To fulfill the request effectively, I will provide a detailed summary of the information available in the sources regarding these two gemstones, focusing on their presentation in jewelry, available cuts, settings, and zodiac associations.
December Birthstones: A Jewelry Market Perspective on Turquoise and Tanzanite
The designation of December's birthstone is traditionally shared by several gemstones, with Turquoise and Tanzanite being the most prominent in the modern jewelry market. The provided sources offer a snapshot of how these stones are utilized in current jewelry design, specifically focusing on bracelets. While the sources do not delve into the geological formation or historical lore of these gems, they provide valuable insight into current consumer preferences regarding style, setting, and presentation.
Market Trends in December Birthstone Bracelets
Based on the product listings found in the sources, jewelry designers are currently utilizing both Turquoise and Tanzanite in distinct ways. The market appears to favor natural stones set in Sterling Silver, creating a high-contrast aesthetic that highlights the unique coloration of each gem.
Turquoise: The Classic Choice
The sources identify Turquoise as a primary December birthstone, featured in multiple product variations. The listings suggest a preference for showcasing the stone's natural, organic character.
- Cuts and Shapes: The product descriptions highlight "Rough Shape" and "Oval-Marquise" cuts. This indicates a trend toward preserving the natural, irregular contours of the turquoise nuggets rather than adhering to strictly faceted geometric shapes.
- Size Variations: The stones used in these bracelets vary significantly in size, with dimensions listed as:
- 15.5x8mm
- 18x13mm
- 12x8mm-12x6mm
- Settings: The stones are predominantly secured in bezel-settings or bead-settings. These settings are practical for "rough shape" stones, offering protection to the gem which can vary in hardness and porosity.
Tanzanite: The Modern Alternative
Tanzanite is also presented as a December birthstone option within the sources, offering a distinct visual profile compared to Turquoise.
- Cuts and Shapes: Unlike the rougher cuts often associated with Turquoise in these listings, Tanzanite is presented with more precision. Shapes include "Rough Shape" (implying raw crystals) and "Round-Oval Shape," suggesting a mix of raw and faceted styles.
- Size Variations: The dimensions for Tanzanite bracelets include:
- 11x7mm-8x6mm
- 6mm-7x5mm
- 18x13mm
- Settings: Similar to Turquoise, Tanzanite is set in bezel-settings. The use of Sterling Silver settings is consistent across both gemstone types, likely to complement the cool blue-to-violet hues of Tanzanite.
Zodiac Associations and Gift Market
A recurring theme in the product descriptions is the association of these bracelets with specific zodiac signs. The sources list the following signs as being connected to December birthstone jewelry:
- Sagittarius
- Capricorn
- Aquarius
- Pisces
- Aries
The marketing language within the sources ("Perfect gifts for her, birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentines day") highlights that these items are positioned primarily within the gift market. The pricing structure observed in Source [1] (e.g., $99.00 - $189.00) suggests a mid-range market positioning, accessible for gift-giving occasions.
Summary of Available Data
The provided sources offer a limited view of December birthstones, restricted to commercial product data. Key takeaways include:
- Dual Representation: Both Turquoise and Tanzanite are actively marketed as December birthstones.
- Design Aesthetic: There is a strong preference for Sterling Silver settings and "Rough Shape" or naturalistic cuts, particularly for Turquoise.
- Zodiac Integration: The jewelry is explicitly marketed to specific zodiac signs, broadening its appeal beyond just birth month.
To write a comprehensive article of 2000 words, information regarding the chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, mining locations, historical lore, and care instructions would be required, which is absent from the provided product listings.
Sources
- https://lustrelight.co/collections/december-birthstone-bracelets
- https://www.gorjana.com/collections/december-birthstone-jewelry
- https://www.amazon.com/December-Birthstone-Bracelet/s