December birthstones aren’t the colors you’d expect, as when shopping during the month of December you are bombarded with the holiday hues of red and green. But when shopping for a December baby, you have a whole other color palette to explore. Shopping for a loved one who was born in the month of December can be a little tricky- you have to find them a birthday gift plus a holiday gift. However, you can make hunting for the perfect gift easier by purchasing beautiful December birthstone jewelry!
December babies are lucky enough to have not two, but three different birthstones: turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite. These glittering gemstones range from the oldest on earth (zircon), to one of the first mined and used in jewelry (turquoise), to one of the most recently discovered (tanzanite). All of the December birthstones are offered in a variety of blue to violet shades, so you’re sure to find something to match your loved one’s style preference. Here’s some fascinating background on these December birthstones to help you decide which to choose.
Admired since ancient times, turquoise is known for its distinct color palette, which ranges from bright robin’s egg to pastel blue to light bluish green. Turquoise might lack the sparkle and clarity of transparent colored gemstones, but what it lacks in brilliance, it makes up for in soul-satisfying color. This December birthstone has been held in high regard for thousands of years by cultures such as the Native Americans, the Aztecs, and the ancient Egyptians. From ancient times to today, people have attributed special powers to turquoise. Turquoise is believed to offer protection from misfortunes and ward off ill will. Turquoise is also thought to protect its wearer from harm while bringing good luck and longevity. In lighter shades, turquoise energy is held to promote inner harmony and peace. Darker, richer tones are alleged to counter intolerance and let us adapt to new ideas and environments.
The word turquoise means “stone from Turkey” since the gemstone was brought from Turkey to Western Europe. Turquoise is a relatively soft gemstone, which makes it ideal for carving unique pieces of jewelry. If you know a December baby who loves bold, statement pieces, they are sure to love turquoise jewelry.
Regardless of the kind of turquoise jewelry you decide to gift your December loved one, it’s important that they know to take special care of it. High heat can damage its surface or cause discoloration. Exposure to chemicals, cosmetics, and even natural skin oils can change its color. Turquoise should always be cleaned with warm soapy water, never in steam or ultrasonic cleaners.
Zircon is the oldest natural mineral on Earth, dating back 4.4 billion years. Zircon can be found in a rainbow of colors, including blue, brown, green, orange, yellow, red, and even clear. Heat treatment is commonly used to enhance these beautiful colors. During the middle ages, people believed zircon could induce sound sleep, ward off evil, and bring prosperity and wisdom. Today, zircon is considered a grounding stone that increases confidence and compassion. With this gemstone, you have lots of beautiful color options. While blue zircon is a common December birthstone, you can certainly purchase other colors to match your December-born loved one’s favorite color. That way, you know you’re buying a can’t-miss gift!
As with turquoise, zircon requires special care. Zircon can be brittle, so it should be worn and stored in a manner that avoids hard rubbing against other materials. Since most zircon is generally heat treated, some of these gemstones might revert back to their original color if exposed to high heat and bright light for prolonged periods of time. Warm, soapy water is recommended for cleaning zircon. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should not be used for this December birthstone.
Unlike most gemstones that have been admired for centuries, tanzanite’s history is relatively modern. Discovered in 1967, tanzanite is the exquisite blue-to-purple variety of the mineral zoisite and can only be found in one part of the world. This gorgeous blue December birthstone was named after its limited geographic origin in Tanzania. Tiffany & Co. was actually the first company to market blue zoisite as tanzanite, and the name just stuck.
Tanzanite has become the second most popular blue gemstone, second only to sapphire. The beautiful blue color of tanzanite ranges from lush blue to vibrant violet to deep, rich purple. Tanzanite is actually a very unique gemstone. One of the most alluring aspects of tanzanite is its pleochroic quality. This means tanzanite can show different colors when viewed from different crystal directions. Between its exotic color and limited supply, tanzanite is treasured by many and makes an exceptional December birthstone gift.
While tanzanite can be worn in all kinds of jewelry, proper precautions should still be taken against rough wearing or hard blows. Tanzanite is stable under normal wearing conditions- it’s resistant to effects of heat, light, and common chemicals. However, it should still not be overly exposed. Warm, soapy water is the best way to clean tanzanite. It is not recommended for ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
No matter which December birthstone you think is the best fit for your loved one, they are sure to feel fashionably stunning in their meaningful jewelry. We’re bound to have what you’re looking for in our luxurious collection. Visit us on San Diego Avenue to explore our stunning turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite collections.