December is uniquely represented by not one, but two captivating birthstones: Tanzanite and Blue Topaz. Both gemstones offer a spectrum of beautiful blue hues, making them popular choices for jewelry, particularly dangle earrings. This article will explore the characteristics, history, and significance of these December birthstones, drawing solely from available sources.
A Tale of Two Blues: Historical Context
While both stones are celebrated as December birthstones, their histories and cultural associations differ significantly. Sources focus primarily on the modern recognition of Tanzanite as a December birthstone, with a growing market for Tanzanite rings, earrings, pendants, and necklaces. The availability of Tanzanite in various designs, from solitaire to halo settings, suggests a relatively recent rise in popularity. Blue Topaz, however, has a longer association with December, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in birthstone jewelry, including teardrop and pear-cut dangle earrings.
Geological Origins and Sources
The sources do not detail the geological formation processes of either Tanzanite or Blue Topaz. However, they do indicate that Tanzanite is sourced and crafted into jewelry by specialists at Chordia Jewels. The same source highlights the quality of gemstones and metals used in their creations, emphasizing the authenticity of their Tanzanite products with a certificate of authenticity. Blue Topaz is presented as a gemstone available in various shades, including London Blue Topaz, and is used in jewelry crafted in both sterling silver and 14k gold-filled settings. Swiss Blue Topaz is also mentioned, appearing in stackable rings and spiral pendants.
Gemological Properties and Characteristics
The provided sources offer limited specific gemological data. However, some characteristics can be gleaned. Blue Topaz is described as an elongated gemstone, often cut into teardrop shapes, measuring approximately 16x8mm in some earrings. These earrings, set in 14K yellow gold plated settings, have a total length of 35mm and a drop of 21mm, weighing 3.8g. London Blue Topaz is also available, alongside Swiss Blue Topaz. Tanzanite is described as a pale blue gemstone, often paired with diamonds to enhance its allure. It is available in cushion cuts (6mm) for earrings and is also featured in solitaire, three-stone, and halo designs for pendants and rings. The sources do not provide information on hardness, refractive index, or chemical composition.
A summary of available properties can be presented as follows:
| Gemstone | Color | Common Cuts | Metal Settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Topaz | Blue | Teardrop, Pear | 14K Gold Plated, Silver |
| Tanzanite | Pale Blue | Cushion, Solitaire | Gold, Silver |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources do not explicitly detail the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with either Tanzanite or Blue Topaz. However, the emphasis on gifting these gemstones for December birthdays suggests an association with celebration, affection, and good wishes. The description of Tanzanite as a stone that one will "love for a lifetime" implies a sense of enduring value and emotional connection.
Jewelry Styles and Designs
The sources showcase a diverse range of jewelry designs featuring both Tanzanite and Blue Topaz. Blue Topaz is prominently featured in dangle earrings, with options for both gold-plated and silver settings. Tanzanite appears in rings (solitaire, three-stone, halo), earrings (dangle, studs), pendants (solitaire, halo, with diamonds), and necklaces (spiral, lariat). The designs range from classic and elegant to contemporary and bold, catering to a variety of tastes. Chordia Jewels offers a wide selection of Tanzanite jewelry, including halo rings and dangle earrings. Hannah May specializes in London Blue Topaz huggie hoop earrings. Honey Willow offers December birthstone drop earrings featuring Blue Topaz in silver or gold settings.
Care and Cleaning
Hannah May provides specific care instructions for jewelry, emphasizing the importance of gentle cleaning with a damp cloth and/or polishing cloth. They recommend storing jewelry in a provided microsuede pouch to protect it from exposure to elements that can cause tarnishing or damage. Ensuring the jewelry is completely dry before storage is also advised. These instructions are applicable to both Tanzanite and Blue Topaz jewelry, given their susceptibility to damage from harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
Market Availability and Pricing
The sources indicate a robust market for both Tanzanite and Blue Topaz jewelry. Chordia Jewels offers a range of Tanzanite pieces with sale prices, such as a Tanzanite halo ring initially priced at $4,175.16 reduced to $3,131.37, and Tanzanite dangle earrings initially priced at $797.44 reduced to $598.08. Swiss Blue Topaz diamond earrings are available for $332.13, reduced to $249.10, and a London Blue Topaz pendant is priced at $197.74, reduced to $148.31. Honey Willow offers December birthstone drop earrings for £105.00. These price points suggest a range of affordability, with options available for various budgets.
Conclusion
Tanzanite and Blue Topaz both represent December with their captivating blue hues. While Tanzanite has gained prominence as a modern birthstone, Blue Topaz maintains a long-standing association with the month. Both gemstones are versatile and can be found in a wide array of jewelry designs, from elegant dangle earrings to sophisticated rings and pendants. Proper care, as outlined by Hannah May, will ensure the longevity and brilliance of these beautiful December birthstones. The availability of certificates of authenticity, as offered by Chordia Jewels, provides assurance of quality and value for consumers.