The gem used in December birthstone jewelry is the turquoise, a bluish green stone that is a phosphate of aluminum and copper
It’s a rare precious stone that has been used in ornamental pieces and jewelry for thousands of years and was used from approximately 6000 B.C. by the Egyptians. It was a prized gem worn by the kings of the Aztecs and the Pharaohs. It has also been used in lovely ornamental and decorative work by the Persians and Native Americans.
Most specimens mined are extremely small, often so small that they can only be seen using a microscope. The best quality turquoise is found in Iran, Australia, Afghanistan, Arizona, New Mexico and in the South West regions of the US.
The name turquoise is believed to derive from the French word meaning Turkey as it was mistakenly assumed that the gems originated in that country as they were sold in the bazaars to merchants from Venice. Actually they most likely came from Sinai Peninsula or Iran. It may perhaps also have come from the French word pierre turquin which means blue stone. It’s often found in deposits of copper generally in very dry, arid conditions.
Before turquoise was found in the United States the finest quality gems, with a deep blue color, were from Persia and Persian Turquoise is still used in the present day to denote the top quality stones. In the latter part of the 19th century turquoise was discovered in the USA with deposits that matched the quality of the Persian gemstones. At the present time the United States is the major producer of this lovely gemstone used in particular to denote December birthstone jewelry
How the Aztecs Used Turquoise
Turquoise was used extensively by the Aztecs, frequently with gold and many other minerals such as jade, quartz, jet and malachite as well as shells and corals. They used it in masks, shields, knives and mosaics. Some fabulous examples of mosaics that were not destroyed by the Spanish Invaders are exhibited at the British Museum.
Use of Turquoise by the Native Americans
The Pueblo, Apache and Navajo indian tribes used turquoise as a charm often believing it had power to perfect the aim of archers. The original turquoise jewelry fashioned by Native Americans included rings, beads, carvings and mosaics and it was only from around 1880 that the distinctive silver jewelry made. Navajo craftsmen began making jewelry in this type from silver coins for trade with white men.
Looking After Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise is rather soft and must be looked after carefully to avoid being scratched. It can lose it s lustre if heated, or exposed to weak acids or sunlight so you must take care to remove any turquoise jewelry before using hot water or household chemicals.
December Birthstone Jewelry
Turquoise is the gem for December in the current birthstone jewelry scheme. In traditional schemes the birthstones are ruby and zircon. Turquoise jewelry makes a beautiful gift whether set in earrings, pendants, rings or charms. You can read more at December Birthstone Jewelry.
my favorite gemstone is none other than diamond. the most expensive and priceless gemstone ever.,,-
Silver jewelries are expensive but they are very nice.-.”
Diamonds and Rubys are my favorite gemstones, i like the color red and the sparkle of diamond.-”;
i like silver jewelries because they are fashionable without being overly expensive`.”
silver jewelry is quite expensive but they are cool just like gold,.`
the best gemstones would be diamond and topaz, red rubies are great too”*-
silver jewelries are great for giveaways for loved ones~;;
the best and ultimate gemstone is of course diamond because it sparkles and very expensive’.`
gemstones are expensive but when you give a ring with gemstone to your girlfriend, she would really like it `:,