The tradition of associating specific gemstones with each month of the year has deep historical roots, offering a personalized connection to the natural world and its treasures. In modern jewelry, particularly within the collections of renowned designers like James Avery, birthstones are celebrated not only for their beauty but also for their symbolic meaning. The "Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant," as detailed in the provided sources, is a prime example of this tradition, offering a selection of twelve birthstones to represent the months of the year. This article will delve into the gemstone designated for the month of December, examining its properties, the sources that provide it, and its place within the broader context of birthstone lore, based exclusively on the information presented in the provided materials.
The December Birthstone in the James Avery Collection
The James Avery "Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant" is a specific piece of jewelry that offers a choice of twelve birthstones. According to the product specifications, the pendant is set with a 3.5mm round faceted birthstone. For the month of December, the available options listed are lab-created Blue Sapphire or Blue Zircon. This distinction is crucial, as the traditional December birthstone has evolved over time, and different sources may list different gems. The James Avery collection, as presented, provides a modern interpretation, focusing on lab-created or treated stones to achieve the desired colors and clarity for a consistent and accessible jewelry line. The pendant itself is crafted in sterling silver or 14K yellow gold and features a cross design, with the stone set at the center. The product description notes that the diamond version has a total weight of .17 carats with SI1 clarity, but for the birthstone versions, the primary gem is the focus. The availability of these stones, including lab-created Blue Sapphire and Blue Zircon, reflects a contemporary jewelry market that values both tradition and technological advancement in gemstone production.
Historical Evolution of the December Birthstone
The concept of a specific birthstone for each month is not a static tradition but one that has seen significant changes, particularly in the 20th century. While the provided sources do not offer a comprehensive history of birthstone traditions, the inclusion of specific gemstones like Blue Zircon and lab-created Blue Sapphire in the James Avery collection points to the modern standards set by the jewelry industry. Historically, the December birthstone has been associated with several different gems. The most prominent traditional stone for December is Turquoise, a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum known for its distinctive sky-blue to greenish-blue color. Turquoise has been prized for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations in Egypt, Persia, and the Americas valuing it for its vibrant color and symbolic significance. Another traditional December stone is Lapis Lazuli, a deep blue metamorphic rock composed primarily of lazurite, which has been used in jewelry and art since antiquity.
In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers (now known as the American Gem Trade Association or AGTA) in the United States published a standardized list of birthstones. This list, which has been updated periodically, aimed to create consistency for the jewelry trade. The original 1912 list designated Turquoise as the birthstone for December. However, in 1952, the list was revised to include Lapis Lazuli as an alternative. Further revisions have added other stones. The modern list, as recognized by the AGTA, includes Turquoise, Blue Zircon, and Tanzanite. The James Avery collection, by offering Blue Zircon and lab-created Blue Sapphire, aligns with these modern interpretations. Blue Zircon, in particular, has gained popularity as a December birthstone due to its brilliant fire and clarity, which can rival that of diamonds. It is a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) that is typically heat-treated to achieve a stable blue color. The inclusion of lab-created Blue Sapphire in the James Avery line is a testament to the industry's embrace of synthetic gems, which offer the same chemical and physical properties as their natural counterparts but at a more accessible price point and with greater environmental control.
Gemological Properties of the December Birthstones
Understanding the physical and chemical characteristics of the December birthstones is essential for both jewelers and consumers. The provided sources specify the stones used in the James Avery pendant as "lab-created Blue Sapphire" and "Blue Zircon." While the sources do not provide detailed gemological data for these specific stones, we can discuss their general properties based on established gemological knowledge, keeping in mind that the James Avery stones are lab-created or treated.
Blue Zircon is a gemstone with a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable for jewelry but requiring some care to avoid scratching. It has a high refractive index (1.92-1.98) and strong dispersion (0.039), which gives it exceptional brilliance and fire, often compared to diamonds. The blue color in natural zircon is typically achieved through heat treatment, which can also improve clarity. Natural blue zircon is rare, and most blue zircon on the market is heat-treated. The James Avery "Blue Zircon" is likely a treated stone to achieve its consistent blue hue.
Lab-created Blue Sapphire is chemically identical to natural sapphire (aluminum oxide, Al₂O₃) but is grown in a controlled laboratory environment. Sapphires have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them one of the hardest gemstones and exceptionally resistant to scratching. The blue color in sapphire comes from trace amounts of iron and titanium. Lab-created sapphires have the same physical and optical properties as natural sapphires, offering a more affordable and ethically consistent alternative. The James Avery pendant uses a 3.5mm round faceted stone, a size that is well-suited for a delicate cross pendant.
Turquoise, the traditional December stone, has a much lower hardness, ranging from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. It is a porous, non-silicate mineral, often treated with oils or resins to enhance its color and stability. Its chemical composition is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. Turquoise is known for its characteristic matrix, or veining, which can range from black to brown. While the James Avery collection does not list turquoise for December in the provided sources, its historical significance cannot be overlooked.
