Afshin’s Professional Information for the 4 December Birthstones

The December birthstones are among the many most stunning gem stones of your complete yr. On this article, veteran jeweler Afshin Shaddaie, will clarify every part that you might want to find out about zircon, turquoise, tanzanite, and blue topaz. All 4 birthstones function utterly completely different appears to be like and qualities, and on this article Afshin explains what to search for and how you can purchase December jewellery.

On the lookout for December Birthstone Jewellery? Use the shape beneath, and certainly one of our jewellery specialists will reply inside 1 enterprise hour.

Skip to the controversy: Is the Blue Topaz really a December Birthstone?

What are the Birthstones for December?

There are 4 birthstones for the month of December: Zircon, Turquoise, Tanzanite, and the Blue Topaz (though its closely disputed). These December gem stones are the birthstones for all 31 days of December.

Birthstones have lengthy been a staple reward and accent related to every month of the yr. Apparently, the unique inspiration for birthstones might hint again as early as biblical occasions, with the main points Bible itemizing the particular clothes made for Aharon, the Excessive Priest of the Jewish Folks. His breastplate contained 12 gem stones, one for every Tribe of Israel.

Though at first there was a lot disagreement over the month-to-month birthstones, just lately an general consensus has emerged. At this level, virtually everybody agrees on the overall gem stones of the birthstone calendar.

The December Birthstone of Blue Topaz is without doubt one of the exceptions, the place there appears to be no accepted consensus. See beneath.

Birthstone Fashion Quiz

We’ve created a user-friendly type quiz that may enable you to decide which kind of birthstone ring you need to begin shopping.

Store December Birthstone Rings

Store our assortment of December Birthstone Jewellery. These rings all showcase no less than one of many December Birthstones within the heart. If you wish to fee a customized December Birthstone, please go away us a message within the contact type beneath.

Store our collections:

1. Zircon December Birthstone

The Zircon gemstone is probably the most notable and well-known among the many December Birthstones. It’s primarily renown for 3 issues amongst gemstone collectors; its exceptional brilliance, excessive refractive index, and pure stunning shade (particularly the heated blue variations). Zircon’s fireplace and brilliance can rival that of a diamond, particularly in well-cut gem stones.

Blue zircon, the most well-liked choice, is sort of all the time produced by heat-treating brownish and reddish zircon, a course of that’s accepted within the commerce.

Essential Observe: You will need to know that zircon is a pure gemstone, and shouldn’t be confused with cubic zirconia (aka as CZ), which is a reasonable artificial imitation of diamond.

We advocate consumers to prioritize stones with minimal windowing, evenly balanced shade distribution, and well-documented therapies (with certificates) to make sure worth.

Historical past and Myths for the Zircon Birthstone

Zircon has one of many oldest recorded histories of any gemstone on Earth. It was closely traded all through historic Asia and the Center East and it was prized for each its brilliance and its exceptional age.

Zircon mines could be present in Australia, Burma, Brazil, Cambodia, Korea, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Throughout the Center Ages, zircon was a favourite gemstone amongst vacationers and students, because it was believed that zircon introduced knowledge, readability of thought, and religious grounding.

Zircon grew to become a December birthstone in 1952, and was accredited by the Jewellery Business Council of America.

Zircon can be well-known as being the 4th marriage ceremony anniversary gemstone.

Benjamin’s Shopping for Information for Zircon Jewellery

I reached out to Benjamin Khordipour and requested him what he believes are an important issues to know earlier than shopping for Zircon jewellery. Right here’s his high 5 items of recommendation for severe consumers:

1. Affirm the gemstone is pure zircon, and never CZ. Zircon and cubic zirconia are completely completely different supplies, however could be simply confused. For those who purchase zircon from a jeweler and have any doubts concerning the gemstone, request written verification and an appraisal to show gemstone sort and origin.
2. Examine minimize high quality very fastidiously. Zircon’s signature brilliance and fireplace will relies upon closely on the accuracy of the slicing course of. When figuring out which Zircon to purchase, study the gemstone beneath robust mild, and take a look at the gemstone’s return and windowing.
3. Ask about warmth therapy. As talked about above, virtually all blue zircon is heat-treated, however nonetheless disclosure is actually essential. Ask for a certificates and appraisal to verify the precise specs of your gemstone. It’s very Essential to know that untreated high-quality zircon or deep saturated colours (in bigger gem stones) can demand a premium.
4. Prioritize protecting settings for rings. As a result of zircon is way softer than a lot of the different gem stones, it tends to be extra prone to break. We advocate setting your zircon gemstone in bezels, halos, or settings that defend the girdle.
5. Consider long-term worth by carat and high quality. Bigger, high-clarity blue zircons are genuinely scarce. If funding potential is essential, select top-grade stones with robust saturation and documented provenance.

