December - Turquoise, Blue Topaz or Zircon
What’s old is new again! Turquoise has been used as valuable adornment for thousands of years, but today it is again one of the most fashionable gems in town.
Turquoise Talismans
The Egyptian Pharaohs adorned not only their bodies, but all varieties of decorative items, including their grave furnishing, with this magnificent, prized blue gemstone. Esteemed as a holy stone, turquoise talismans of good fortune adorned daggers, sabers and bridles of horses throughout history. Levantine traders commonly known as Turks brought turquoise to Europe from the Eastern Mediterranean. Hence the name turquoise, a term used to describe any color that resembles this stunning gemstone.
For centuries the most valued turquoise came from Iran (Persia). These stones were a pure robin egg blue without any black or brown veining and were called “Persian turquoise”. This term has become synonymous with describing turquoise of the finest quality.
Since about 200 B.C. U. S. Native Americans and Indian tribes in Mexico have used turquoise extensively. The Aztecs used this holy stone to decorate their ceremonial masks. Today the majority of the world’s finest-quality turquoise comes from the United States. If you are a thrill seeker, you might want to wear a turquoise. All over the world, this stone has been worn to protect against the powers of darkness and disaster.
In modern gem therapy, it is recommended that those suffering from depression wear a turquoise or chain of turquoise beads. You can’t help but feel happy and cheerful when you wear the blue color of the sky and the stimulating green of the sea combined! December girls, don’t be blue … wear blue!
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz, December’s alternative birthstone, is one of the most popular gemstone sold today, due to its affordability and beautiful rich hues, which resemble intense blue aquamarine. These shades of topaz rarely form in nature. The vast majority of blue topaz is treated, usually with a combination of heat and irradiation to enhance the color. Don’t worry, you won’t become radioactive if you wear this lovely stone.
Blue topaz’s treatment presents no hazard to the wearer and after all, blue topaz hold all the same spectacular powers as the golden hued varieties discussed under November’s birthstone. Virtually cut in every shape and size, blue topaz will make every girl feel like every day is a holiday!
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Tags: aquamarine, beads, birthstone, blue topaz, gems, gemstone, stone, talismans, turquoise