Celebrate December birthdays with a personalised birthstone necklace that’s as unique as they are. Featuring the stunning blue tones of turquoise, each piece is crafted to be a meaningful and timeless keepsake. Whether you choose an engraved pendant or a delicate stone setting, these necklaces make the perfect birthday gift. Explore Abbott Lyon’s personalised December birthstone necklace collection below. (1) The December birthstone is traditionally associated with turquoise, a gemstone prized for its distinctive blue-to-green hues. However, modern jewelry markets frequently present an alternative: turquoise magnesite. This article delves into the gemological properties, historical significance, and contemporary jewelry applications of both stones, as reflected in the provided materials. It will explore their formation and sources, their roles in birthstone lore, and practical considerations for care and cleaning, providing a comprehensive guide for gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry buyers.
Historical Significance and Birthstone Lore
The association of turquoise with the month of December has deep historical roots. While the provided materials do not detail the ancient origins of this tradition, they firmly establish its modern recognition. The gemstone's journey to becoming a standard birthstone is embedded in cultural practices, and its significance is reflected in contemporary gift-giving. Jewelry pieces are explicitly marketed as "December birthstone" necklaces, emphasizing their suitability for those born in this month. (1, 2, 3)
The materials highlight a strong commercial and cultural link between the stone and the concept of personalized, meaningful gifts. The blue tones of the gemstone are repeatedly described as "stunning" and "moody blue," underscoring its aesthetic appeal. (1, 3) This visual characteristic is central to its identity as a December stone, often associated with winter skies and calm waters. The tradition of gifting birthstone jewelry is presented as a way to "celebrate December birthdays" and add "a whole new meaning" to the birth month. (1, 2)
A notable development in the modern market is the use of turquoise magnesite. The provided sources clarify that this is a distinct material from natural turquoise. It is described as a "natural calming turquoise magnesite stone," suggesting it is a mineral composite rather than a gemstone in the traditional sense. (2) The term "dyed turquoise magnesite" is used, indicating that the material is treated to achieve its blue color, which mimics the appearance of natural turquoise. (2) This practice allows for the creation of jewelry that retains the visual theme of the December birthstone while potentially offering different textural or cost characteristics. The presence of both materials in the market demonstrates how traditional birthstone associations have evolved to include a variety of gemological substances that fulfill the aesthetic and symbolic role of the classic stone.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided materials offer limited information on the geological origins of these stones, focusing instead on their application in jewelry. However, some details can be inferred from the product descriptions.
Turquoise is a classic gemstone, and while its specific mining locations are not detailed in the sources, its historical presence as a mined mineral is well-established in broader gemological literature. The sources, however, do not provide specific geographic origins for the turquoise used in the jewelry pieces mentioned.
In contrast, turquoise magnesite is explicitly identified as a specific mineral. The product descriptions note that it is a "natural" stone, suggesting it is mined rather than synthetically produced. (2) Magnesite is a magnesium carbonate mineral, and its formation typically occurs in metamorphic rocks or through the alteration of magnesium-rich ultramafic rocks. When dyed to resemble turquoise, it becomes a popular and accessible material for jewelry design. The sources indicate that this material is used in a "calming" context, which may refer to its visual properties rather than any inherent geological formation process.
The jewelry pieces themselves are crafted from various metals, including 18ct Recycled Gold Plated Vermeil on Recycled Sterling Silver and Sterling Silver. (2, 3) The use of recycled metals is a noted feature, aligning with modern consumer values regarding sustainability. The craftsmanship is described as "handcrafted," emphasizing the artisanal quality of the pieces. (2) The dimensions of specific pendants are provided (e.g., 12.2mm x 11mm x 1.8mm), offering precise details for potential buyers. (2)
Gemological Properties
The gemological properties of the stones are primarily discussed in the context of their use in jewelry, with a focus on color, cut, and carat weight (implied by dimensions and weight).
Color and Appearance
The defining characteristic of both stones is their blue coloration. For turquoise, the "stunning blue tones" are its most celebrated feature. (1) For turquoise magnesite, the color is achieved through dyeing, resulting in a "moody blue" hue. (3) The visual appeal is central to their selection for December-themed jewelry.
