DECEMBER BIRTHSTONES: ZIRCON, TANZANITE, AND TURQUOISE
Birthstones have a great deal of symbolism going back to ancient times. Early civilizations believed gemstones had unimaginable powers. Today, birthstones can have a range of meanings, usually stemming from the personal significance to the person wearing them. Individuals born in December have three choices of birthstones—zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise.
Each stone has unique properties that can invoke charm and personal meaning. Here is a look at each one of the December birthstones we can provide at Jeweler’s Touch.
Zircon
Zircon ranges from blue to assorted colors such as yellow, red, orange, green, or brown. In its colorless form, zircon flashes in multiple colors with undeniable brilliance. The stone is named for a combination of Arabic words. Its linguistic roots come from the words “zar”, meaning gold, and “gun”, meaning color. However, these aren’t the only possible origins. But the meanings of zircon vary, from the belief during the Middle Ages that it can scare off evil spirits to other beliefs that it allows peaceful sleep without bad dreams, relieves pain, and can protect travelers from harm.
Zircon is found in parts of Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and southern Vietnam. It is also mined in the Harts Range of Australia, specifically at Zircon Hill located near the Australian Outback city of Alice Springs.
Tanzanite
This blue-purple stone is found mostly in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Its deep velvety blue is highlighted by violet undertones, and some stones are even distinctly colored in shades of purple. Tanzanite can be cut into various shapes and sizes. It has quickly risen in popularity since its discovery in the late 1960s.
Made of the mineral zoisite, this stone has a blue-purple color because of trace amounts of vanadium and the extreme heat under which it is formed. Tanzanite can display different colors from different angles; it can even be cut such that certain colors can be highlighted. Bluer tanzanite is most valuable; stones are often heat-treated to remove less-desirable brown tones.
Tanzanite is more often used for pendants and earrings, as its vulnerability to scratching makes it unsuitable for most rings.
Turquoise
Turquoise is one of the oldest birthstones. It was discovered in the 13th century and is primarily blue, although the stone can range from translucent to opaque. The name is based on a French expression that translates to “Turkish stone”. However, turquoise is often associated with Native American attire from the southwestern United States. It is mined in New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada as well as in parts of Iran and China.
Legend has it that turquoise birthstones have healing powers and promote wealth and good fortune for those who wear them. Turquoise is also associated with good luck and the belief it can fend off evil. In addition to being integrated into necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, the stone has also been used to decorate handbags, purses, and clothing.
Include Your December Birthstones in High-Quality Jewelry
Jeweler’s Touch can customize any item of jewelry with your birthstone. We sell, design, appraise and repair diamond jewelry including rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, charms, and more within our exclusive collections. For design assistance and information on appraisals and financing, contact us at 714-880-8597 or reach out to us online today.