Birthstones seem to have a special significance for several people. Ideally, something that signifies the birth month of a person, these gemstones were believed to have certain mystical properties that would act as aids of healing too. The twelve birthstones have a range of different colors, and symbolize a variety of characteristics too. So while the birthstone for January is the deep red garnet, that for the month of December is the beautiful blue turquoise. How about getting better acquainted with this mesmerizing blue beauty... The Royal December Birthstone Turquoise Information According to the list of modern birthstones, the one relevant for the month of December is the ever gorgeous turquoise. Normally found in the colors blue, blue-green, and green, the grade of the stone is entirely dependent on its color. It is an extremely opaque stone made up with the composition of copper and aluminum. It is said that the word turquoise has been derived from the French word turques, because it was first brought to Europe all the way from Turkey. What's interesting about this stone is that unlike something like a diamond where the best quality would be hard to damage, in case of turquoise, even the best grade of this stone is not entirely immune to those occasional little damages. This best quality / grade of this stone is most commonly found in Iran, but apart from that it is also found in Israel, Afghanistan, Brazil, Mexico, China, Australia, United States, and a couple other countries. The use of this stone also dates way back into history, when it was largely used as a part of jewelry and other things too. If you're interested in a closer look at something about turquoise jewelry, we'll go over it now... Turquoise Jewelry The use of turquoise in jewelry is probably one of the most commonly seen, and rather honestly, it makes for some really pretty jewelry too. Whether it is some statement jewelry or something more delicate, there is a way to incorporate turquoise into any piece of jewelry that you would like to. In fact, it very increasingly has started acting as an investment for several people too. Also called the sky stone sometimes, there isn't an accessory that cannot be adorned with turquoise. Bracelets, pendants, necklaces, watches, even belts if you please, the list is endless. The best part about a stone like this is the fact that even though it looks simple, it has the ability to dress up any outfit. Imagine a look as simple as blue jeans and a white shirt jazzed up with some turquoise accessory... It'd be simple, yet dressy all at the same time. Another combination that does justice to this look is that of denim and black. A chunky turquoise ring, or a bold necklace, and your look will be complete in no time. Good turquoise has the ability to transform any outfit into something dressy. Turquoise Price So, you have some idea regarding what this stone is all about, as well as some information about jewelry too, but what about price? Surely that has crossed your mind too. Well then, here it is... Very evidently, the higher the grade of the stone, and the larger the size, the higher the price. The "blueness" of this stone is a large contributing factor to the pricing too. This stone is classified by grades such as very high grade, high grade, average grade, and stabilized grade. The one that ranks well with high quality and rarity is the gem grade. Being amongst the most expensive, this grade can cost anything over $40 per carat based on how good it is. This grade is also known to be one of the best, and most sought after, if looking for investment purposes. Next in line is that which would be very high grade and could cost anything from $10 to $20 per carat. It may seem like quite a disparity from the one that was just mentioned, but the reason for the difference is the fact that this grade, even though it has a lovely sheen to it, is not as uncommon to find. Following that is the high to average grade. A stone of this kind, with the right color, and fair balance of the other qualities, this grade could cost anything $5 and $7 per carat. Apart from this, there is also the average grade costing between $2 and $5 per carat. Finally comes the most basic of the lot, the stabilized grade. The least expensive of all, this one could cost anything up to $3 per carat, and is normally judged on the basis of the metal used to set it. So, this was giving you an idea about the stone, turquoise. Hope you feel more at ease the next time you decide you want to purchase it, irrespective of whether it is for the purpose of investment, or that of jewelry.