December birthstones aren’t the colors you’d expect, as shopping during the month of December you’re bombarded with holiday hues like red and green. But when shopping for a December baby, you have an entirely different color palette to discover. Shopping for a loved one born during the month of December can be a little tricky since you have to find them a birthday gift in addition to a holiday gift. However, you can make searching 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 freshly discovered (tanzanite). All the December birthstones are available in a variety of shades ranging from blue to violet, so you’re sure to find something to entice your loved one. Here are some fascinating details about these dazzling December birthstones to help you decide!
Turquoise
Revered since ancient times, turquoise is known for its distinct color, which ranges from bright robin’s egg to pastel blue to a 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. The December birthstone has been highly regarded for thousands of years by cultures like the Native Americans, Aztecs, and the ancient Egyptians.
Throughout its history, people have attributed special powers to turquoise. Turquoise is thought to offer safety from misfortune 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 believed to promote inner harmony and tranquility. Darker, richer tones are alleged to counter intolerance and allow us to 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 accessories, they are sure to love turquoise jewelry.
No matter what kind of turquoise jewelry you decide to gift your December loved one, it’s important to they know to take special care of it. High temperatures can damage its surface or cause discoloration. Exposure to chemicals, cosmetics, and even the natural oils in skin can alter its color. Turquoise should always be cleaned with warm soapy water, never in steam or ultrasonic cleaners.
Blue Zircon
Zircon is the oldest natural mineral on Earth, dating back 4.4 billion years. Zircon can be found in a myriad of colors, including blue, brown, green, orange, yellow, red, and even clear. Heat treatment is commonly used to intensify these beautiful colors. During the Middle Ages, people believed zircon could stimulate sound sleep, ward off evil, and deliver prosperity and wisdom.
Today, zircon is considered a grounding stone that heightens confidence and compassion. With this gemstone, you have plenty 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 hue. That way, you know you’re buying a can’t-miss gift!
As with turquoise, zircon requires special care. Zircon tends to be brittle, so it’s best worn and stored in a manner that avoids hard rubbing against other materials. Since most zircon is heat treated, there’s a possibility it may revert to its original color if exposed to high heat and bright light for prolonged periods of time. Warm, soapy water is best for cleaning zircon. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should not be used for this December birthstone.
Tanzanite
Unlike most gemstones that have been beloved for centuries, tanzanite’s history is relatively modern. Discovered in 1967, tanzanite is an exquisite blue-to-purple variety of the mineral zoisite and can only be found in a single region of the world. This gorgeous blue December birthstone was names after its exclusive origin in Tanzania. Tiffany & Co. was the first company to market blue zoisite as tanzanite, and the name seems to have stuck.
Tanzanite has become one of the most popular blue gemstones, second only to sapphire. The captivating color of tanzanite ranges from lush blue to vibrant violet to deep, rich purple. Tanzanite is a very unusual gemstone. One of the most alluring aspects of tanzanite is its pleochroic quality. This means tanzanite can reveal different colors when viewed from various directions. Between its exotic color and scarce supple, tanzanite is treasured by many and makes an excellent December birthstone gift.
While tanzanite can be worn in all kinds of jewelry, proper discretion should still be taken against rough wearing or hard blows. Tanzanite is stable under normal wearing conditions – it’s resistant to the 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 best suited for your loved-one, they are sure to feel simply stunning wearing jewelry with such significance and symbolism. We’re bound to have what you’re looking for in our luxurious collection. Visit Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers on San Diego Avenue and explore our stunning turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite offerings!
