December, the time of the month when the weather starts to warm up, the sun comes out and the days get longer. It's a time of family, friends and new beginnings! For those who have the pleasure of being born during this magical time of the year, you get to adorn the birthstone of Tanzanite, Turquoise and Blue Topaz.
Adorning a beautiful blue-green hue, turquoise gemstones are reminiscent of the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. They have been highly prized for centuries and are eye-catching with their opaque lustre and bright colour.
Tanzanite gemstones are the most intriguing out of the three, and rocks a deep shade of purple that is similar to flowers like irises and violets. The stone is sometimes mistaken for sapphire, because it comes in so many different varieties.
Let's take a deep dive into these marvellous stones.
Overview:
- Turquoise: Physical Attributes and Meanings
- The History of Turquoise
- Our Favourite Turquoise Pieces
- Tanzanite: Physical Attributes and Meanings
- The History of Tanzanite
- Our Favourite Tanzanite Pieces
Turquoise: Physical Attributes and Meanings
The turquoise stone ranges in colour from a deep blue to an almost jade, green tone. It is the only gemstone to be named after its electric colour and it's obvious why! Turquoise is a semi-precious stone that often features veining on the surface of the stone.
Turquoise is an opaque, blue to green mineral that is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium. It is extremely rare and valuable in finer grades. It is rarely found in well-formed crystals, instead it is usually an aggregate of microcrystals. When these microcrystals are packed closely together, then the turquoise polishes to a higher lustre that is described as 'waxy' or 'subvitreous'. Ranking 5th or 6th on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, turquoise stones are quite durable compared to many other gemstones. Uniquely, they are a very absorptive stone that can soak up anything from water to oils, as a result, oxidation can change the colour of turquoise over time.
This gemstone has been associated with many meanings throughout time, and it was referred to as the 'sky stone' by the Tibetan and Nepalese people who thought that it came from the heavens. Throughout time there has been a consensus that the stones provide protection to the wearer, some even wore the stone around their necks to prevent them falling off their horse. Not only this, but it is thought to promote leadership, wisdom, tranquillity and good fortune.
Turquoise looks amazing when paired with the shiny finish of silver, and you can rock turquoise earrings, turquoise necklaces, turquoise rings and more!
The History of Turquoise
The earliest evidence of turquoise gemstones come from ancient Egyptian tombs that contain elaborate turquoise jewellery dating back to 3000 BCE. They would set these dreamy gemstones in gold necklaces and rings, as well as inlays. In fact, King Tut's iconic burial mask was extravagantly lined with turquoise. Egyptians associated the bright stone with joy and delight.
The stone was also popular with ancient Persians who extensively decorated with turquoise. The gem was thought to have fallen down from the heavens because of its sky-blue colour, hence, palace domes were covered in layers of the eye-catching material. This tradition later inspired the use of turquoise in other monumental buildings like the Taj Mahal.
Persians believed that turquoise guaranteed protection and their name for the stone, pirouzeh, meant 'victory'. Not only would they adorn their daggers and horses' bridles with it, but Persians would wear turquoise gemstone jewellery around their necks and in their turbans. Some even believed that the colour-changing nature of the stone (turquoise can fade when exposed to light) could warn of impending doom.
Turquoise would make its big comeback to prominence in the Georgian era, where it was popular for women to wear locket pendants that featured the gemstone, inspired by Queen Victoria's fondness of it. During the Victorian era, turquoise was associated with the snake motif and set in bracelets, necklaces and brooches with the symbol. It was also popular to wear large drop earrings at this time.
Turquoise would make another resurgence in the 1960's and 70's when the bohemian style began to build traction. It is clear that the gemstone has come in and out of high popularity for centuries, ensuring that it is a stone that is here to stay!
Our Favourite Turquoise Pieces
Find some of our favourite turquoise jewellery pieces here!
Sterling Silver Created Turquoise and Crescent Moon Ring
$59.99
Update your looks with this unique crescent moon ring.… read more
Sterling Silver Created Turquoise Drop Earrings
$49.99
Crafted in Sterling Silver, these Created Turquoise drop earrings measure 8cm in total length.… read more
Sterling Silver Thomas Sabo Charm Club Turquoise Bracelet 16.5cm
$69.00
Discover the Sterling Silver Thomas Sabo Charm Club Turquoise Bracelet 16.5cm. The elegant turquoise colour gives this bracelet a feminine look and the silver clasp adds a touch of sophistication. Turquoise is traditionally a stone that is used to promote… read more
Tanzanite: Physical Attributes and Meanings
Tanzanite is the blue and violet variety of the mineral zoisite, caused by small amounts of vanadium. The gem was first traded by Tiffany and co, who decided that the name 'tanzanite' would be more marketable rather than 'zoisite with a blue colour'. It was dubbed the term 'tanzanite' because the world's only known tanzanite deposit of commercial significance is in northern Tanzania.
This stone is best worn in tanzanite earrings and tanzanite necklaces that do not encounter abrasion, moreover, tanzanite rings are for dress rather than daily wear. It ranks about a 6.5 on the Moh's hardness scale, which makes it relatively durable compared to many other gemstones.
These gems have a number of different meanings, however, the most common belief is to facilitate a higher consciousness and stimulate intuition and perception. If you are looking for a stone to soothe anxiety and promote calming thoughts, then tanzanite is a great option. Another popular belief is that, because it takes intense heat to bring the stone to its full potential, it also has the ability to bring forth the wearer's full potential.
Tanzanite: Physical Attributes and Meanings
Something that you might not know about tanzanite is that it is a relatively new gemstone, which was only discovered in the 1960's. While other gemstones have been around for thousands of years, tanzanite jewellery is still in its infancy on the market. With its vivid deep purple tone, it's easy to see why tanzanite has become so popular with fine-jewellery lovers.
The mineral zoisite naturally occurs in a range of colours that includes colourless, grey, yellow, brown, pink, blue and violet. Tanzanite refers to the colour variety that ranges from blue to violet. The discovery of transparent crystals of blue zoisite in the 1960's stimulated interest in the gem, and not long after, it was discovered that laboratories could enhance the colour through heating to achieve the desired vivid blue tone. And so, tanzanite was ready to be made into jewellery like rings, earrings and pendants to be distributed around the world!
Our Favourite Tanzanite Pieces
Find some of our favourite tanzanite jewellery pieces here!
Sterling Silver Created Tanzanite and White Zirconia Pear Stud Earrings
$129.00
Fall in love with this beautiful set of Created Tanzanite and Zirconia earrings. With an amzing burst of colour and measuring approximately 1.4cm in height, these earrings are a must-have.… read more
Sterling Silver 0.50ct Tanzanite and White Zircon Ring
$69.00
Embrace the beauty of tanzanite with this stunning Sterling Silver 0.50ct Tanzanite and White Zircon Ring. Crafted in the smooth finish of sterling silver with a smooth finish and shiny lustre, this ring is great for all day wear. Tanzanite… read more
9ct Yellow Gold 0.75ct Tanzanite and Diamond Pear Pendant on Chain
$699.00
$1,399.00
Dazzle through your life with this beautiful 9ct Yellow Gold 0.75ct Tanzanite and Diamond Pear Pendant. Become lost in the deep blue tanzanite, known to represent the heart and its purity and remind you of the ocean. Pair this beautiful… read more
If you are lucky enough to be born in December then you truly are spoilt for choice! You can choose between tanzanite or turquoise, to find the perfect piece that matches your style and aesthetic. Birthstone jewellery makes a fabulous gift idea that is thoughtful, and bound to be adored! So take your gift-giving skills to the next level and show someone special just how much you love them!
