December Birthstones - Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon

Those born in December are fortunate to have the choice of three magnificent birthstones.

TURQUOISE

The December birthstone, turquoise, is a gem that ranges from blue to green and often has veins of matrix running through it. This semi-translucent to opaque stone has been cherished for thousands of years, with ancient Egyptian pharaohs and Chinese artisans adorning themselves with it.

According to popular belief, the turquoise birthstone guarantees health and good fortune. It was also believed to protect the wearer from falling and disaster. In Native American culture, the Apache believed that turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end, while the Pueblo believed its colour came from the sky, and the Hopi believed it was produced by lizards.

Turquoise has adorned the funerary mask of King Tut and jewellery belonging to modern royalty like Wallis Simpson. It is also considered a national treasure in Tibet, where it is believed to grant health, good fortune, and protection from evil. In European tradition, a turquoise ring symbolizes "forget me not." Additionally, turquoise is the gem of the 11th wedding anniversary and imparts peace to those who wear it.

TANZANITE

Tanzanite, a December birthstone, is a relatively recent addition to the world of coloured gemstones, but its discovery in the 20th century was one of the most exciting. Initially identified as the mineral zoisite, blue stones from Tanzania were found in 1962, and prospectors finally located the primary source in the Merelani Hills in 1967. It was named tanzanite in honour of its country of origin. The tanzanite birthstone has a deep and saturated colour, ranging from pure rich blue to violet, with the blue being the most valuable. The gemstone's velvety appearance is due to its colour intensity.

Tiffany & Co. recognized the international appeal of tanzanite and became its main distributor. In 1968, Tiffany launched a major advertising campaign to promote the gemstone, which quickly became a sensation due to its vivid colours, high clarity, and potential for large cut stones. Today, tanzanite is not only a December birthstone, but it is also the gemstone for the 24th wedding anniversary.

ZIRCON

The word "zircon" has sparked colourful debate over its origins. Some scholars argue that it stems from the Arabic word "zarkun," meaning "cinnabar" or "vermilion." Others propose that the source is the Persian word "zargun," or "gold-coloured." Given the vast array of colours exhibited by this December birthstone - ranging from red, orange, yellow, brown, green, and blue - either etymology could be plausible. Clear zircon is renowned for its brilliance and flashes of multicoloured light, known as fire, which has led to centuries of confusion with diamonds.

During the Middle Ages, this December birthstone was believed to induce a deep sleep and ward off evil spirits. In Hinduism, zircon alternates with hessonite garnet as one of the nine gems of the navaratna. Wearing all nine gems together was thought to protect the wearer and bring wealth, wisdom, and good health.

In the Victorian era, blue zircon was particularly popular. Fine examples can be found in estate jewellery from 1880s England.