It is December and time to take another look at this month's birthstones.That's right, December has not one, not two but three birthstones.The traditional birthstone is turquoise. This gemstone has a long and distinguished history.You will find examples of turquoise use in Egyptian jewelry.Today, you are more likely to find it included in southwestern style jewelry.The gemstones are often freeform in shape with a rounded domed shaped top.Gem quality turquoise is a medium blue without the black or gray matrix one finds in lower-priced gems. You can find beautiful examples set in antique jewelry.

The second gemstone was added to provide a faceted gemstone alternative for December.This gemstone is zircon.No, this gemstone is not the human-made gemstone cubic zirconia used as a diamond simulate.Zircon is a double refraction gemstone with a height refractive index close to that of the diamond.From the layman's perspective, this means zircon will display similar dispersion, and brilliance one sees in a diamond,Zircon occurs in a variety of colors. Still, the most popular seems to be a light blue similar to that found in blue topaz.Please keep in mind the blue seen in topaz is man-induced.Topaz can occur naturally in blue, but as of today a natural specimen has not been found,blue zircon, on the other hand, has been around since antiquity. It is a beautiful stone in smaller sizes makes great earrings or pendants.The gemstone is relatively soft and is subject to abrasion when mounted in a ring.

The last birthstone for December is Tanzanite.Why tanzanite, you may ask?I don't have the right answer other than to ask why would such a beautiful stone not be included in the birthstone list?Tanzanite is a double refractive gemstone with strong pleochroism. When you rotate the gem, it will often appear as if the gemstone is changing color.Out of the ground, tanzanite crystals are a lime green color.When exposed to heat, the crystals often turn to a purplish-blue to the bluish-purple color we value today.Tanzanite is likewise a soft gemstone.I would prefer to see them set in earrings or pendants like zircon.That said, tanzanite rings are popular.The gem is relatively fragile.Facet junctions on the crown are often subject to wear and abrasion.I would recommend saving your tanzanite rings for those special occasions when you choose to dress up and wear your most exquisite jewelry.

As you can see, December's birthstones provide something for everyone lucky enough to be born in December. But please keep in mind these gems would make a valued addition to your wardrobe as well.