December’s birthstone, blue topaz, is cool, chic, and a perfect way to light up the holiday season…and every day after! This gemstone is as meaningful as it is beautiful, and versatile too.
Read on to learn everything from its symbolism to how to style it and get yours today. Because whether or not you were born in December, you’re gonna want one of these gorgeous gemstone pieces.
What Is December’s Birthstone?
December, similar to other months of the year, actually has multiple birthstones. However, the most popular, or at least our favorite, is blue topaz. This beautiful gemstone is made up of aluminum and fluorine and known for its beautiful blue hues.
The Symbolism and Meaning of Topaz
Similar to other birthstones and gemstones, blue topaz is brimming with beautiful symbolism. Originally thought to bring protection, this gemstone is now also thought to bring love and affection and is often given as a symbol of one’s love.
Unique to blue topaz, it is also associated with the fourth wedding anniversary. But it doesn’t stop here, blue topaz is also thought to help with insomnia, indigestion, and in ancient times failing, eyesight.
Have you lost your creative edge or motivation? Well, many believe blue topaz can help with this too!
What Color is the December Birthstone?
Blue topaz is, you guessed it, blue. This birthstone comes in shades from light blue to dark, and is commonly sold in three different shades known as London blue, Swiss blue, and sky blue, with the first two being the most popular.
This gemstone is incredibly rare and is frequently created by heating a topaz stone in its natural, colorless state, and using trace elements to give it that beautiful blue hue.
A Brief History of the December Birthstone
December’s birthstone can be found throughout history. Multiple ancient civilizations prized blue topaz for its protective properties, including the Aztecs and ancient Egyptians, who thought the gemstone could help prevent injuries and other illnesses.
Understanding Topaz’s Sensitivity and Fragility
The December birthstone is quite durable, ranking 8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This durability makes it a great choice for jewelry, particularly jewelry you wear on a frequent basis. However, blue topaz is hard yet brittle, and some color variations like London blue are more easily scratched, so you should still be careful.
Practical Tips for Cleaning and Preserving Topaz Jewelry
Blue topaz is hard yet sensitive, so it is important to care for it and clean it properly. Follow these tips below to keep your December birthstone pieces shining all year long.
Store it separately from other pieces in original, soft, & protective packaging
Store it away from strong sunlight & high temperatures
Avoid using harsh cleaners
Wash in warm, soapy water
Clean gentle with a soft bristle brush
Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth
What Are the Other December Birthstones?
December is unique when it comes to birthstones because it has so many! While blue topaz may be your favorite (it’s certainly ours!), there are others to choose from including blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise.
Blue Zircon
First of all, blue zircon is not cubic zirconia, despite the similarities in their names. Blue zircon is one of the oldest gemstones ever discovered. The sparkle and shine of blue zircon have been compared to that of diamonds.
This gemstone is also available in multiple colors, but it is the blue variety that is a birthstone for December. This gemstone is thought to bring good luck and positivity.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite became a birthstone for December in 2002 after being discovered decades earlier in Tanzania. This gemstone is named for the country where it was first found and is increasingly popular in jewelry today. It is associated with tranquility and compassion.
Turquoise
Deriving its name from the French word for Turkish, because French traders purchased the stone from Turkish traders, this gemstone is on the softer side, rating a 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. This gemstone is thought to bring good luck, friendship, and patience, and was even used in ancient healing practices.
FAQs
What is the actual birthstone for December?
December has four birthstones. Blue topaz, blue zircon, tanzanite, and turquoise. It is one of the few months to have so many birthstones.
What is the origin of blue topaz?
Blue topaz was discovered in the 1960s in Brazil by British explorer Max Ostro.
Why does December have four birthstones?
It is not known exactly why December has so many birthstones. It is most commonly believed that it was to add more affordable options.
With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.
Deciding between yellow gold vs. white gold? Let us help!
Gold has long been a classic metal choice for any piece of jewelry- and for good reason! Gold is both strong and stunning.
