A Case Of The Blues: December’s Birthstone

The month of December claims three gems in different shades of blue as its birthstones: turquoise (the happy blue), tanzanite (the magical purplish blue) and zircon (the regal blue). While all are beautiful in their own right, turquoise is the gem that is a favorite among antique aficionados, vintage devotees and modern jewelry lovers. Its history read (here and here) as well as its ability to brighten up all types of fashion and designers and jewelers’ ongoing fascination with the gem from ancient through modern times, continues to create a strong following of collectors. Its connection to luck and protection also adds to its allure. There was a time when the jewelry industry dictated that one should only wear turquoise in warm weather months or climates, but as fashion gave up its rules on not wearing white before Memorial Day or after Labor so did the jewelry industry’s directive. I can joyously say it is a stone for all times of the year and if you are a December baby, all the more reason to wear turquoise. Modern designers have created styles that run the gamut from chic and bohemian to soulful to timelessly glamorous. The antique pieces reveal the symbolism that dates back to the Victorian era.

Here are modern, antique and vintage turquoise pieces from which to choose, with many of the contemporary pieces based on motifs and symbolism of the past:

CONTEMPORARY

REZA’s 18K white gold Farandole front-facing hoop earrings with turquoise and diamonds.

Storrow’s Large Alana turquoise heart ring with diamond surround.

Jenny D’s 18K yellow gold turquoise stud earrings with ruby accent.s

Jacquie Aiche’s turquoise and lapis Sunshine ring.

Karch Wolfe ‘s 10K gold Mystical Studded Claw pendant with ruby accents.

Jenna Blake’s Turquoise and Diamond Bead necklace.

The Last Line’s 14K yellow gold Perfect Tennis Necklace, each turquoise, is set in delicate prongs. The necklace stands alone or can become a favorite layering piece.

Silva & Cie Honeycomb cabochone set turquoise ring

Effy Jewelry’s 14K gold turquoise and diamond crescent moon and star pendant which can represent “I love you to the moon and stars and back.”

Gemella’s Sweetheart necklace with two different turquoise (green and blue) stones forming the message of two gemstones coming together to create a bond or something new in one’s life.

Anna Maccieri Rossi 18K gold Chevalier ring with turquoise, multi-color sapphires and diamonds

Robinson Pelham’s Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Cascade Pendant (shown on an 18K gold Identity necklace, sold separately)

Silvia Furmanovich Silk Road 18k Gold and Turquoise earrings.

ANTIQUE

S.J. Phillips’ Victorian three-stone turquoise ring with mine-cut diamond surrounds.

Bentley & Skinner’s Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace with flexible tapering body. The turquoise are cut into round cabochons, with different sizes on the head accented by rose cut diamonds and ruby eyes. Circa 1850

A La Vieille Russie’s Pendant Vinaigrette in the form of a book with intricate goldwork and turquoise stones. Circs 1840.

Kentshire’s antique gold, turquoise and pearl cuff bracelet with repeating lozenge-shaped cutouts bridged by diagonal alternating turquoise and pearl stations.

Keyamour’s Victorian 14K yellow gold repousse pendant earrings were likely made in the United States around 1880. The long, dimensional earrings are hollow on the inside and all the details of the earrings are hand wrought. They have scroll and floral motifs in the earrings, which are reflective of the Victorian age, particularly the flowers in the shape of forget-me-nots, for which turquoise was used as it is the color of the flower.

Keyamour’s Victorian rose-cut diamond and turquoise heart locket. The rose-cut diamonds are all evenly matched, and the locket on the back is the original crystal and is intact.