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by Suzanne Sachs • 5 min read

THE BASICS --

The December birthstone turquoise, is a romantic choice for an engagement ring, especially if you love nature, the sea, or lakes. Turquoise represents life and hope across many cultures, and its peaceful blue-green colors are perfect for an outdoors proposal. Look no further than turquoise the stunning birthstone for this romantic month.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

What is the December Birthstone?

Also known as callais, the December birthstone, turquoise is a stunning blue-green mineral with a chemical complex that includes aluminum, copper and phosphate. Unlike many other gems, this stone is opaque and while purely colored, plain gems are the most valued, strong inclusions that create a delicate marbling or web texture in the stone in shades of white, brown or black can be just as desirable.

Where Does Turquoise Come From:

Most turquoise comes from the Americas, especially the American Southwest and Mesoamerica, or from the Middle East. Ancient Aztecs and Egyptians used this beautiful stone extensively in masks as well as jewelry. In the New World, Aztecs used turquoise in mosaics and masks, and the stone has been used by many Native American peoples in amulets and pendants, including the Pueblo, Navajo and Apache tribes.

What is the Turquoise Color?

Just like with matrix, while a pure blue is the most valuable, your personal taste is most important in deciding what color turquoise you want. Turquoise ranges from a very pale blue to a rich, deep blue-green. Fortunately, these colors go with nearly any clothing style or colors and can dress up or down, so a turquoise engagement ring is just as versatile as the traditional diamond ring.

Turquoise Meaning

• In the Bible, turquoise is one of the stones in the Jewish High Priest's breastplate, and so it has a special meaning for Jewish or Christian engagement rings.

• For many Native American tribes, especially Apaches, Navajos, and Zunis, turquoise is associated with the sky and water and is a stone of life and hope. This theme of life and hope makes a turquoise engagement ring a beautiful choice.

• Emotionally, the color turquoise is associated with tranquility, clarity of thought, and communication, all excellent things to enjoy in a marriage.

Pros of Turquoise Ring:

Era:

The Victorians and Edwardian's loved turquoise jewelry and often set turquoise with pearls. The soft shine of pearls enhances turquoise’s natural glow. While American jewelry tended to associate turquoise with silver settings, it looks beautiful in a rose gold ring as well.

Durability:

Turquoise is softer than many other gemstones ranking approximately 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, so you’ll need a setting that protects it by wrapping around the stone’s edges. Vintage turquoise rings have survived for decades or even centuries, demonstrating that the right setting provides excellent protection.

Matrix:

The most valuable turquoise is a pure blue without any matrix (dark lines). However, the patterns that the matrix forms can be very beautiful, and a few patterns are as valuable as turquoise without a matrix. Whether you look for a stone with or without matrix is a matter of personal taste and budget.

Caring and Cleaning:

• Always place turquoise jewelry in a box or bag if you put it in a drawer with other jewelry.
• Do not wear your turquoise ring while doing rough chores, going to the gym or gardening.
• Do not use any harsh cleaners or an ultrasonic cleaner with turquoise jewelry.

Choosing a December Birthstone Ring

Turquoise is an excellent choice for an engagement ring. It combines beauty, symbolism, and a range of colors, styles, and prices. Vintage turquoise rings from the Victorian and Edwardian period are especially popular as a romantic and affordable choice that evokes the luxurious Downton Abbey look.

Turquoise Rings For Everyone:

No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.

Find The Perfect Turquoise Ring:

Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and design. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of turquoise engagement rings today!

Suzanne Sachs

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