Blue Zircon Birthstone Necklace in 14K Gold

A 14K solid gold pendant set with December's modern birthstone, natural blue zircon, the brilliant gemstone often mistaken for aquamarine or sapphire.

The piece

• Metal: 14K solid gold (Yellow, White, or Rose).
• Stone: Natural blue zircon, 4mm round, 4-prong solitaire setting.
• Chain: included, 16 to 18 inch adjustable cable chain.
• Hand-finished in the USA, made to order.

The symbol

Zircon (not to be confused with cubic zirconia, which is a different synthetic material) is one of the oldest minerals on earth, with the oldest dated crystals 4.4 billion years old. As December's modern birthstone, it is long associated with constancy and reflective light.

About this stone

Zircon is zirconium silicate, a naturally occurring gemstone unrelated to lab-grown cubic zirconia. Its high refractive index (1.93, exceeded only by diamond among popular gemstones) gives it extraordinary brilliance and fire. The blue color comes from a thermal treatment practiced for over a century in Cambodia. Curated by a certified gemologist.

Care and wear

Blue zircon is durable for everyday wear but is more brittle than its hardness suggests. Remove before strenuous activity or impact. Clean with a soft cloth and warm water. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

Common questions

What month is blue zircon the birthstone for? December (modern). The traditional December birthstones include turquoise.

Is blue zircon the same as cubic zirconia? No. Zircon is a natural mineral (zirconium silicate). Cubic zirconia is a synthetic material (zirconium dioxide). They are chemically and structurally different.