition to a summer wardrobe. The stone is flattering to almost every skin color yet really pops against a tan, and is the perfect complement to the orange and coral hues that are so popular this season.

This summer, turquoise is featured in both silver and gold settings and in designs ranging from chunky statement pieces to delicate, detailed accents. Much like coral, turquoise is featured both as a gemstone and as a hue rendered in a variety of non-precious materials.

The April 2011 issue of Town & Country featured five stunning turquoise cabochon rings, stating: “It’s the color of clear skies and Caribbean waters—no wonder turquoise is the unofficial gemstone of summer and tropical vacations.” The rings pictured are from Antonini, Verdura, David Yurman, Fred Leighton, and Cathy Waterman.

Traditional Southwestern style turquoise finishes the spring looks presented in the April 2011 issue of Marie Claire, a harbinger of summer looks to follow. In the above photo, the model wears a pair of turquoise necklaces from Vicki Turbeville along with a fur jacket from Fendi, top from Roberto Cavalli, and pants from CK One.

Here’s another look from Marie Claire, this one featuring head-to-toe denim along with a traditional squash blossom necklace from Vicki Turbeville. The shirt is from Lucky Brand. “Trade in your diamonds for turquoise,” write the magazine’s editors: “The new style sheriff rules in denim and leather.”

Western wear is also the theme of this photo from the June 2011 issue of Vogue featuring turquoise earrings from Ralph Lauren Vintage and an armful of bracelets: a silver Aztec butterfly bracelet, a William Spratling braided bracelet and an Enrique Ledesma hinged stone-inlay bracelet, all from maestrosdetaxco.com, and a turquoise and sterling silver Navajo stamped cuff from turquoisetortoisegallery.com. The hand-woven leather macramé top with fringe is from Gucci; the hat is from Minnetonka.

“Indian Summer” is the title of a feature in the June 2011 issue of Lucky that pictures an inexpensive necklace of turquoise strung on leather cord from Vicki Turbeville along with a bikini from H&M trimmed with turquoise-colored charms. The sandals are from Nine West.

The same issue of Lucky utilizes turquoise in a very different look, accenting a cotton lace dress by Timo Weiland with a necklace from Ann Taylor. The pansy earrings are from Swarovski, the gold-plated bracelet is from Ben-Amun by Isaac Manevitz and the freshwater pearl bracelet is from Dogeared.

A necklace of turquoise and coral stones from Yochi New York adorns a white eyelet fabric dress from American Living for JCPenney in this photo from the July 2011 issue of Real Simple.

The August 2011 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal reports: “Turquoise and coral pieces are hot this summer. We’re wearing them with white jeans, bright dresses, shorts—everything!” Pictured are a snake wrap bracelet from Ann Taylor, a cocktail ring from Kenneth Jay Lane, a Southwestern style ring from Silpada, a long tassel necklace from Apt. 9, a statement necklace from Shoshanna, a coral-hued ring from Roberta Chiarella, hoop earrings from Coldwater creed, a bangle from Stella & Dot, and big bohemian earrings from Justine Simmons.

The model in this photograph from the June 2011 issue of Allure wears a gold plate and resin cuff by Trina Turk, a gold plate bangle with crystals and turquoise from CBD by Charlotte Bjorlin Delia, and a silver, gold and green onyx ring from Janis by Janis Savitt. Her swimsuit is from Gucci and hat from San Diego Hat Co.

In the April 2011 issue of Vogue, model Lara Stone is shown wearing a delicate pendant necklace with turquoise from Ten Thousand Things and a watch from Timex with her bikini top from Missoni.

Put on some turquoise and grab a coconut or your favorite fresh fruit. Summer is here.

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