Windsor, California
Windsor, California
If you had to pick one December birthstone, which would it be: tanzanite, turquoise or zircon? From the blue to bluish purple of tanzanite, to the intense blue and green of turquoise, to the rainbow varieties of zircon – there’s a color for everyone. If blue is what you’re looking for, all three December birthstones have their own unique take on this favorite hue. Whatever your color, style or budget preferences may be, we can help you pick the right December birthstone for you or a loved one.
Tanzanite may be a relative newcomer to the world of colored stones, but it was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20th century. Blue stones emerging from Tanzania were identified as the mineral zoisite in 1962. Not until 1967, though, did prospectors locate the primary source for this December birthstone: the Merelani Hills. It was eventually named tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. The tanzanite birthstone is often described as “velvety,” mostly because of its deep and saturated color, which ranges from a pure rich blue to violet, with the blue considered most valuable. Today, it is not only a December birthstone, but it is also the gem for the 24th wedding anniversary.
Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gem that ranges from blue to green and often has veins of matrix (remnants of the rock in which it formed) running through it. This December birthstone has been cherished for millennia. The pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with it. Chinese artisans carved it more than 3,000 years ago.
The turquoise birthstone was thought to possess many beneficial powers, like guaranteeing health and good fortune. From the 13th century on, it was believed to protect the wearer from falling (especially off horses), and would break into several pieces at the approach of disaster. Hindu mystics maintained that seeing a turquoise after beholding the new moon ensured fantastic wealth.
This turquoise birthstone also played an important role in the lives of Native Americans. The Apache thought turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end. They also believed that attaching the December birthstone to a bow or firearm made one’s aim more accurate. The Pueblo maintained that turquoise got its color from the sky, while the Hopi thought the gem was produced by lizards scurrying over the earth.
The origins of the word “zircon” have elicited colorful debate. Some scholars believe it comes from the Arabic word zarkun, meaning “cinnabar” or “vermilion.” Others think the source is the Persian word zargun, or “gold colored.” Considering the broad color palette for this December birthstone – red, orange, yellow, brown, green and blue – either derivation seems possible. Colorless zircon is known for its brilliance and flashes of multicolored light, called fire, which have resulted in centuries of confusion with diamond.
During the Middle Ages, this December birthstone was thought to lull one into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits. In the Hindu religion, zircon alternates with hessonite garnet as one of the nine gems of the navaratna. When worn together, the nine gems protect the wearer and bring wealth, wisdom and good health.
14 karat Tanzanite and diamond lavalier style pendant 1.42ct emerald cut natural Tanzanite .30 total carat weight, natural diamonds H-SI3 Includes...
View full details10 karat yellow gold ring featuring an approximately 1.92 carat Tanzanite center and accented by six round Tsavorites Size 7 3 grams total weight
Expertly crafted, these 1.54 CTW Blue zircon stud earrings are an elegant addition to any jewelry collection. Made of 14 karat white gold, they fe...
View full detailsExperience stunning elegance with our 2.35 CTW blue zircon martini stud earrings. Crafted with 14k yellow gold, these earrings feature two 6mm roun...
View full detailsThis unique estate ring features a 10 karat yellow gold band with 5 striking trillion cut gemstones. The 2 Tanzanites have an estimated weight of ....
View full detailsThis exquisite 14K white gold halo ring is a stunning combination of a 1.36 carat, round cut, natural blue zircon center stone with 12 surrounding ...
View full detailsThis exquisite 18 karat white gold halo pendant features a 3.87 carat round very fine natural blue zircon in the center and 21 round brilliant G-V...
View full detailsThese 2.91 ctw natural blue zircon and diamond 18kw stud earrings will take your breath away. Crafted with two 6 mm round blue zircons totaling 2....
View full detailsThis stunning 2.24 carat oval tanzanite pendant is crafted in 14 karat white gold with a six-prong basket setting and wide tapered bail. The perfe...
View full detailsLook your best with these stunning 14 karat white gold earrings. The enchanting design features two oval tanzanites totaling 1.28 carats, surround...
View full detailsThis Oval Tanzanite and Diamond Necklace is crafted with 14 karat white gold and features an exquisite 1.02 carat oval tanzanite center stone surr...
View full detailsThis exquisite teal blue 3.23 carat zircon stone is mounted in a 6-prong 14 karat rose gold embossed solitaire ring, creating a breathtaking piece ...
View full detailsThe stone in this ring is a spectacular example of beautiful robin's egg blue Persian turquoise, free of the matrix often associated with other tur...
View full detailsThe periwinkle color of tanzanite is beautifully represented in this 18 karat white gold bracelet. The 8.25" bracelet contains 29 oval tanzanites (...
View full detailsThis classic design features a triangle (trillion) cut tanzanite channel set below three vertical channel set diamonds. The tanzanite weighs approx...
View full detailsThree oval tanzanites are set diagonally, straight down this 14 karat yellow gold contemporary styled pendant. The oval tanzanites have a total wei...
View full detailsYou don't see natural Golden Zircons very often but we came across these stones and just had to make them into earrings. The stones have a total we...
View full detailsTwo natural round 6.5 mm blue zircons totaling 6 carats in weight (3 carats each) are four prong set in 14 karat white gold stud earrings. They are...
View full detailsThe combination of yellow gold and turquoise, though not seen as often as other metals, offers a striking contrast. The round cabachon fine turquoi...
View full detailsTwo natural round blue zircons totaling 1.45 carats (.75 & .74 carats each) are set in 14 karat yellow gold martini studs. They are secured wit...
View full details14 karat yellow gold 8 X 6 mm bezel set Turquoise twisted wire rim stud earrings secured with ear post and friction backs.
You don't often see turquoise set in yellow gold but the strong blue color of this stone is enhanced by the rich 14 karat gold contrast of the esta...
View full detailsThis 14 karat yellow gold estate ring features a vibrant oval tanzanite measuring 9 mm in length X 5.8 mm in width for an estimated weight of 1.45 ...
View full detailsA beautiful and contemporary statement piece, this 14 karat white gold estate ring features an emerald cut tanzanite in a diamond halo design. The ...
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