MajorsJul 21, 2025
Rio Grande Expands Personalization OfferingsAs demand for custom jewelry grows, the company is expanding its services to support retailers.
EditorsDec 01, 2016
December Birthstone Baubles
As 2016 enters its final month, Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator spotlights the December gems: tanzanite, turquoise and zircon.
It feels like just yesterday I was writing my last December birthstone blog, celebrating the three stones of the month. And yet here we are again, coming to the end of the year and rounding up jewels set with tanzanite, turquoise and zircon.
These three bring a range of beautiful blue hues to the first real wintry month, with zircon available in some warmer tones as well.
Tanzanite’s been popping into the spotlight more as of late and is now the subject of its own book. It can range from blue to purple, but those with the slightly violet-blue hue and vivid saturation are generally considered the most valuable. The beautiful stone also is believe to bring balance to one’s life.
Meanwhile, turquoise, which is generally more plentiful and available in all shapes and sizes, is believed to bring serenity, peace and inner calm, while zircon can help harmonize a person’s goals and dreams with real life.
As the hectic holiday season gets into gear, I think we could all do with a dose of the benefits from all three. 
These earrings from Shahla Karimi feature trillion tanzanite stones set in 14-karat gold and are sold as singles ($495 for one, $990 for a set).
This ring from Kaali Designs’ Maya collection features a 1.44-carat marquise tanzanite accented with diamonds and set in 14-karat white gold ($2,800)
A “Legends Cobra” ring from John Hardy with tanzanite at center, accented with blue sapphires and diamonds and set in sterling silver ($3,900)
A tanzanite (5.95 carats), diamond and platinum ring from Oscar Heyman ($46,000)
Sydney Evan’s 14-karat yellow gold, diamond and turquoise paisley necklace ($1,430)
Smith + Mara’s 14-karat yellow gold open turquoise cuff ($1,450)
The “Cleo” bangle from Marli features turquoise and diamonds made in 18-karat rose gold ($7,700)
Buddha Mama’s 20-karat gold hand-carved Nefertiti pendant features Sleeping Beauty turquoise and diamond accents ($33,200).
Giacomelli Jewelry’s “Corner Stack” necklace with blue zircons and a princess-cut diamond made in 14-karat yellow gold ($1,400)
The “Blockette” zircon and diamond ring in 18-karat gold from Jennifer Dawes Design ($1,950)
Lali Jewels’ 14-karat white gold, sapphire and blue zircon pendant ($8,480)
Paolo Costagli’s bespoke ring features a 21.35-carat cushion-shaped zircon with 0.82 carats of yellow diamonds and 18-karat yellow gold ($19,000).
More on Editors
The Latest
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
NAJA’s 2025 ‘Ace It’ Conference To Go VirtualThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers is slated for Aug. 9 to 10 on Zoom.
TrendsJul 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Graduated With Honors Graduated stones make for elevated tennis-style pieces and dramatic statement necklaces.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsJul 21, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Lewis Heyman on Sourcing Gemstones, Post-Retirement PlansHe retired last month after 28 years traveling the world to source the very best gemstones for his family’s jewelry business, Oscar Heyman.
TrendsJul 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: CCWW Designs’ Shell Charm NecklaceThe charm necklace features six nautical charms of shells and coral that founder Christina Puchi collected on Florida’s beaches.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
MajorsJul 18, 2025
Plumb Club Elects New Board MembersThe organization elected its youngest vice president as it looks to draw in fresh talent.
TechnologyJul 18, 2025
Brad Campbell, John Liebler Join Clientbook’s Executive Team Campbell joins the company as vice president of business development while Liebler is the new vice president of operations.
CollectionsJul 17, 2025
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the Games’ first time being hosted by two cities and the athletes’ journeys.
Supplier BulletinJul 17, 2025
The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025: Your Holiday Preparations, All Wrapped Up! Sponsored by The INSTORE Jewelry Show 2025
SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovGlobally, travel and transportation brands reigned, while in the U.S., alcoholic beverage companies and a lingerie brand took the top spots.
IndependentsJul 17, 2025
Gina Ferranti of GiGi Ferranti Jewelry Dies at 59The Brooklyn-based jewelry designer is remembered as a true artist and a rare talent.
SourcingJul 17, 2025
Rio Tinto Names New CEO, Production Rises at DiavikProduction at the mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories topped 1 million carats in Q2, the third consecutive quarter of growth.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2025
JA to Hold Learning Workshops This FallA new slate of Learning Workshops will take place in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia.
SurveysJul 16, 2025
Signet Jewelers Falls Lower on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListThe middle class is changing its approach to buying jewelry and affordable luxury goods, the NRF said.
FinancialsJul 16, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Up 7% in Q1It marks the third consecutive quarter of growth for Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier.
WatchesJul 16, 2025
The Top-Selling Rolex Models of the Last 15 Years, According to Bob’s Watches The reseller’s market trends report, based on its sales data, also shows exactly how much Rolex prices have jumped since 2010.
AuctionsJul 16, 2025
Christie’s To Honor Dinh Van With ExhibitionThe auction house will be hosting a retrospective paying tribute to jeweler Jean Dinh Van and his company’s 60th anniversary.
IndependentsJul 16, 2025
Clyde Duneier Ushers In Fourth GenerationJake Duneier and Danielle Duneier-Goldberg have stepped into the roles of CEO and president, respectively.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Calls Attention to Nature’s ImpermanenceThe “Impermanence” collection contemplates nature through the Japanese art of Ikebana (flower arranging) and philosophy of wabi-sabi.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
James Avery Expands to 2 More StatesThe Texas-based jewelry retailer has set up shop in Tennessee and Arizona.
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2025
Neiman Marcus Vet Joins Couture as Brand Director Eric Ford will step into the role, bringing with him decades of experience.
MajorsJul 15, 2025
Ben Bridge Jeweler Acquires Olympic ManufacturingIn addition to improved capabilities, the acquisition will allow the jeweler to offer support to other independent jewelers.
CollectionsJul 15, 2025
Guzema Debuts First Colored Gemstone JewelryThe “Celestial Blue” capsule collection campaign features Olympian Kateryna Sadurska.
MajorsJul 14, 2025
Nanis Opens First StoreThe seasonal store, located in Mykonos, Greece, offers exclusive events, personal styling, and curated experiences.