Coloration Choices for Zircon Birthstone

Zircon is available in a surprisingly wide selection of lovely colours, all of which formally fall beneath the December birthstone umbrella.

The wealthy blue and greenish hues which might be normally discovered within the top quality stones are sometimes achieved by warmth therapy. Though, as talked about above, there are some very uncommon zircon gem stones which might be naturally blue and inexperienced. Blue and inexperienced zircon are the most well-liked choice.

Zircon can even seem in golden honey tones, cinnamon brown, vivid pink, and delicate pastel yellow. The various choices provides consumers so many shade choices all inside the similar gemstone sort.

Along with the precise shade of the zircon, the colour depth and saturation can be an important issue that contributes to its worth. Extremely saturated stones with minimal zoning and a full of life look command the very best costs. Pale or erratically coloured stones are extra inexpensive entry factors.

Bodily Properties of Zircon

Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 6–7.5. It’s sturdy sufficient for normal put on however nonetheless extra liable to abrasion than, for instance, a sapphire or diamond. Its excessive refractive index (1.92–1.98) and powerful dispersion provides it distinctive brilliance, particularly in well-cut stones.

Jewelers are likely to want the good type cuts (similar to spherical, oval, and cushion) when setting zircon into jewellery. These diamond shapes have a tendency to maximise the zircon’s sparkle, mild return, and (most significantly) the colour depth. Step cuts are much less frequent as a result of they reveal inclusions extra simply and so they typically uninteresting the colour saturation.

Zircon can be identified for its excessive birefringence. Which signifies that mild splits into two rays because it passes by the stone. This impact that may create a shocking doubled aspect sample when seen intently.

Moreover, some zircons might exhibit pure radioactivity from hint components. These very uncommon types of radioactive zircon should not harmful and are very fascinating to jewelers and collectors. Zircon stones with cat’s eye chatoyancy are additionally a rarity. The impurities within the stone trigger completely different colours.

In style Jewellery Choices for Zircon

In recent times, zircon has turn out to be very fashionable in rings and earrings, the place its excessive brilliance and diamond-like fireplace can actually be showcased. Blue zircon solitaire rings are a favourite December birthstone alternative, whereas halo type rings assist defend the gem and intensify shade.

Stud and drop earrings that function zircon are well-loved. They permit mild to enter the gemstone from a number of angles.

In necklaces and pendants, zircon is actually in style amongst birthstone fans. Oval and spherical cuts are the commonest, however cushions and pear shapes are more and more in style amongst trendy designers.

Classic jewellery will generally showcase zircon, and it’ll normally be paired with platinum.

Carat Measurement, Readability & Coloration of Zircon

Carat measurement performs a significant position in zircon pricing and availability, significantly for the blue-colored variation.

Concerning measurement, fine-quality zircons over 5 carats are more and more scarce, and so bigger stones with wealthy saturation and excessive readability are normally thought of to be assortment jewellery. Bigger zircons have a tendency to point out shade extra dramatically, so a deeply saturated blue will seem much more vivid at increased carat weights.

Nevertheless, that being stated, measurement ought to by no means override the gemstone’s sparkle. In different phrases, if you happen to discover a gemstone that’s windowing, has pale tone, or uneven saturation, you need to very fastidiously assess if its a good selection. Such a stone could make a giant stone look visually flat, even when the carat quantity is spectacular.

Readability and shade are among the many high elements for severe consumers who’re shopping for zircon (particularly as an funding buy). Probably the most fascinating stones function vivid medium-to-strong saturation, constant tone throughout your complete crown, and no massive eye-visible inclusions.

Consumers ought to request magnified pictures (or movies) or view the gem in particular person beneath impartial lighting to verify brilliance from a number of angles.

Readability & Coloration of Zircon

Zircon is mostly each clear and translucent. It has an excellent, vitreous sheen when polished.

Some zircon might include radioactive components, thorium, and uranium, which trigger the crystal construction to interrupt down over time. These stones might be near-amorphous and seem low luster and low inexperienced in shade.

These very uncommon types of radioactive zircon should not harmful and are very fascinating to jewelers and collectors. Zircon stones with cat’s eye chatoyancy are additionally a rarity. The impurities within the stone trigger completely different colours.

