True Blue Turquoise-One Of December’s Birthstones

Jenna Blake’s 18K gold and turquoise heart padlock for Have a Heart x Muse .

This month we celebrate ‘the blues’ in the three birthstones of December: zircon, Tanzanite and turquoise.  All are different hues in the color wheel, yet turquoise is the popular choice among modern designers as it evokes a joyous feeling, is reportedly one of the earliest stones used in jewelry and is chock full of lore and legend, symbolism and sentimentality.  Historically, the earliest turquoise stones originated in Persia and were known for their pure, robin’s egg blue color. The gem also gives off a bluish-green hue, depending on what country/mine produces it. Turquoise was named after the French expression pierre torques, or “Turkish stone”, due to the trade route the stone traveled from Turkey to Medieval Europe.

Emily P. Wheeler’s 18K yellow gold Sail Choker with Persian turquoise and emeralds 

A talisman since ancient times, it has been carved into amulets that brought good fortune and protected the wearer from evil and harm.  In the 19th century,  the Victorians, deemed turquoise to be fashionable due to the new calibre cuts, bombe and pavé settings that covered the head of serpent motifs or the full body of a dove. It was also the gemstone of the forget-me-not flower, symbolizing remembrance and friendship and true love when designed into all categories of jewelry.

Storrow’s 14K gold turquoise, pearl and diamond Emily charm

Well-known for its roots in Native American jewelry which reached heights of popularity in the 1970s—pieces such as inlaid silver rings, dangling earrings and various Southwestern turquoise cuffs—have hit a responsive chord with a new generation for who these pieces have become vintage and collectible. 

Modern designers have pulled from myriad time periods and styles to create pieces that give a nod to the past but are contemporary in design, spirit, with pieces created predominantly in high carat gold.  So if you want to embrace turquoise as your first choice in birthstone, it will provide a range of styling and is believed to bring contentment, luck and friendship into the wearer’s life. Who could ask for more from a birthstone?

Here and throughout, a range of turquoise pieces for the December baby and for anyone who appreciates the beauty and meaning of the stone:

Marlo Laz ‘s 14K yellow gold Eyecon ring with turquoise, pink tourmaline, and white diamonds 

Paul Morelli tiered chandelier 18K gold, turquoise and ruby earrings

Berlinger’s 14K ring with turquoise surround and diamond center.

Nakard’s sterling silver and black rhodium small turquoise enameled Heart Riviere necklace 

Harwell Godfrey’s 18K gold cigar band ring with turquoise bead, gemstone and diamond details.

Amali Jewelry’s long woven 18K yellow gold and turquoise bead necklace.

Brent Neale’s turquoise and diamond Wildflower earrings

Retrouvai’s Lollipop Pendant in turquoise with pear shaped amethyst

Jenna Blake’s 14K gold Pryamid Stone turquoise hoops

L’Atelier Nawbar 18K yellow gold, turquoise and diamond bangle 

Sorellina’s heart shaped 18K gold and turquoise Push Button Locket with diamonds and pink sapphires

Ray Griffiths’ turquoise drop earrings dangling from faceted bezel set blue topaz

Orly Marcel’s 18K gold Ajna Inlay ring in turquoise, with center of pink sapphire.