Cut and Form
The stones are typically cut for use in pendants. The provided examples feature a "ridged pendant" design, where the stone is set into a metal frame with a central star motif. (2) This setting style protects the stone and enhances its visual impact. The dimensions of the magnesite stone (12.2mm x 11mm x 1.8mm) indicate a relatively flat, cabochon-like cut suitable for pendant wear. (2)
Hardness and Durability
The sources do not provide specific Mohs hardness values for either stone. However, practical care instructions are given, which imply certain durability characteristics. The recommendation to store the jewelry in a "cool, dry place" and clean it with a "soft non-abrasive cloth" suggests that both stones may be susceptible to damage from abrasion, chemicals, or moisture. (2) This is consistent with the known properties of natural turquoise (Mohs hardness ~5-6) and magnesite (Mohs hardness ~3.5-4.5), both of which are relatively soft and porous gemstones.
Chemical Composition
The sources specify that turquoise magnesite is a "dyed" material. (2) Magnesite's chemical formula is MgCO₃ (magnesium carbonate). Natural turquoise is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum. The provided materials do not detail the chemical composition of the natural turquoise used, but they do confirm the use of dyed magnesite as an alternative.
Jewelry Specifications
The jewelry pieces are constructed with specific metals and dimensions. A table summarizing the key properties of the example pendant necklace (Source 2) is provided below for clarity:
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Gemstone | Dyed Turquoise Magnesite |
| Metal | 18ct Recycled Gold Plated Vermeil on Recycled Sterling Silver |
| Pendant Dimensions | 12.2mm x 11mm x 1.8mm |
| Chain Length | 45cm, adjustable from 41cm - 45cm |
| Total Weight | 4.45g |
| Product Code | BSH-G-N1-CH2-TQ |
This table illustrates the detailed specifications often provided in modern jewelry e-commerce, allowing for informed purchasing decisions.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The provided materials hint at symbolic meanings associated with the stones, though they are presented more as marketing attributes than formal metaphysical claims.
Turquoise is traditionally associated with protection, luck, and calmness. The sources describe it as having "stunning blue tones" that are likely linked to these positive attributes. (1) The act of gifting a turquoise necklace is framed as offering a "meaningful and timeless keepsake," imbuing the stone with sentimental value beyond its physical form. (1)
For turquoise magnesite, the symbolism is directly stated: it is a "natural calming turquoise magnesite stone." (2) This positions the stone as an agent of tranquility and peace. The "moody blue" color of the jewelry collection is also associated with a certain emotional depth. (3) While the sources do not elaborate on specific cultural or historical metaphysical beliefs, they clearly leverage the gemstone's traditional symbolic associations to market the jewelry as emotionally resonant and personally significant.
Care and Cleaning
Proper maintenance is essential for preserving the beauty and integrity of jewelry featuring these stones. The provided care instructions are straightforward and based on the materials' properties.
The primary recommendation is to store the jewelry in a cool, dry place. (2) This is crucial for porous stones like turquoise and magnesite, which can be damaged by prolonged exposure to moisture, heat, or humidity, potentially leading to discoloration or structural weakness.
Cleaning should be performed with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. (2) This gentle method avoids scratching the relatively soft stone surfaces or wearing away any dyed coatings on the magnesite. The use of abrasive cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, or steam cleaning is not recommended, as these can damage the stone or the metal settings.
The sources also note that the jewelry is "handcrafted with recycled metal elements." (2) While this speaks to sustainability, it also implies that the pieces may require careful handling to maintain their finish. The vermeil coating (gold over sterling silver) can wear over time with improper care, so avoiding contact with harsh chemicals (e.g., perfumes, lotions, cleaning agents) is also advisable.
Conclusion
The December birthstone tradition, as illustrated by the provided materials, encompasses both the classic turquoise and the contemporary turquoise magnesite. While natural turquoise carries the weight of historical significance and gemological prestige, turquoise magnesite offers a visually similar alternative that aligns with modern jewelry design and sustainability trends through the use of recycled metals. Both stones are celebrated for their captivating blue hues, which are central to their symbolic association with calmness and meaning. Their relatively soft nature necessitates careful handling and specific cleaning methods to ensure their longevity as cherished keepsakes. For gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry buyers, understanding the distinction between these materials—their origins, properties, and care requirements—is key to appreciating the full value and beauty of December birthstone jewelry.