Cleansing Your Zircon Jewellery

Zircon is pretty straightforward to look after and clear. It’s sturdy, however care should nonetheless be given as it could possibly nonetheless be broken.

Moreover, we advocate eradicating zircon jewellery when cleansing, gardening, or finishing some other hazardous duties. Zircon can be delicate to ultraviolet and daylight. Don’t put on it exterior for lengthy stretches of time.

To wash the zircon gemstone, gently soak it in heat water and wash it with delicate cleaning soap. You may also use a really delicate brush to assist clear the gunk. Pat to dry. Though you may solely put on your zircon jewellery in December, you need to nonetheless clear your fantastic birthstone jewellery ceaselessly.

2. Turquoise December Birthstone

Turquoise, the subsequent December birthstone is among the many most historic and culturally prized birthstones. Its valued for its unmistakable sky-to-teal blue shade and for its historic significance throughout many civilizations.

A severe purchaser ought to know that high quality turquoise is judged primarily by shade, matrix sample, and therapy. Probably the most fascinating turquoise stones are renown for displaying a shocking blue generally known as “robin’s egg” or “Persian blue.”

Its additionally essential to know that many turquoise gems in the marketplace are stabilized, which means infused with resin to enhance hardness and shade retention. That is broadly accepted within the business.

That being stated, untreated, high-quality pure turquoise is considerably rarer and costlier, particularly when freed from heavy veining and darkish matrix inclusions.

Sturdiness and origin additionally play a crucial position in buy selections. With a Mohs hardness of 5–6, turquoise is significantly softer than most gem stones and may scratch or take in oils if not correctly cared for.

Famend sources that normally have premium costs are Iran (Persia), Sleeping Magnificence Mine in Arizona, and choose areas in Tibet and Nevada. When investing, consumers ought to all the time request certificates proving lack of therapies, assessment the porosity and floor integrity of the gem. Moreover, all the time select a setting that defend the stone.

Historical past and Myths for the Turquoise Birthstone

Turquoise has been treasured gemstone for nearly 6,000 years, making turquoise one of many oldest gem stones in existence. Historical Egyptians, Persians, and Native American tribes all prized turquoise for its vivid blue shade, utilizing it as jewellery and royal adornments.

Throughout many cultures, carrying turquoise is seen as energy and standing image.

Myths surrounding turquoise are wealthy and deeply woven into folklore. Many early civilizations believed the stone might defend the wearer from hurt and produce luck. The gem was thought of anti-inflammatory and detoxifying. Turquoise was used to struggle viral infections and keep at bay despair and nervousness in historic cultures.

Turquoise can be the eleventh marriage ceremony anniversary stone.

Attention-grabbing Tidbit: Turquoise didn’t turn out to be certainly one of December’s birthstones till 1912 when the American Nationwide Affiliation of Jewelers changed bloodstone and ruby with turquoise and lapis lazuli.

Bodily Properties of Turquoise

Turquoise has a Mohs hardness of 5–6, making it softer than virtually any of the opposite birthstones. Its composition of copper aluminum phosphate provides it its signature sky-blue to greenish-blue hues. The copper additions produce blue tones and iron contributes to greener shades.

Traditionally, turquoise has been minimize into cabochons relatively than faceted shapes, as its softness and opaque nature favor easy finishes. Oval, spherical, and teardrop cabochons stay the most well-liked and flattering selections, particularly in conventional Native American, Persian, and Southwestern jewellery kinds.

Turquoise can be identified for its pure matrix patterns, and the darkish veining (or webbing) can both improve or detract from the worth, relying on the sample and the supply.

Moreover, high-quality turquoise is prized if it has the power to carry robust shade over time.

Benjamin’s Shopping for Information for Turquoise Jewellery

Right here’s are 5 factors that Benjamin Khordipour made once I requested him what he believes are an important issues to know earlier than shopping for Turquoise Jewellery.

