Discover December birthstones here - tanzanite and the alternative lapis lazuli. Tanzanite jewellery that is minimal and can be worn to work or daywear as well. Lapis Lazuli bracelet and necklace sets make beautiful affordable gifts for December. They are mixed with gold so catch the light too.
What is the meaning of Tanzanite?
Tanzanite is known to soothe and calm, and its velvety blue is seen as the colour of truth and sincerity.
The warm hues are also associated with generosity and friendship, while wearers of tanzanite are said to be given a helping hand dealing with change.
Tanzanite in history
Tiffany & Co named this blue-violet variety of zoisite in honour of Tanzania, where it was first discovered in 1967.
Expert cutters can create gems with a range of colours because the crystals show different hues depending on the depth of cut and viewing direction.
What is the meaning of Lapis Lazuli?
The Sumerians believed that the spirit of their gods lived within lapis lazuli, while the ancient Egyptians saw it as a symbol of the night sky.
Since the earliest of times, lapis lazuli has been associated with strength and courage, royalty and wisdom, intellect and truth.
Lapis Lazuli in history
Lapis was highly valued by civilisations over 6000 years ago, and lapis lazuli beads have been found at Neolithic burials in Pakistan and the Caucasus. It was part of the funeral mask of Tutankhamun, and Cleopatra used powdered lapis lazuli as eyeshadow!
By the end of the Middle Ages, lapis lazuli was exported to Europe, where it was ground into ultramarine, the finest and most expensive of all blue pigments used in painting.