But when shopping for engagement rings, wedding bands, or even fine jewelry, it’s a good idea to determine the differences between yellow and white gold. Apart from looking different from one another, each metal feels different on the skin, can have different price tags, and vary in durability.
In this blog, we’re going to break down the key differences between yellow gold and white to make your decision making process as easy as possible.
What Is White Gold?
Despite common misconceptions, white gold is always made up of pure gold and at least one other metal.
When the second metal (commonly palladium, nickel, or silver) is added to the gold base, it affects its color and strengthens it.
On its own, pure gold is quite soft and malleable. Alloy metals strengthen the gold while keeping its quintessential shine!
Interestingly, white gold is not completely white until it is plated with the precious rhodium. This rhodium coating adds a lustrous sheen to the jewelry and protects it from scratches. And an added benefit is that very few people are allergic to rhodium!
At the end of the process, white gold is sleek and shiny- similar to platinum or silver.
What Is Yellow Gold?
Did you know that yellow gold is not pure gold? Yellow gold is composed of pure gold and at least one other white metal. For example, 18K gold is a mixture of 75% pure gold and 25% other white metals.
This is a breakdown of the common types of gold:
24K – 100% pure gold
22K – 92% gold and 8% alloyed metals
18K – 75% gold and 25% alloyed metals
14K – 58% gold and 42% alloyed metals
As you can see, the higher the karat number, the more pure gold there is.
Unfortunately, pure gold is far too soft to be worn as everyday jewelry. So white metals are added to strengthen the metal and give it that soft and creamy yellow that we all know and love.
Yellow gold has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Due to its historical rarity, gold was seen as a symbol of wealth and status. And even today, yellow gold remains highly desirable and sophisticated!
What Is The Difference Between Yellow Gold & White Gold?
The most obvious difference between these two beautiful metals is their color. White gold has a silvery tone, while yellow gold has that classic golden hue.
If you want to wear a metal color that looks best with your skin tone, match your metal to pre-owned jewelry, or include certain gems onto your metal, the color will make all the difference.
Since the properties are mostly the same, it all comes down to visual preference. That being said, both metals have their own pros and cons. Keep reading to find out what they are in more depth!
Yellow Gold vs. White Gold
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Yellow Gold vs. White Gold
Durability
Yellow gold is the most expensive and the least durable of the two metals. Yellow gold is more prone to scratches and dents, making it not the most durable option. This metal will also require regular polishing to keep its shine.
On the other hand, white gold has far more resistance to wear and tear. With its rhodium plating, white gold jewelry pieces have a shiny and strong finish. Unfortunately, this plating can wear off over time and may reveal the yellow-ish color underneath. While white gold is a stronger alternative to yellow gold, it still requires proper care and maintenance.
Neither metal is hassle-free, but white gold is generally the safer and stronger option.
Price & Affordability
Believe it or not, yellow gold and white gold are frequently equal in cost. This is especially true if the percentage of pure gold is the same. For example, 14K white gold will be comparable in cost to 14K yellow gold.
In some instances, white gold may be slightly more expensive due to the rhodium plating.
At the end of the day, these two metals are rarely placed at drastically different price points.
Hypoallergenic Properties
Generally, white gold is considered to be more hypoallergenic than yellow gold. This is because of the alloyed metals that are added to the base (such as nickel or palladium), which are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
That being said, it is still very possible that someone may also have a sensitivity to white gold. It’s worth noting that even though white gold is considered hypoallergenic, it is not completely free of allergens.
If you know that you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, it’s always best to consult with a dermatologist or a jeweler before buying gold jewelry of any kind.
Especially when deciding on an everyday piece of jewelry- it’s best to make sure you’ll be comfortable!
Color
As we know, the color of these two metals is their key difference.
In general, yellow gold tends to compliment warm skin tones beautifully. Yellow gold will bring out the warmth of yellow, olive, or medium-dark skin tones, creating a radiant glow.