1. Prioritize pure or minimally handled stones. Stabilization of the turquoise is suitable, however I like to recommend avoiding closely dyed or reconstituted turquoise. Moreover, insist on clear disclosure (with a certificates) of all therapies.
2. Search for an evenly saturated shade. The best turquoise stones will present uniform “robin’s egg” or Persian blue. They need to present minimal inexperienced tinting and minimal to no matrix except the sample is of course enticing.
3. Fastidiously contemplate the porosity and floor integrity. In high-quality turquoise, one ought to anticipate that it feels dense and easy to the contact. If the stone is overly porous or chalky, it’s thought of to be fragile and much much less useful.
4. Select protecting settings. It is extremely essential to make sure that the jewellery protects the turquoise very fastidiously. Turquoise scratches simply, and so bezel settings or low-profile mounts are greatest for rings, bracelets, and on a regular basis put on items.
5. Solely purchase from sellers who present supply transparency. When shopping for uncommon of essential turquoise jewellery, just remember to attempt to discover mines like Sleeping Magnificence, Persian, and choose Tibetan areas. They’ll command increased worth however provided that offered by respected sellers, and if they supply proof of origin. It will normally be with a certificates.

Turquoise In Jewellery

Turquoise is very in style in pendants, earrings, and assertion rings, the place its daring shade can stand out. Cabochon cuts set in bezels are the plain alternative, particularly for these with an lively life-style. Turquoise bracelets and cuffs stay favorites, particularly for gift-givers, and so they each tastefully showcase the stone’s matrix patterns in creative designs.

As a December birthstone reward, turquoise is a very fashionable choice, and is very significant to these in search of non-faceted gems.

Turquoise necklaces, stackable rings, and minimalist stud earrings are in style choices for gifting. Bigger cabochon jewellery items will attraction to collectors.

Caring for Turquoise Birthstones

Turquoise may be very delicate, and so ensure that to make use of much more care when caring and cleansing it.

To wash turquoise successfully, we advocate soaking it in lukewarm water and gently wash it with delicate cleaning soap. You should use a really delicate toothbrush if there may be any bigger or stickier gunk or filth.

Wash and put on turquoise with care. A lot of them have dye and plastic therapies. If uncovered to steam, warmth, or different chemical solvents, they may deteriorate. You must by no means clear turquoise with an ultrasonic cleaner.

When not carrying turquoise jewellery, we advocate conserving it wrapped in fastidiously a really delicate material and saved away in a safe secure.

3. Tanzanite December Birthstone

Tanzanite is certainly one of December’s most prestigious birthstones. It’s well-known for its vivid blue-violet shade, a novel shade that isn’t actually frequent in different in style gem stones.

A severe purchaser ought to perceive that tanzanite is present in just one place on Earth, a small mining space close to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Due to this, there may be solely a small finite provide out there, in contrast to zircon or turquoise.

The rarest tanzanite gem stones will present a wealthy, saturated blue with violet or purplish undertones, typically displaying pleochroism, which means the stone can seem blue, violet, or burgundy relying on viewing angle. Nearly all gem-quality tanzanite gem stones in the marketplace are heat-treated to take away brownish tones. This therapy is everlasting, secure, and totally accepted within the commerce.

Sturdiness is the first consideration for long-term jewellery wearers. Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5 and a comparatively brittle crystal construction, making it extra susceptible to chipping and abrasion.

Historical past and Myths of Tanzanite

In contrast to virtually each different birthstone all year long, Tanzanite has a uniquely trendy historical past, having been found solely in 1967 in northern Tanzania. Shortly after its discovery, Tiffany & Co. launched the gem to the worldwide market and named it “tanzanite” to spotlight its single-country origin. It has since risen from obscurity to turn out to be one of many world’s most coveted blue gem stones.

Myths surrounding tanzanite stem largely from native Maasai custom, which tells of lightning hanging the earth and reworking brown stones into good blue-violet gems. Because of this, tanzanite grew to become related to transformation, renewal, and new beginnings. Whereas these beliefs don’t affect gem worth, they contribute to tanzanite’s emotional attraction as a birthstone symbolizing rarity, change, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Tanzanite didn’t turn out to be certainly one of December’s birthstones till 2002. The American Gem Commerce Affiliation named it the third birthstone alongside zircon and turquoise.

As a consequence of the truth that we’ve solely identified concerning the stone’s existence for about 50 years, folklore and legends haven’t but been developed.

The place Does Tanzanite Come From?

As talked about earlier, Tanzanite is exclusive in that it solely types in Tanzania. All of the Tanzanite on the planet comes from Tanzania.

In 1967, a large fireplace scorched a lot of the grass and earth surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro, revealing the uncommon stones. They turned a vibrant blue-violet, making them straightforward to identify.

Maasai herders who had been tending to their livestock first discovered the stones. After notifying prospector Manuel d’Souza, the federal government shortly accredited permits to start mining. They initially thought they had been mining sapphire however quickly realized it was a never-before-seen variation of zoisite.

