The gemstone associated with December, turquoise, holds a place as a celebrated birthstone and a popular choice for jewelry. While the provided sources are limited in scope, primarily focusing on retail offerings, they establish turquoise as a significant gem within the birthstone tradition, particularly as featured by retailers like KAY Jewelers. This article will explore the available information regarding this December birthstone, focusing on its presence in the jewelry market and its recognition as a personalized gift option.
History and Lore
The sources do not provide detailed historical information regarding turquoise. However, the emphasis on turquoise as a gift option suggests a continuing tradition of its use for personal adornment and symbolic meaning. The fact that KAY Jewelers offers a turquoise ring with diamonds in 18K Vanilla Gold, priced at $3743.25 (originally $5347.50), indicates a perceived value and desirability associated with the gemstone. This suggests a historical and ongoing appreciation for turquoise beyond its purely aesthetic qualities. Further research, beyond the scope of these sources, would be needed to fully explore the rich history and lore surrounding this gemstone.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not contain any information regarding the geological formation of turquoise or its mining locations. This is a significant gap in the available data. A comprehensive discussion of turquoise would require detailing its formation as a secondary mineral product of copper deposits, often found in arid regions, and identifying key mining areas such as the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada), Iran, and China.
Gemological Properties
The sources do not provide any gemological properties of turquoise, such as its chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or clarity characteristics. A complete gemological profile would include information such as its hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum composition (CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O), its Mohs hardness of 5-6, and its opaque nature. The sources also do not mention the varying shades of blue and green that turquoise exhibits, influenced by the presence of other minerals.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources do not explicitly state any symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with turquoise. However, the emphasis on it as a personalized gift suggests an inherent emotional connection and meaning attributed to the stone. Historically, turquoise has been revered across numerous cultures as a symbol of protection, good fortune, and prosperity. It has been used in amulets and talismans for centuries, believed to ward off negative energy and promote healing. These beliefs, while not present in the provided sources, are integral to understanding the gemstone’s cultural significance.
Market Presence and Retail Offerings
The provided sources primarily highlight the availability of turquoise jewelry through various retailers. KAY Jewelers is prominently featured, offering a high-end turquoise ring with diamonds in 18K Vanilla Gold. This suggests a positioning of turquoise within the luxury jewelry market. Zales is also mentioned in the context of other birthstones, indicating a broader offering of birthstone jewelry, though no specific turquoise pieces are detailed beyond the mention of December’s birthstone. Anthropologie and Amazon are also listed as retailers offering birthstone jewelry, including sapphire, but do not specifically feature turquoise in the provided excerpts. The pricing examples demonstrate a range, from under $100 to over $3700, reflecting variations in design, materials (such as the inclusion of diamonds), and gold content. The inclusion of sales prices ($90.30 - $129 for a Zales bolo bracelet) indicates promotional activity and a dynamic pricing structure.
Turquoise as a Gift
The introductory text from Goodmorningamerica.com emphasizes birthstone jewelry as “the perfect addition to any outfit – and it also makes a great personalized gift!” This framing positions birthstones, including turquoise, as thoughtful and meaningful presents. The article encourages readers to “shop our jewelry picks by month,” further reinforcing the commercial aspect of birthstone gifting. The affiliate disclosure indicates that ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through the provided links, highlighting the commercial intent of the content.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide any information regarding the care and cleaning of turquoise. Given its relatively soft nature and porous structure, turquoise requires specific care to maintain its luster and prevent damage. Typically, turquoise should be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and abrasive materials should be avoided. It is also advisable to store turquoise jewelry separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
Turquoise in Comparison to Other Birthstones
The sources list other birthstones alongside turquoise, providing a brief overview of the birthstone calendar. January is associated with Garnet, February with Amethyst, March with Aquamarine, April with Diamond, May with Emerald, June with Pearl, July with Ruby, August with Peridot, September with Sapphire, October with Opal, and November with Topaz. This listing establishes turquoise within a broader context of birthstone traditions and highlights the diversity of gemstones associated with each month. A table summarizing the birthstones by month, based on the provided sources, is presented below:
| Month | Birthstone |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Pearl |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Opal |
| November | Topaz |
| December | Turquoise |
Limitations of the Sources
The provided sources are severely limited in their scope and depth. They primarily consist of retail listings and a brief promotional article. They lack any substantive information regarding the geological formation, gemological properties, historical significance, or metaphysical beliefs associated with turquoise. The information is heavily biased towards commercial offerings and does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the gemstone. A thorough exploration of turquoise would require consulting a wider range of sources, including gemological publications, historical texts, and geological surveys.
Conclusion
Based on the limited information provided, turquoise is established as the birthstone for December and a popular choice for jewelry, particularly as a personalized gift. KAY Jewelers features a high-end turquoise ring, indicating its presence in the luxury market. However, the sources lack detailed information regarding the gemstone’s geological origins, gemological properties, historical lore, and care requirements. Further research is essential to provide a comprehensive understanding of this captivating and culturally significant gemstone.