Birthstones

The three birthstones for December are all varying shades of blue: blue topaz, tanzanite and turquoise. Each of these gems has their own unique properties and historical characteristics, and all are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to precious gems, despite having undeniable beauty.

Here’s a bit of information about each of these three December birthstones.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is the blue variety of a mineral called zoisite that is only found in Tanzania (hence the name of the stone). Tanzanite was discovered relatively recently, in 1967, and has since rapidly risen in terms of worldwide popularity.

Most tanzanite you’ll find on the market today has been heat treated to minimize the brown colors that occur naturally in the stone. As a result, the blue shades in the stone get enhanced, and are capable of rivaling even sapphire.

Even with the greater awareness of tanzanite and the greater demand for the stone, it’s still only found in a very small area in Tanzania, close to Mount Kilimanjaro. The price and availability of the stone are therefore tied directly to the mines that produce it in an area of just a few square miles.

In terms of hardness, tanzanite in Sterling Heights, MI comes in between a 6.5 and a 7 on the Mohs scale, not nearly as hard as sapphire and making it a bit vulnerable to scratching. Therefore, it’s better for use in earrings and pendants than it is in rings.

Blue topaz

Blue topaz, also known as blue zircon, is a blue variety of a gem that commonly occurs in a brownish red color, which can make it popular for people looking for a stone with earth tones. The blue color results from heat treatment, which helps to stabilize the radioactivity that can occur in the stone.

The stone is found in a variety of locations, including Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Cambodia, Canada and the United States. The largest producer is Australia, where the stone dates back 4.4 billion years. About 37 percent of the world’s supply of the gem comes from Australia.

Fun fact: in the Middle Ages, people believed blue topaz in Sterling Heights, MI was capable of warding off evil, inducing sleep and promoting financial success and prosperity among its owners.

Turquoise

Most people are familiar with the beautiful light blue-green of turquoise in Sterling Heights, MI. It has been a staple of jewelry collections since ancient times, often referred to as the “Turkish stone,” and the color often referred to as “Persian blue.” Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula was an important historical source of turquoise, but today the United States is the world’s largest supplier, with turquoise being found and produced in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico. The stone’s prevalence in the Southwest made it a Native American staple.

Turquoise can be sensitive to direct sunlight and to solvents found in makeups and perfumes. It also only registers up to a 6 on the Mohs scale, which means it’s not ideal for use in rings.

For more information about these December birthstones, contact Howard’s Fine Jewelry or visit our jewelry store in Sterling Heights, MI today!

It’s November, which means this is the month to bring out your citrine and topaz! People who are born during the month of November are able to choose between either of these gemstones to add a touch of color and brightness to what is otherwise a gray, chilly month in many areas. These stones are beloved for their warmth and calming energy.

It’s fitting that the two are both November birthstones—they are often mistaken for each other, despite being completely unrelated minerals. They look very similar in many circumstances, though topaz has a much wider spectrum of colors than citrine does.

Here’s a brief overview of citrine and topaz in Sterling Heights, MI, courtesy of the team at Howard’s Fine Jewelry.

Topaz

There was a long period of time where all yellow gems were classified as topaz, and all topaz was thought to be yellow. However, we have since learned that topaz comes in a wide variety of colors, and many of the stones that were first classified as topaz are not at all related to it.

The name “topaz” comes from “Topazios,” which was the ancient Greek name for St. John’s Island, located in the Red Sea. The island was famous for the yellow stones that were mined there, although ironically the stones that were pulled from the mines on the island were probably not actually true topaz.

Pure topaz is actually colorless, but its impurities tint it to take on any color you can think of. Precious topaz is generally considered to have a color range from brownish orange to yellow, and it can often be mistaken for citrine quartz or smoky quartz, even though these minerals are completely unrelated to each other. Imperial topaz is perhaps the most prized color—it features a bold orange with pink undertones. Blue topaz is becoming more common in the market, but does not frequently occur naturally—usually the blue topaz you’ll find in stores has been put through irradiation treatments.

Topaz measures an eight on the Mohs scale, which makes it hard and durable.

Citrine

Citrine also comes in a wide range of colors, from pale yellow to brownish orange. This variant of quartz takes its name from the citron (or lemon) fruit, thanks to its lemony shades of yellow.

Its pale yellow color is very similar to topaz, so the confusion between the two is understandable. This yellow color exists because of traces of iron found in the crystals. This does not occur frequently in nature—most of the citrine you’ll find on the market was made with heat treatments of other types of quartz. The vast majority of citrine on the market comes from Brazil, and the different regions of the world tend to produce different hues.

Citrine comes in at a seven on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable and capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear.

For more information about citrine and topaz in Sterling Heights, MI, contact Howard’s Fine Jewelry or visit our jewelry store today!

If you or a loved one has an October birthday, then you probably already know that this month has two special birthstones: pink tourmaline and opal. While opal is much more well known than pink tourmaline, both of these stones have special properties and fascinating histories, making them the perfect gift for anyone with an October birthday—or anyone who appreciates beautiful jewelry!

From your go-to jewelry store, here are some interesting facts about October’s two birthstones, opal and pink tourmaline in Sterling Heights, MI.

Pink tourmaline

• Name and origin: The name “tourmaline” comes from an ancient form of Sinhalese, the language spoken today in Sri Lanka. It should come as no surprise, then, that tourmaline can be found in its natural form in Sri Lanka, as well as the Middle East, Russia and parts of Africa. It can also be found in some coastal parts of the United States—California and Maine, specifically.
• Color variety: While most gems only come in one or two basic shades, tourmaline can be found in a wide range of colors. This makes it a great birthstone, as you can choose a tourmaline piece that as a gift fits the recipient’s unique personality.
• Ruby similarities: We mentioned that tourmaline comes in a wide range of colors. One of those colors—one of the most common for tourmaline, in fact—is a deep pink or red that resembles a ruby. In fact, there have been instances in history when famous designers and royalty have tried to pass off rubellite tourmaline as real rubies.
• Ancient and modern uses: In ancient times, tourmaline was thought to bring insight and goodness to its wearers, and to warn users of impending danger. Today, African and Native American peoples still see this gem as a source of physical and emotional healing.

Opal

• Formed by rain: How exactly opal forms still remains something of a scientific mystery. However, many believe that opal is formed by rainwater dripping in the crevices of a rock, creating a unique, beautifully colorful design.
• Out of this world: Do you have a space enthusiast in your life? If so, opal jewelry might be for them, because this stone has been spotted on the planet Mars! It is one of only a few gems that have been found outside of this planet.
• Ancient meaning: “Opal” is derived from the ancient Greek word “Opallios,” which means “ to see a change of color.” The Greeks thought opal came from the god Zeus’ tears of joy after winning a battle. Ancient Romans, meanwhile, considered opal to be a sign of good fortune.
• Down Under: Ninety-five percent of the world’s opals today come from Australia. In fact, native Australian Aboriginals refer to opal as “God’s footprint.”

With two beautiful and fascinating birthstones to choose from, finding a jewelry gift for your loved one with an October birthday should be a piece of cake! If you are looking for quality opal and pink tourmaline jewelry in Sterling Heights, MI, please come by Howard’s Fine Jewelry, your locally owned jewelry store.