The native authorities mined greater than 2 million carats of tanzanite earlier than it started regulation. Impartial research predict that simply one of many 4 tanzanite mining blocks will end in 30 years at present manufacturing charges.

Colours of Tanzanite

Retail Tanzanite seems violet-blue. Sometimes, it would function pure burgundy or brown hues. Typically, the heat-treatment for Tanzanite will happen inside the earth. Different stones would require warmth therapy to enhance their desirability.

December’s youngest birthstone doesn’t observe the identical course of as different heat-treated gems. Most stones require 1,000 levels Fahrenheit for a number of days. Tanzanite wants round 600 levels for lower than one hour.

There are very uncommon tanzanite stones that won’t require any therapy in any respect.

Bodily Properties of Tanzanite

Tanzanite lands at about 6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. It’s pretty sturdy however remains to be prone to floor harm if dropped or scratched.

The stone naturally ranges from blues to violets. This makes them nice options to sapphires, aquamarines, and blue topaz. Tanzanite has robust pleochroism, which means it displays completely different colours at completely different angles. Additionally it is dichromatic, which means it absorbs rays of sunshine in several quantities.

Tanzanite In Jewellery

Tiffany & Co. Launched the World to Tanzanite.

In 1968, Tiffany grew to become the official worldwide distributor of Tanzanite, occurring only one yr after the invention of the primary gemstone.

Quickly after, the corporate started releasing unique items of fantastic tanzanite jewellery. The publicity marketing campaign was efficient. They coined the phrase, “Tanzanite can solely be present in two locations, Tanzania and Tiffany’s.”

The 4 C’s of Tanzanite

Tanzanite is most precious when it seems in a deeply saturated blue-violet. Paler variations are extra cheap.

Reducing a Tanzanite correctly is of utmost significance. A poorly minimize stone won’t let the sunshine do justice to the colour. Bluer stones are extra useful, so lapidaries will typically make exact cuts that mirror this shade extra.

Tanzanite hardly ever has seen inclusions, so it lowers the worth considerably after they do happen. The bluest stones are usually over 5 carats. Smaller stones are sometimes much less vibrant in shade.

Selecting the Proper Tanzanite For You

Tanzanite is out there in restricted portions. Additionally it is rising in reputation. It’s a very uncommon jewel. And since it solely types on a small stretch of land in Tanzania, the stone’s worth and availability are completely depending on what occurs there.

You will need to know how you can set tanzanite safely. We advocate carrying the stone in a necklace or earring (versus a hoop) for much less publicity to put on and tear. Nevertheless, if you happen to select to buy a hoop, merely be sure that your stone is in a protecting setting.

Smaller stones are normally bluer and, due to this fact, extra useful. Maintain this in thoughts as you choose your gem.

Cleansing Tanzanite

Tanzanite is mostly secure for on a regular basis put on. It shouldn’t be worn for strenuous exercise or when close to any type of chemical substances. Tanzanite has good shade stability and won’t change beneath regular mild publicity or in regular temperatures.

Like with most stones, common cleansing is important to maintain your tanzanite wanting its greatest. Gently wash with heat water and delicate cleaning soap.

Blue Topaz Birthstone. Is Blue Topaz a December Birthstone?

Most authorities say that there are solely three birthstones in December: Zircon, Turquoise, and Tanzanite. Some authorities insist that there are literally 4 birthstones: Zircon, Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Blue Topaz.

We have now over 40 years of expertise within the jewellery business. We’ve watched the birthstone pattern evolve and develop over time. In contrast to most specialists, we now have no downside including one other stone to the month of December. Why not?

Birthstones ought to observe the hearts of the individuals. They added the Blue Topaz to the checklist, and we agree that it belongs there! The complete checklist is unfair, and due to this fact, including one other ring to the combination solely provides to the enjoyable and pleasure.

We all the time advocate feeling assured when buying. Whether or not you’re gifting a shocking December birthstone to your favourite birthday lady or congratulating a pair on a particular marriage ceremony anniversary. Even if you happen to’re merely investing in some December jewellery for your self.

We hope this information helps you higher perceive the 4 stunning December birthstones.

Present a December birthstone this winter!

Study concerning the Different Birthstones

Every month has an interesting birthstone (or birthstones) related to it. Click on the hyperlinks beneath to be taught extra about every month:

January Birthstone | February Birthstone | March Birthstone | April Birthstone | Could Birthstone | June Birthstone | July Birthstone | August Birthstone | September Birthstone October Birthstone | November Birthstone | December Birthstone