"HOW TO BUY A DIAMOND WITHOUT GETTING RIPPED OFF"   

DECEMBER: TURQUOISE, LAPIS LAZULI &  ZIRCON ( as of October 2002 TANZANITE has been added to the list)

Turquoise was used by the Turks as an amulet on their horses’ bridles. According to legend it made the horses surefooted and kept them from becoming ill. The name means "Turkish stone" because the trade route that brought it to Europe used to come via Turkey. The best qualities are found in northeast Iran (Persian turquoise). However, the United States southwest is now the world leader in production. The “Turquoise” tradition of the American Indian of the South West was influenced by the Turkish/Arabic culture which was brought to the New World by the Spanish explorers. During the 16th century turquoise was used as currency by the Southwest Indians, for them it embodied the blue of heaven and the green of earth. They believed the gemstone could bring spoils to the warrior, animals to the hunter, and happiness and good fortune to all.

Zircon, during the middle ages, was thought to induce sleep, promote riches, honor and wisdom; drive away plagues and evil spirits. The Hindus described the Kalpa Tree a symbolic offering to early gods, as being made of glowing precious stones with zircon leaves. Colors in turquoise range from sky blue (most desirable color) to blue green and apple green.

The deposits in Sinai were already worked out by 4,000 BC. At that time the stone was used for jewelry, amulets and in the preparation of cosmetics.

Although large quantities of beautiful turquoise which have not been color enhanced are available, today's turquoise is commonly stabilized with plastic to improve its color and durability. Chalky varieties of turquoise are normally impregnated with oil or wax to enhance color. This color change may not be permanent.

Care should be taken to protect it from scratches, sharp blows, hot water, and household chemicals. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.

Lapis Lazuli, a royal blue opaque gemstone, sometimes accented by tiny gold flecks of iron pyrite (fool's gold). Its royal blue color was a perfect contrast to the pure gold in king Tutankhamen's burial mask. Cleopatra wore ground-up lapis as eye shadow. Northern Afghanistan, of all places, produces the best and the finest lapis lazuli anywhere, and has for the last 6,000 years. Also found in Chile and China in lesser quality.

Blue topaz has become a popular alternative in recent years for those who prefer faceted stones.

Tanzanite, the most popular blue gemstone after the Sapphire has been added to the birthstone list. Tanzanite was first introduced in 1969 and is found only in a relative small, approximately, five square mile area near the Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. Tanzanite comes in various shades of violet-blue. The less expensive colors range toward violet, a light  purplish blue. The best and more expensive colors are a rich deep blue with just a hint of violet.