White gold, on the other hand, tends to compliment cool skin tones well. White gold can give you a fresh and vibrant look if you have slightly paler skin with pink or red undertones.
That being said, it is so important to remember that personal preference plays a huge role in choosing your color of gold. Some people may prefer the classic and traditional look of yellow gold, while others may prefer the modern and sleek look of white gold, regardless of skin color.
Wear what you like and what makes you feel good!
Weight
The weight difference between yellow gold and white gold can vary depending on the specific piece of jewelry, but in general, the weight of the gold itself should be roughly the same.
The difference in weight between the two comes from the other metals used to alloy it. White gold typically requires more alloy metals than yellow gold to achieve its silvery color, which can make it slightly heavier. But this difference in weight would be minimal and barely noticeable when being worn.
Ultimately, weight should not be a significant factor when deciding on a type of gold- both are durable and long-lasting choices for your jewelry.
Popularity
The popularity of yellow gold versus white gold really depends on what type of jewelry you’re looking at.
In a very general sense, white gold has risen in popularity, especially in engagement rings. White gold has a modern and sleek appearance that appeals to many young people moving away from the traditional look of yellow gold.
On the other hand, yellow gold remains a timeless choice that is still popular in wedding bands and many types of fine jewelry.
Why Choose A White Gold Engagement Ring?
There are plenty of reasons why white gold will make a great metal for your engagement ring!
The color of white gold is very similar to that of platinum but is less expensive, making it a more affordable option for the same look!
White gold is also a durable metal that can withstand everyday wear and tear, making it a practical choice for your engagement ring.
White gold is incredibly versatile; it will look good with a number of gemstones and styles! They even say that white gold tends to reflect the sparkle of any diamonds on your ring, enhancing their size and brilliance!
Why Choose A Yellow Gold Engagement Ring?
You simply cannot go wrong with a yellow gold engagement ring! This is a metal that has been used in jewelry for centuries!
Yellow gold has a warm, classic, and traditional appearance that many find attractive. Evoking these feelings suits engagement rings perfectly.
Also, if your ring has diamonds or warm-toned stones such as ruby, morganite, and purple sapphire, gold will pair nicely.
Because of yellow gold’s prevalence in jewelry, finding a wedding band or fine jewelry to match it will not be hard. Plus, they say yellow gold looks good on everyone!
FAQs
Which is better, white or yellow gold?
This all comes down to personal preference! If you have cool toned skin, white gold may be better for you. If you like the classic look of traditional jewelry, yellow gold may be better for you. It all depends on what you are looking for in your jewelry. Wear whatever feels best to you!
Is yellow gold more expensive than white gold?
Generally, the answer is no. More often than not, yellow gold and white gold with the same amount of pure gold will cost the exact same. If they’re not, it’s actually more likely that white gold will be more expensive due to its rhodium plating.
Does white or yellow gold last longer?
With the proper care, both yellow gold and white gold can last a very long time!
Even though the rhodium plating that is often coated on top of white gold strengthens the metal, it can wear off over time and need to be reapplied.
Unlike white gold, yellow gold doesn’t require plating or re-plating.
It’s important to remember that all gold jewelry will eventually show signs of wear and tear and may need to be polished or repaired over time.
Is yellow gold out of style?
Not at all! While white gold has definitely risen in popularity recently, yellow gold is as strong as ever. Yellow gold can still be found in engagement rings, wedding bands, and all types of fine jewelry. Just like diamonds, they say yellow gold is never out of style!
Final Thoughts
With two stunning metals to choose from, it can be tricky to figure out which one is best for you. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preferences and needs. Whether you decide on donning a silvery white gold piece or a creamy yellow gold piece, you’ll know they’re both stunning.
Check out all that James Allen offers- in yellow and white gold!
New year, new you. It’s that time of year, reinvention, renewal, and of course, revamping your look…starting with your accessories collection. After all, it’s the details that make the outfit. So to make things easier, we’ve gathered the top trends for the coming year so that your style and shine stay ahead of the game.
