This is a special month for my daughter Panika and I because it is our birth month. The traditional birthstone for December’s child is Turquoise and those who wear it are promised prosperity, success, happiness and good fortune. (What’s not to like about that!) It also enhances creativity and serenity… so…. maybe we should all wear this beautiful stone from time to time!
The December Birthstone. From a1-birthstone-jewelry.com
The name was derived from Greek “Turkois” meaning “Turkish” because it was first brought from that country. It has been mined since at least 6,000 BC and found in many ancient Egyptian artifacts. In more recent times, both North American Indians and Tibetans have used this stone extensively in their artwork and it is considered sacred by them.
Antique Turquoise earrings from Lhasa. Courtesy of nomad.hananyanny.com
Turquoise from Arizona, a favorite of Zuni Pueblo silversmiths. From jeweljumble.com
Turquoise is considered the most valuable of non-transparent minerals used in jewelry today. It is the only gemstone belonging to the Phosphates family and contains a small amount of copper which provides the range of colors from which we can choose, from deep green to light sky blue. Some of the most valuable turquoise is mined in Iran but it is found all over the world. I have a lovely piece that comes from a mine in the Bisbee, Arizona area that I plan to make into a piece next year. It is also mined in New Mexico, Australia, Afganistan and China. I’ve even found pieces at an old copper mining site in Alaska called Kennicott.
The December child is curious, makes a wonderful teacher and student and loves both knowledge and people.
If cold December gave you birth,
The month of snow and ice and mirth
Place on your hand a Turquoise blue,
Success will bless whate’er you do.
- Anonymous
Please visit my website to see how I have used the beautiful Turquoise stone in one of my designs.
Tags: birthday, birthstone, jewelry, judie gumm designs, symbolism, turquoise
