The legacy of birthstones can be traced back to ancient times. The earliest reference to birthstones is found in the Bible, when gems were matched with the twelve months of the year. To this day, birthstone jewelry is extremely popular, making for a stunning and uniquely personal gift.

Though many months are represented only by a single gem, December births are celebrated with five stunning stones to choose from:

1. Tanzanite

2. Blue Zircon

3. Glacier Ice

4. Turquoise

5. Blue Topaz

A variation of the gem Zoisite, Tanzanite is a newcomer to the world of stones. It was discovered as late as 1967 in its namesake African country of Tanzania. • Color: Violet blue. • Carat: Gems five carats or higher will

ensure highest saturation of color. • Cut: Supports a variety of cuts, but oval is

most common. • Meaning: Can treat stress and tension;

may relieve migraine headaches. • Origin: Only mined in Tanzania, Africa. • Standout Features: Tanzanite is

pleochroic, meaning it shows several shades when viewed from different directions.

Zircon is often confused for the artificial diamond simulant, Cubic Zirconia. However, Zircon occurs in a wide range of beautiful colors, including December’s blue birthstone:

• Color: Pastel blue.

• Carat: As weight increases, quality goes down.

• Cut: Often cut in ovals or rounds to enhance brilliance.

• Meaning: Symbolizes luck and prosperity.

• Origin: Most stones are mined in Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia or Burma.

• Standout Features: Possesses double refraction, meaning twice as many facets are visible in every stone.

Glacier Ice is an intensely saturated version of Blue Zircon. It is coveted for its deep blue color that stands out in a variety of uses, whether paired with gold, silver, or even diamonds. Glacier Ice also has a high refractive index, making for an incredibly sparkly stone.

Turquoise was favored by ancient cultures, and, to this day, continues to inspire jewelry lovers and fashion designers alike. • Color: Bluish green. • Carat: Weight is not crucial: it’s more

advantageous to obtain a piece of evenly-colored Turquoise.

• Cut: Can be carved or cut into countless shapes, from beads to cabochons.

• Meaning: Turquoise is said to offer protection from harm.

• Origin: The stone is mined in dry climates, including the deserts of the U.S., Mexico, and Iran.

• Standout Features: The gem’s vibrant color forms after reacting with copper inside the earth.

Topaz comes in a wide range of colors, including ice blue – the perfect complement to December weather.

• Color: Light blue.

• Carat: Topaz is favored in smaller cuts to retain higher quality.

• Cut: Crystals are often cut in oval or pear shapes to improve yield.

• Meaning: Can help balance negative emotions.

• Origin: It is mined all over the world – Russia, most notably.

• Standout Features: Topaz is one of the world’s largest crystals, often sold in kilos, not carats.

Alaska Jewelry carries a variety of pieces featuring December birthstones, for all your holiday gifting needs:

• 1.40 Carat Glacier Ice Trillion Drop Pendant

• 2.38 Carat Tanzanite Drop Earrings with Diamonds

• 4.57Ct Emerald Shape Blue Zircon and Round Diamond Ring

Shop AlaskaJewelry.com for stunning fine jewelry, including a wide selection of December's birthstones. For over 25 years, Alaska Jewelry founders Chris and Tamara Fondell have offered innovative designs for jewelry lovers from their Sitka, Alaska headquarters. For more info, call 1-800-360-5744.

• Slide 4: http://www.gia.edu/tanzanite

• Slide 9:

– http://www.alaskajewelry.com/carat-glacier-trillion-drop-pendant-p-5140.html

– http://www.alaskajewelry.com/carat-tanzanite-drop-earring-with-diamonds-p-11413.html

– http://www.alaskajewelry.com/457ct-emerald-shape-blue-zircon-10011tw-round-diamonds-p-13326.html