Jewelry Trends We Expect To See In 2023
Every year different looks make their way to the forefront of fashion. It’s no different with jewelry. This year we’re seeing lots of color, shine, and personal expression. The best part is that all these trends involve timeless classics, making each one a drool-worthy purchase.
We all know it is the accessories that complete the look. So check out these unique pieces and create a look that makes a statement.
Top Trends at a Glance
Silver’s Back
Pearls & More Pearls
Cocktail Rings
Drop Down Earrings
Cuff Bracelets
Punk Pieces
Signet & Pinky Rings
Enamel Accessories
Silver’s Back
Sumptuous Silver is back! (But did it ever really leave?) Not that gold is going anywhere, but 2023 is giving silver its moment in the spotlight. This budget-friendly metal looks fabulous alone or mixed with other metals for a nice, layered look. Silver chains, in particular, create a modern vibe perfect for literally anyone. Check out these options below and get your silvery shine on!
The More Pearls, The Better
Have pearls ever really been out of style? We say no! Thankfully, pearls are getting their due this year as a top trend. Pearls on pearls on pearls, wear them on your ears, your wrist, your neck, and your finger! Give your pearls some pearls! What we love most about pearls is not just how classic and timeless they are but that they are pretty versatile too!
Pearls are perfect for Sunday brunch with the in-laws, yet they can be styled up for an endless night of dancing with the girls. Whether you prefer a classic string of pearls, a modern necklace, or a pearl enhanced by dazzling diamonds, we have the perfect pearl piece for you (say that three times fast!) See some of our favs below and check out more pearl jewelry here!
Cocktail Rings
Better believe that cocktail rings are at the top of that comeback list. Known for their fabulosity, cocktail rings make a fashionable statement with minimal effort.
Cocktail rings are larger than your average ring and were originally intended for special occasions. And while they are perfect for such events, we say wear them everywhere! Amp up an everyday outfit with a colorful cocktail ring. After all, happy hour has no limits with the fabulous accessories!
Drop Down Earrings
Earrings are making a comeback, and this year the runways were filled with long, dangling earrings. Not only do they elongate the face, but drop earrings can go from casual to dressy and are always elegant. These effortlessly luxurious accessories are easy to wear, work with your hair up or down, and are simply a must-have.
Cuff Bracelets
Who doesn’t love a cuff bracelet? One piece that just pulls a whole look together makes a statement and is endlessly stylish. Oh, and it’s trendy now too? Fab! Wear them right on your wrist or higher up on your arm. Stylization is all you! Dainty or big, dazzling or minimalistic, a cuff is the perfect way to elevate any look. Check out some inspo below.
Punk Pieces
Punk is back baby! If you loved the bold shapes and looks of the punk era, then you will love 2023. With sharp shapes and mixed metals, the counterculture is making its way right into the mainstream. Get on board with the Westwood-inspo and try on these picture-perfect punk looks for size.
Signet & Pinky Rings
Have you thought, what is a signet ring? And how do I pull off a pink ring anyways? We’re here to help! Signet rings, simply put, are rings bearing a mark or seal, and are frequently worn on the pinky finger. Signet rings are part of the perfect pinky ring category.
Pinky rings aren’t just for the Godfather anymore. Pinkies provide one more opportunity to make a stylish, sparkling statement. There’s a reason it’s called the power pinky. Some argue pinky rings are the most feminine piece of jewelry one can wear. Dating back to the suffragette movement, back then women wore them as a symbol of self-love, and we are here for it!
Enamel Accessories
Dating back to Mycenaean goldsmiths of the 13th century, the decorative art of enameling jewelry became particularly popular during the 1920s Jazz Age, when flapper girls wore jewelry and vanity cases accented with graphic blocks of color.
Now in 2023, these vibrant enamel accessories continue to prove a popular choice among jewelry lovers. This is a trend that’s been growing over the past few years, and doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon!
