December Birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon

A birthday in December gives you lots to celebrate - and many birthstones to choose from. Three brilliant blue stones are representative of this last month in the calendar year, and though they all share a color hue, they are quite different in their histories, their qualities, and their appeal. 

Turquoise 

This earthy gemstone has been noted as a staple in human adornment since the earliest recorded years of history, all over the globe. Egyptian, Native American, Aztec, and Chinese cultures are just a few who used turquoise to embellish the living and honor the deceased. Europe first was introduced to the gem when it was brought from Persian mines to Turkey to showcase at bazaars. “Turquois” is the French word for “Turkish,” hence the name given to the bluish green gem. Turquoise has long carried spiritual significance, specifically within the Native American culture which considers the stone to be a living force, capable of healing. Many civilizations honor the ability of turquoise to protect its wearer and bring good luck. 

Tanzanite 

In distinct comparison to turquoise, tanzanite is a very new and rare gem, having only come into popular fashion around 60 years ago. Not surprisingly, the gem is found in Tanzania, mined at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Because this is the only known source of Tanzanite, some forecasters anticipate the supply may reach its end in the upcoming future. Tiffany & Co. popularized tanzanite when the founder’s great grandson fell in love with the gem, which boasts a gorgeous purplish blue color. Depending on the way it is cut and the angle at which it is looked at, it has the ability to appear as two or even three different colors. Naturally occurring purple and blue tanzanite is extremely rare - more often it is brought to this beautiful state by heating the brownish mineral, zoisite, until it changes the oxidation enough to create a cool blue hue. 

Dew Drop with Tanzanite

Zircon 

Blue Zircon Atomic Posts

Though it may be the least well known of the three, zircon holds its own as a stunning blue gem with a richness that rivals its more prominent gemstone counterparts. The luster of zircon is due to its high refractive index, creating a kind of “doubling” of the light inside. When well cut, it shines with a brilliance and light similar to a diamond, and actually has a history of being used as a diamond alternative. Most rough zircon is originally brown and can be transformed into either a crystal blue or a colorless state using heat treatment. Here at Keith Field Goldsmith, we hold zircon in high esteem for its beauty paired with its accessibility and feature it often in our pieces. Beyond just being stunning to look at, zircon is considered a “stone of virtue” which can bestow honor, wisdom, and equilibrium on its wearer. Zircons have long been representative of purity and commitment.

A Holiday Message

It feels comforting to celebrate the joy of the season with you all this year. 

Over these past difficult months, we've all felt a shift. We've shifted our focus towards the people we value most in our lives, and finding new and creative ways to foster those relationships. We've shifted towards finding joy in life's most simple pleasures; towards the small but tangible treasures that we can see and hold and cherish. 

Some of those small treasures we’ve been most looking forward to sharing with you are the pieces in our Atomic Collection, specifically the ones which feature our own Maine tourmaline stones. These pieces are especially important to us now, as they pay tribute to the beautiful, resilient place we call home. 

The brilliant green-blue of the tourmaline stone is set within a rose gold or yellow gold bezel, and suspended within a frame of hand-forged white or yellow gold. We crafted the Atomic collection with fluid lines to create an earthy and organic feel - we think it’s an ideal match for a stone with its own natural beauty. 

It has always been one of our core beliefs that beautiful objects, crafted by both artists and by nature, have the unique ability to open us up to joy and wonder. Being a small part of that celebration continues to be an honor, and we thank you for the opportunity to share what we love with you. 

During this holiday season in particular, we hold tight to those simple opportunities for finding joy. We hope our jewelry can serve as a reminder that the world is full of surprises, beauty, and enchantment. If ever there were a time to focus on what's beautiful in the world, it is now.

Gingko Leaves - A Story of Hope

Ginkgo leaves are not only beautiful in their form and structure, but are celebrated symbols of hope, strength, and resilience. The tree on which the leaf grows - the ginkgo tree - is native to Southeast Asia, and now flourishes in parts of the United States as well. The lifespan of the ginkgo can be well over a thousand years, and its existence has been traced back to before the Mesozoic Era. Since other organisms existing at this time are now extinct, the ginkgo tree is considered a true “living fossil.”

New 2020 Ginkgo Leaf earrings by Keith Field.

Its historic existence and longevity is only one part of this remarkable tree, which has become known as an expert in survival. During the atomic explosion on Hiroshima, which devastated plant, animal, and human lives, ginkgo trees remained alive - and even generated new growth within days of the bombing. The distinct and elegant leaves of the gingko have come to represent peace amidst destruction; stability during upheaval; hope in the face of despair.

Significant Tourmaline pendant set in handmade ginkgo leaves in Art Nouveau Style.

Christmas Gifts Under $250 She Will Wear Every Day of the Year

A dramatic, high priced jewelry piece is wonderful for a special occasion, but there are many pieces that fall in an affordable price range and also offer serious longevity in their wear. Below is a list of some of our favorite picks. 

Handmade Hoops Trends come and go, but hoop earrings remain a staple in every wardrobe. Handmade hoops that are unique but still classic can be worn with jeans to the store or with a dress to a party. Classic silver lends itself to ultimate versatility.

Dew Drop forged earrings by designer Keith Field. $145. Several earring styles available.

Classic Silver Bangles One of the best things about a bangle is that it can be worn with other bracelets, or as a stand alone statement. Paired with another piece, it adds drama and interest; alone, it feels delicate and special. No matter what the occasion, a bangle never looks out of place.

Handmade sterling bangles by designer Keith Field. $125+. See variations available in store.

Pearl Studs As soon as she has a pair of pearl studs in her jewelry box, she’ll realize just how often they feel like the exact right thing. As appropriate to wear on a kayak ride as they are to the theatre, pearls are the classic staple she may not know she was missing.

Akoya Salt Water Cultured Pearl stud earrings with gold posts. $139+.

A Unique, Personal Piece It goes without saying that you want to know your recipient’s tastes well if you go this route. Assuming you have a good understanding of what is important to her and what style she leans towards, picking a piece that encapsulates that can be the most thoughtful gift of all. For instance, a woman who values craftsmanship, art, and finery will cherish these unique tulip earrings.

Tulip Earrings by Maine Designer Jayne Redman. $200 (in silver wire configuration)

Coastal Themed Sentimental value adds a tremendous amount of worth to a simple jewelry piece. If your recipient is a lover of the Maine coast, a piece that celebrates the ocean can be a keepsake for her for many years to come. Something as simple as this silver lobster claw on a chain can remind her of family, friends, and her love for the place she calls home.

Small lobster claw in sterling silver. $77 on silver 18 inch chain.

Still stuck on what to choose? A gift card is always an option - along with the gift of spending time shopping for something together!