December babies usually get the raw end of the deal, with family and friends focusing so heavily on the holiday season that December birthdays are often forgotten or rarely ever celebrated with great panache. However, luckily for those same December born babes – they get to call three different birthstones their own. The month of December embraces various hues of blue, touting Tanzanite, Zircon and Turquoise as the gems of the month. Whether you treat yourself this year or gently remind your reveling loved ones, these beautiful blue gems should definitely top your list this month.
Tanzanite:
Haling from Tanzania in Southeastern Africa, Tanzanite was discovered in the late 1960s. It is found exclusively in this small area of the world and exhibits a rich violet-blue color for which it is treasured. This beautiful gemstone ranges in color from blue to purple, and tanzanites that are medium dark in tone, vivid in saturation and slightly violet blue in color command premium prices.
LeVian Blueberry Tanzanite ring / Gumuchian Topkapi diamond and Tanzanite Earrings / Mark Schneider Tanzanite and diamond pendant.
How to Wear It: This royally hued gemstone pairs well with gold or platinum and is often set with small diamonds to accent its sensual sparkle. Larger Tanzanite stones make for lovely pendants or cocktail rings, while smaller gems are used in earrings and bracelets. Flaunt your inner royalty whenever the mood strikes. Or if you love this beautiful violet-blue hue and don’t have a December birthday, sport its tantalizing allure with darker textured fabrics or the brighter colored blouses in your wardrobe.
Zircon
Another blissful blue option for December birthdays is Zircon. Derived from the Arabic words zar and gun, meaning gold and color, zircon is found in a wide range of colors such as: blue, yellow, orange, brown, green, colorless, and red. Folk wisdom grants zircon the power to relieve pain, whet the appetite, protect travelers from disease and injury, to ensure a warm welcome, and to prevent nightmares guaranteeing a deep, tranquil sleep. Major sources of zircon are the Chanthaburi area of Thailand, the Palin area of Cambodia, and the southern part of Vietnam.
Platinum and blue zircon ring by Suna Bros, blue zircon pendant necklace by Stuller Inc, Morgan’s Jewelers blue zircon and diamond earrings
How To Wear It: Zircon has a classic appeal and is often showcased with diamonds in white gold, platinum or silver. It accents lighter colored eyes, especially blue eyes and sparkles against fair skin tones. For those with richer skin tones, pair it with silver, blue and grey fabrics to make it pop.
Turquoise
And last but definitely not least, December born beauties get to revel in the magic and the rich cultural history of turquoise. The name turquoise, from the French expression Pierre tourques or Turkish stone, originated in the thirteenth century and describes one of the oldest known gemstones. Turquoise varies in color from greenish blue, through robin’s egg-blue, to sky blue shades and its transparency ranges from translucent to opaque. Turquoise is plentiful and is available in a wide range of sizes.
Steeped in lore and tradition, turquoise is a healing and balancing stone. It is most often used for beads, cabochons, carvings, and inlays. Although its popularity fluctuates in fashion, it is a perennial favorite in the American Southwest.
Turquoise and gold ring by Lika Behar, turquoise clasp bracelet by Etienne Perret
How To Wear It: Because turquoise is plentiful, it is also affordable, allowing us to indulge our love for bold fashion forward jewelry. Wear it in big, bold cocktail rings or oversized pendants on long chains or chandelier style earrings.
However you plan to commemorate your special day, celebrate with style and let your inner light shine!
