Zircon is an underrated gem that’s often confused with synthetic cubic zirconia due to similar names and shared use as diamond simulants. Few people realize that zircon is a spectacular natural gem available in a variety of colors. The name zircon likely comes from...
Those celebrating December birthdays are fortunate to have a few birthstones to choose from – zircon, tanzanite, blue topaz and lapis lazuli, among them. But one of the best known and most loved December gems is turquoise, a gem that has been mined and used for...
Tanzanite, the December alternate to turquoise and zircon, was not discovered until 1967, so it is a relative newcomer to the list of birthstones. It is named for the one country on earth where it is currently found: Tanzania, in eastern Africa. Although discovered by...
November’s birthstone, citrine, comes in the colors of citrus fruits, ranging from deep reddish orange, reminiscent of Madeira wines, to pale and saturated yellow hues. In fact, its name is derived from the French word “citron,” which means “lemon.” Citrine’s...
There are two November birthstones that command the attention of consumers and gem connoisseurs alike – topaz and citrine. In this post, we’ll discuss topaz, a gemstone that is widely cherished for its array of colors and distinctive look. Characterized by crystals...
