December boasts a unique distinction among the months: it offers not one, but three recognized birthstones – turquoise, blue zircon, and Tanzanite – providing a diverse palette of options for jewelry enthusiasts. While the provided sources focus primarily on jewelry selection and general characteristics, they offer insight into the history, symbolism, and available options for December birthstone rings, including choices suitable for men. This article will explore these gemstones, focusing on their relevance to birthstone jewelry, particularly rings, and their significance as gifts.
A Trio of December Gems
For those born in December, the choice of a birthstone is remarkably versatile. Traditionally, turquoise is the most widely recognized December birthstone. However, blue zircon and Tanzanite offer compelling alternatives, each with its own distinct appeal. The addition of Tanzanite to the list is relatively recent, occurring in 1952, expanding the options available to those seeking a December-themed gemstone. This variety allows for personalized selections based on aesthetic preference and symbolic meaning.
Turquoise: A Stone Steeped in History
Turquoise holds a particularly rich history, cherished for millennia across numerous cultures. Evidence suggests its use dates back thousands of years, with significant historical presence in ancient Egypt, where pharaohs and rulers adorned themselves with turquoise jewelry. King Tutankhamun was even discovered buried with turquoise ornaments, demonstrating its importance in ancient Egyptian society. Similarly, Chinese artists were carving turquoise into intricate masterpieces over 3,000 years ago, highlighting its artistic and cultural value in the East.
Today, turquoise is sourced from several locations, including Iran, China, New Mexico, and Arizona. The gemstone’s appearance is equally captivating, ranging in color from blue to green, often exhibiting a unique characteristic: veins of matrix. This matrix consists of remnants of the rock in which the turquoise formed, making each piece uniquely patterned and visually distinct. This inherent individuality makes turquoise birthstone jewelry a particularly special gift.
Blue Zircon: A Misunderstood Gem
Blue zircon, while a valid December birthstone, is often overshadowed by its synthetic counterpart, cubic zirconia. The similarity in name frequently leads to confusion, with both being utilized as diamond alternatives. However, zircon is a naturally occurring gemstone, displaying a spectrum of colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and brown. The vibrant blue hue commonly found in zircon jewelry is achieved through heat treatment, enhancing its color and brilliance.
Blue Topaz: Calming Beauty in Sterling Silver
The sources highlight the availability of blue topaz rings, specifically crafted in sterling silver with simulated diamonds. Blue topaz is described as possessing calming and soothing properties, symbolizing love and affection. These rings are often plated with platinum to enhance durability and longevity, maintaining their brilliance over time. The platinum plating does, however, restrict resizing options, necessitating custom orders to ensure a perfect fit.
Rings for Men: Turquoise and Beyond
While the provided sources primarily focus on jewelry for women, they do acknowledge the availability of December birthstone jewelry for men. Turquoise beaded bracelets, including those with Heishi beads, are specifically mentioned as suitable options. A turquoise pocket knife is also presented as a functional and versatile gift for men. While rings are not explicitly detailed for men, the versatility of turquoise suggests its suitability for masculine ring designs. The sources do not provide details on zircon or Tanzanite rings specifically for men.
Gemological Properties and Characteristics
The sources offer limited detail regarding the specific gemological properties of these birthstones. Blue topaz is noted for its brilliance and is set in 925 sterling silver. Turquoise is described as ranging from semi-translucent to opaque. Zircon’s color range is mentioned, but no specific details regarding hardness, refractive index, or chemical composition are provided. The rings described feature simulated diamonds as accents, enhancing the overall sparkle and appeal.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Blue topaz is specifically associated with calming and soothing properties, symbolizing love and affection. The sources do not elaborate on the symbolism of turquoise or zircon beyond their historical significance. Turquoise, given its ancient use by rulers and artists, can be interpreted as a symbol of power, protection, and artistic expression.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care instructions for the gemstones. However, given that the rings are crafted from sterling silver with platinum plating, standard silver cleaning practices would apply. Gentle polishing with a silver cloth can help maintain the shine. It is advisable to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, which could damage the plating or the gemstones.
Purchasing Considerations
The sources emphasize the importance of selecting a reputable jeweler, such as Fink’s Jewelers, to ensure quality and craftsmanship. Custom orders are available for rings with platinum plating, allowing for a precise fit. The rings are presented in elegant packaging, making them ideal for gifting. A satisfaction guarantee is offered, providing assurance of quality and customer service. Shipping and in-store pickup options are available, offering convenience for customers.
A Note on Simulated Diamonds
The rings described utilize simulated diamonds as accents. It is important to note that simulated diamonds are not natural diamonds; they are created in a laboratory to mimic the appearance of diamonds. While they offer a similar aesthetic at a lower cost, they do not possess the same hardness or brilliance as natural diamonds.
Conclusion
December’s birthstones – turquoise, blue zircon, and blue topaz – offer a diverse range of options for jewelry enthusiasts. Turquoise, with its rich history and unique matrix patterns, remains a popular choice. Blue zircon provides a vibrant alternative, while blue topaz offers calming beauty in elegant sterling silver settings. While the sources primarily focus on jewelry selection and general characteristics, they demonstrate the availability of thoughtful and lasting gifts for those born in December, including options suitable for men. The versatility of these gemstones ensures that there is a perfect December birthstone ring to suit every taste and preference.