FAQs
Are pearls in style in 2023?
Yes, yes, and yes! While pearls are timeless and never really go out of style, in 2023 pearls are making a major statement as part of this year’s jewelry trends. From a classic string of pearls to big bold pearls and everything in between. Mix your pearls with diamonds and gold or let them shine on their own, pearls are back in a big way, and you won’t want to be left out of this gorgeous trend.
What jewelry will increase in value?
Jewelry made with diamond, gold, platinum, and even silver is likely to increase in value thanks to the rareness of the materials. Pieces with a more classic look will also retain their value better than pieces considered to be more trendy.
What jewelry does not depreciate?
Generally, fine jewelry does not depreciate and, in some cases, can appreciate or increase in value. Jewelry made from gold, platinum, silver, and diamonds will usually hold or increase its value.
What should I buy instead of gold?
Try silver or platinum if you are interested in fine jewelry but prefer a metal different from gold. And, of course, don’t forget about dazzling diamonds!
Stay Trendy
The trends ahead for 2023 are some of the best yet! In fact, most of these looks are actually timeless trends just finding their way to the current spotlight.
From sumptuous silvers, precious pearls, bold, beautiful cocktail rings, dazzling drop earrings, show-stopping cuff bracelets, raging punk pieces, and perfect pinky rings. The trends this year are some of the yummiest yet. So get yours today at JamesAllen.com to set the trends others follow.
Subscribe to our email listfor access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first order!
With over 10 years of experience writing and editing on a wide variety of subjects, Sarah is a veteran of the content world. Since joining James Allen, she has focused on all things diamonds and fine jewelry with the goal of educating and empowering consumers.
Fine jewelry, engagement rings, and wedding rings – what does it take to properly maintain your gold and platinum jewelry? We’ll give you the complete rundown on how to clean jewelry at home.
Why Should You Clean Your Jewelry Regularly?
For sparkle: Your jewelry shines its brightest at its cleanest. Over time, thin layers of dust and oil accumulate and block light from reaching your jewelry’s surfaces. Without light, there’s no reflection, refraction, brilliance, or fire. So if you notice that your jewelry is looking a bit dull, your first thought should be to clean it.
For sanitization: jewelry is full of prongs and crevices that collect grime. This doesn’t just dull your jewelry’s shine; it also means your jewelry is constantly transferring germs between you and your surroundings. Think of regular cleaning like hand-washing for your jewelry; it keeps your jewelry sanitized and keeps you healthy. Particularly in the era of COVID-19, sanitization is critical.
For safeguarding: A dirty ring is a damaged ring. Particulate build-up can scratch and/or discolor your jewelry metal. On the other hand, cleaning your jewelry too often or too vigorously can also seriously damage your jewelry. Harsh cleaners on some metals can wear away plating, causing permanent discoloration.
How Often Should You Clean Your Jewelry?
How often should you clean your jewelry? That depends on how thoroughly you want to clean it. Regular, gentle cleaning should be performed weekly, while more thorough cleansing should only occur occasionally so that the harsh chemicals don’t damage your jewelry.
Light Cleaning: Every Week
Warm water + dish soap + soft toothbrush. Make your own jewelry cleaner by filling a bowl with warm (not hot) water, and then adding a few drops of dish soap. Put your jewelry in the mixture and let it sit for 15 minutes. Afterward, take your jewelry out of the bowl and scrub it clean with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse, dry with a soft towel, and layout on a soft surface to dry.
Polishing cloth. In a pinch, a normal microfiber cloth will do. However, specialty jewelers’ cloths are the best, since they contain particular cleaning compounds formulated to both polish and remove small scratches in your jewelry.
Occasional Cleaning: Every 1-2 Months
Ammonia. For a deep cleaning at home, create a strong jewelry cleaner by adding one-part ammonia to six parts water. Let your jewelry sit in this mixture for no more than 1 minute. Remove, rinse under running water, dry with a soft cloth, and place on a towel to air dry completely.
