December’s Gemstones: Turquoise, Blue Topaz, and Tanzanite – A Guide to Personalised Birthstone Jewellery

December boasts a trio of beautiful gemstones associated with its month: turquoise, blue topaz, and tanzanite. These stones are frequently featured in personalised jewellery, particularly necklaces incorporating initials, offering a unique and meaningful gift. This article will explore the use of these gemstones in contemporary jewellery, focusing on their presentation and the significance of choosing them for bespoke pieces.

The popularity of birthstone jewellery has seen a resurgence, with personalised options like initial necklaces being particularly sought after. Several retailers offer charm necklaces featuring both a birthstone and an initial, handmade from materials like sterling silver and 18k gold vermeil. These pieces are often described as “bestselling staples,” indicating a strong consumer demand for this type of customisation. The gemstones themselves are described as “ethically sourced natural gemstones,” a detail increasingly important to consumers.

Personalised Jewellery Trends

The current trend focuses on combining birthstones with initials to create highly personal pieces. These necklaces typically feature a gemstone measuring approximately 17mm x 8mm with a thickness of 4mm, alongside an initial charm around 8mm x 6mm. Chain lengths commonly range from 16 to 20 inches, often with extender chains to allow for adjustable wear. The total weight of these necklaces varies, with examples weighing around 3.63g.

Several retailers offer options for the metal used in the necklace, including sterling silver, 18k gold vermeil, and gold-plated options. The choice of metal allows for a range of price points and aesthetic preferences. Some artisans also offer the option of crafting pieces in 9ct yellow, rose, or white gold, with smaller birthstone charms measuring around 2mm with the gold surround adding roughly 3mm to the overall size.

Turquoise: The Traditional December Stone

Traditionally, turquoise is recognised as the December birthstone. It is frequently used in personalised necklaces, often paired with sterling silver. The gemstone is described as representing the December birthstone, and is incorporated into charm necklaces alongside the wearer’s initial. The materials used in these pieces are often handmade, emphasizing the craftsmanship involved.

Blue Topaz: A Modern Alternative

Blue topaz has emerged as a popular alternative December birthstone, particularly in the UK and other regions. Honey Willow specifically highlights blue topaz as the birthstone for December, featuring it in personalised silver necklaces. These pendants are approximately 10mm in diameter, suspended from a 16-inch chain with a 2-inch extender. The necklaces are handmade in Bath, England, by a family-run business established in 2010.

Tanzanite: A Stone of Self-Exploration

Tanzanite is another gemstone associated with December, though less frequently mentioned than turquoise or blue topaz in the provided sources. However, it is highlighted for its unique metaphysical properties. Tanzanite is described as a stone of self-exploration, transmuting energy into high vibrations and promoting insight and self-awakening. Its violet-blue colour is considered calming, protective, and meditative, aiding in emotional release and intuitive knowing. It is also linked to career change and purposeful communication, connecting the crown, third eye, and throat chakras.

Gemstone Properties and Symbolism (Based on Limited Sources)

While the provided sources do not delve deeply into the gemological properties of these stones, some symbolic meanings are mentioned. Tanzanite, in particular, is associated with specific energetic qualities. Citrine, the November birthstone, is briefly mentioned alongside Tanzanite, and is described as a powerful stone carrying the energy of the sun, promoting creativity, warmth, and abundance. It is believed to energise all areas of life and cleanse the chakras.

The sources primarily focus on the aesthetic appeal and personalisation aspects of the gemstones rather than detailed scientific properties like hardness, refractive index, or chemical composition. The emphasis is on the emotional connection and symbolic meaning associated with wearing a birthstone.

Craftsmanship and Materials

The necklaces described in the sources are typically handmade, highlighting the skill and artistry involved in their creation. Materials used include sterling silver, 18k gold vermeil, and gold-plated options. Some artisans offer the choice of 9ct gold in yellow, rose, or white colours. The use of gold-filled chains and clasps is also noted, indicating a commitment to quality and durability.

The process of creating these personalised necklaces involves engraving initials and carefully setting the gemstones. Retailers often allow for custom requests, such as different chain lengths or the addition of multiple birthstone drops.

Purchasing and Shipping Information

Several retailers offer worldwide shipping, with estimated delivery times varying by region. Delivery is typically tracked and requires a signature upon arrival. International deliveries may be subject to additional taxes and customs charges, which are the responsibility of the purchaser. Some retailers offer faster shipping options for an additional fee.

Warranty and Returns

FulyLove provides a 1-year warranty on all its items, covering manufacturing defects. This demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction and product quality. Retailers typically allow for returns and exchanges, subject to their individual policies.

Table of Gemstone Associations

Gemstone	Month	Metal Options	Typical Pendant Size	Chain Length (approx.)
Turquoise	December	Sterling Silver	17mm x 8mm x 4mm	18 inches
Blue Topaz	December	Sterling Silver	10mm diameter	16 + 2 inch extender
Tanzanite	December	Gold, Silver	2mm (with surround 3mm)	Variable

Conclusion

December’s birthstones – turquoise, blue topaz, and tanzanite – offer a range of options for those seeking meaningful and personalised jewellery. The current trend of combining birthstones with initials creates unique pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant. The craftsmanship involved, the choice of materials, and the symbolic meanings associated with each gemstone contribute to the enduring appeal of these birthstone necklaces. While the provided sources focus primarily on the jewellery aspect and less on detailed gemological information, they highlight the growing demand for personalised and ethically sourced birthstone jewellery.