The following table summarizes the key properties of the primary December birthstones:
| Gemstone | Chemical Composition | Hardness (Mohs) | Typical Color | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Zircon | ZrSiO₄ | 6.5 - 7.5 | Blue | High brilliance and fire; often heat-treated; durability varies. |
| Lab-created Blue Sapphire | Al₂O₃ | 9 | Blue | Chemically identical to natural sapphire; very durable; consistent quality. |
| Turquoise | CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O | 5 - 6 | Sky-blue to greenish-blue | Porous; often stabilized; known for its matrix. |
| Tanzanite | Ca₂Al₃(SiO₄)₃(OH) | 6.5 - 7 | Blue-violet | Trichroic; heat-treated to enhance color; softer than sapphire. |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Gemstones have been imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties for millennia. While the provided sources from James Avery focus on the commercial and aesthetic aspects of their birthstone jewelry, the broader cultural context of these stones is rich with lore. The December birthstones, particularly turquoise and zircon, carry significant symbolic weight.
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, revered by ancient Egyptian, Persian, and Native American cultures. It has long been associated with protection, wisdom, and tranquility. In many cultures, turquoise was believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Its color, reminiscent of the sky and water, connects it to concepts of peace and clarity. Native American tribes, such as the Navajo and Zuni, have a profound spiritual connection to turquoise, using it in ceremonies and as a symbol of the earth and sky.
Zircon (not to be confused with cubic zirconia) is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with zircon crystals found in rocks billions of years old. Historically, zircon was believed to promote honor, purity, and wisdom. In medieval Europe, it was thought to encourage sleep and ward off evil. Blue zircon, in particular, is associated with peace and calm, aligning with its cool color. It is also considered a stone of clarity and focus.
Sapphire, including its lab-created counterpart, is traditionally associated with wisdom, truth, and royalty. In ancient Persia, sapphires were believed to be the center of the earth and were used to protect against envy and harm. The deep blue of sapphire has long been linked to the heavens and divine favor. It is also considered a stone of mental clarity and spiritual enlightenment.
Tanzanite, a relatively new addition to the birthstone list (discovered in the 1960s), is associated with transformation and new beginnings. Its unique blue-violet color is believed to stimulate the throat and crown chakras, promoting communication and spiritual insight.
While the James Avery collection offers these stones as beautiful adornments, the historical and cultural symbolism adds a layer of depth for those who wear them. The choice of a December birthstone can be a personal one, influenced by both aesthetic preference and the meaning attached to the gem.
Care and Maintenance of December Birthstones
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any gemstone jewelry. The durability of a gemstone is primarily determined by its hardness and cleavage. Based on the gemological properties discussed, the care instructions for the December birthstones vary.
For the Blue Zircon and lab-created Blue Sapphire featured in the James Avery pendant, the care requirements are relatively straightforward due to their hardness. Sapphire, with a hardness of 9, is highly resistant to scratching and can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. It is also resistant to most chemicals, though harsh acids should be avoided. Blue Zircon, with a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, is also quite durable but can be more susceptible to scratching than sapphire. It should be cleaned similarly with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Both stones can be set in jewelry that is suitable for everyday wear, though caution should be exercised to avoid hard impacts.
Turquoise, being much softer (5-6 on the Mohs scale) and porous, requires more careful handling. It should not be exposed to prolonged water, cosmetics, or chemicals, as these can damage the stone or its stabilization treatment. Cleaning should be done with a soft, dry cloth. Turquoise jewelry is best reserved for occasional wear rather than daily use.
Tanzanite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it relatively durable but softer than sapphire. It is also slightly more prone to cleavage, meaning it can break if struck at a certain angle. Care should be taken to avoid knocks and impacts. Cleaning with warm soapy water and a soft brush is recommended.
For the James Avery "Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant," which features a 3.5mm stone, the care will depend on the specific gem chosen. Given the options of Blue Zircon and lab-created Blue Sapphire, both are suitable for regular wear with proper care. The pendant's sterling silver or gold setting should also be cleaned regularly to maintain its luster. The product description notes that James Avery offers a free return or exchange policy for orders shipped within the U.S., which provides additional assurance for the buyer.
Conclusion
The December birthstone, as presented in the James Avery "Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant," offers a choice between lab-created Blue Sapphire and Blue Zircon. These stones represent the modern evolution of birthstone traditions, blending historical significance with contemporary jewelry design. While traditional stones like turquoise hold a cherished place in history, the modern list reflects a broader array of options, each with its own unique properties and symbolism. Blue Zircon provides exceptional brilliance and fire, while lab-created Blue Sapphire offers unparalleled durability and ethical consistency. Both stones are well-suited for the elegant cross pendant, a piece that serves as both a personal adornment and a symbol of faith or remembrance. Understanding the gemological properties, historical context, and care requirements of these stones allows wearers to appreciate their jewelry on a deeper level, connecting them to a timeless tradition of natural beauty and personal meaning.