Deep Cleaning: 1-2 Times Per Year
Free jewelry cleaning with James Allen. Either send your jewelry to James Allen for maintenance or take your jewelry to a local James Allen partner for a complimentary professional cleaning. Minor repairs are also free!
Ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine. These are similar to the machines used by professional jewelers. Ultrasound waves loosen grime from even the smallest of niches, and it only takes about 5 minutes. If you want to give your jewelry a regular deep clean, it may be worth investing in one.
Expert Tip: Ultrasound jewelry cleaning doesn’t sanitize your jewelry, so it’s worth following up an ultrasonic treatment with a simple dish soap + water cleaning. The ultrasonic waves can also damage jewelry that contains tungsten or soft, porous gemstones like pearls.
Daily Habits To Protect Your Jewelry
To prevent tarnishing and scratching, it’s worth learning a few helpful jewelry habits. These actions are most important for protecting softer metals like yellow gold and plated metals like white gold, which can be most easily scratched or discolored.
Store each piece of jewelry in its own cloth bag to prevent scratching.
Purchase a jewelry box that has a soft inner lining to stop pieces from scratching each other.
Keep a jeweler’s polishing cloth in your bag or backpack for quick use.
Take your jewelry off when you’re sleeping.
Remove your jewelry during strenuous activities, like gym or construction.
Don’t wear jewelry when you’re using caustic materials like household cleaners – or wear rubber gloves.
Keep your jewelry off while you apply makeup or hairspray.
Remove your jewelry before you swim in chlorinated pools and salt water.
Most yellow gold jewelry is offered in two different karats of metals: 14k and 18k. While 24k is pure gold, lower carats are actually mixed with other metals (like nickel, copper, and silver) in order to strengthen it to the point that it’s suitable for jewelry.
If you’re wondering how to clean gold jewelry, you’re in luck: yellow gold is slow to tarnish and dull and doesn’t require maintenance as frequently as other gold jewelry metals.
Use: Dish soap + water, ammonia, or a polishing cloth.
Avoid: Bleach and tough scrubbing brushes
How To Clean White Gold Jewelry
White gold’s silvery luster is created by alloying yellow gold with white metals like nickel or zinc and finishing with rhodium plating. Normal wear and tear will result in the need for rhodium re-plating every 5-10 years in order to maintain white gold’s silvery appearance.
This rhodium plating can also be worn down by strong chemicals, so take off your white gold rings when cleaning.
Use: dish soap + water or a polishing cloth
Avoid: harsh chemicals which can strip the rhodium plating.
How To Clean Rose Gold Jewelry
Rose gold is a yellow gold/copper alloy. The gold gives it a malleability and sheen that’s perfect for jewelry, and the copper gives it its distinctive pink hue. It’s also the strongest of all the gold metals, so your rose gold jewelry can be worn more often, with less chance of scratching.
Use: dish soap + water or a polishing cloth
Avoid: abrasive chemicals
How To Clean Platinum Jewelry
Platinum is a rare, valuable metal with a gorgeous silvery sheen that retains its white luster with minimal maintenance. It’s also the most durable of all the ring metals! In general, you’ll have to clean platinum jewelry less regularly than gold, and it will also scratch less.
Use: dish soap + water or a polishing cloth.
Avoid: Ammonia
A Tidy Summary
No matter what metal your jewelry is made from, it’s important to maintain its sparkle via weekly cleanings with dish soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
For a squeaky-clean professional shine, either send your James Allen jewelry to us for a quick and complimentary deep cleaning or take it to one of our brick-and-mortar partner jewelers. Or spend a bit of money to DIY and deep clean it with either an ammonia-water mixture or purchase an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
Treating your jewelry right will help it look continuously brilliant throughout the years.
Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase.
Jessica is a seasoned content writer with four years of experience and a qualified gemologist. She enjoys educating new shoppers on the best practices for buying jewelry.
