TANZANITE

Tanzanite gemstone is a relative newcomer to the world of colored stones and gem identification, but it was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20^th century. Blue stones emerging from Tanzania were identified as the mineral zoisite in the early 1960's. Not until 1967, though, did adventurers locate the primary source for this December birthstone: the Merelani Hills. It was named tanzanite in honor of its country of origin. The tanzanite birthstone is often described as “velvety,” mostly because of its rich deep and saturated color, which ranges from a pure rich blue to violet, with the blue considered most prized and valuable.

Tiffany & Co. believed that tanzanite had international appeal and. in the late  1960's, Tiffany launched a major advertising campaign to promote the gemstone. With its beautiful vivid colors, high clarity and potential for large and small cut stones, tanzanite quickly became a sensation that graced Beverly Hills and 5th avenue. Today, it is not only a December Tanzanite may be a relative newcomer to the world of colored stones, but it was one of the most exciting gem discoveries of the 20^th 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.

Tiffany & Co. believed that tanzanite had international appeal and became its main distributor. In 1968, Tiffany launched a major advertising campaign to promote it. With its vivid colors, high clarity and potential for large cut stones, tanzanite quickly became a sensation. Today, it is not only a December birthstone, but it is also the gem for the 24th wedding anniversary.birthstone, but it is also the gem for the 24th wedding anniversary.

TURQUOISE

Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gemstone that ranges from blue to green and often has visible veins of matrix (remnants of the rock in which it formed) running through it. This December birthstone has been cherished and adorned for millennia. The ancient pharaohs and other rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves with it. Chinese artisans hand carved it more than 2,500 years ago.
 
The turquoise birthstone was thought to possess many strong beneficial powers, like guaranteeing good health and great fortune. From the 13th century on, it was believed to protect the wearer or owner from falling (especially off horses and camels), and would break into several pieces at the approach of disaster. Hindu mystics maintained that seeing a turquoise gem after beholding the new moon ensured amazing wealth.
 
This turquoise birthstone also played an important role in the lives of Native Americans especially in Arizona. The Apache Indians thought turquoise could be found by following a rainbow to its end. They also believed that attaching the December birthstone to a bow made one’s aim more accurate and precise. The Pueblo maintained that turquoise got its color from the sky, while the Hopi thought the gem was produced by reptils scurrying over the earth.

This December birthstone adorns the funerary mask of King Tut, who ruled Egypt more than 2,500 years ago. It also appears in jewelry belonging to more modern royalty.
In European tradition, the gift of a turquoise ring translates to “forget me not.” Turquoise is considered a national treasure in Tibet, where it is believed to grant health, good fortune and protection from bad evil. December's birthstone also imparts peace and prosperity to those who wear it.

ZIRCON

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 natural diamond.

During the Middle Ages, this December birthstone was thought to lull one into a deep sleep and scare off evil bad spirits. In the Hindu religion, zircon alternates with hessonite garnet as one of the nine" gems of the navaratna". When worn simultaneously, the nine gems protect the wearer and bring great wealth, wisdom and good health.

Victorians had a fondness for blue zircon. Fine specimens can be found in English estate jewelry from the 1800s.