Zircon: the Ultimate Jewellery Guide
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Often mistaken for cubic zirconia, zircon is a natural gemstone with a history stretching back over 4 billion years — making it one of the oldest minerals on Earth. Known for its fiery brilliance and rainbow flashes, zircon is a gemstone of wisdom, protection, and balance.
History & Symbolism of Zircon
The name “zircon” likely comes from the Persian word zargun, meaning “gold-coloured,” though the gem occurs in many hues. In the Middle Ages, zircon was thought to bring restful sleep, protect travellers, and ward off evil.
Zircon has long symbolised clarity of mind, peace, and spiritual grounding. Today, it is one of the official birthstones for December, alongside turquoise and tanzanite.
Colours & Varieties
While zircon is most famous in blue, it comes in a wide spectrum of colours:
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Blue Zircon: The most popular variety, especially for December birthdays.
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White/Clear Zircon: A natural diamond alternative, with exceptional sparkle.
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Golden & Honey Zircon: Warm tones, ideal for vintage-inspired jewellery.
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Red & Green Zircon: Rare and highly collectible.
Popular Zircon Jewellery Styles
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Blue Zircon Rings – A striking December birthstone choice.
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White Zircon Engagement Rings – A natural diamond substitute with brilliance.
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Vintage Zircon Brooches & Pendants – Popular in Georgian and Victorian jewellery.
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Multi-Coloured Zircon Earrings – Celebrating the gem’s natural rainbow.
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Minimalist Modern Necklaces – Showcasing zircon’s clarity and fire.
How to Choose a Quality Zircon
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Colour: Blue zircon is the most in-demand, but all colours can be beautiful.
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Clarity: Zircon is usually eye-clean with strong brilliance.
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Cut: Precision cutting maximises its sparkle; cushion, oval, and round are popular.
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Carat: Larger stones are available, though high-quality specimens rise sharply in value.
Caring for Zircon Jewellery
Zircon rates 6–7.5 on the Mohs scale, so while durable, it can be prone to abrasion.
Care Tips:
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Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
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Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals.
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Store in a soft pouch away from harder gems like diamonds or sapphires.
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Remove before heavy activities to prevent scratching.
Final Thoughts
Zircon is a dazzling, natural gemstone with more history and brilliance than many people realise. As a December birthstone, it makes a meaningful and sparkling gift — whether in classic blue, radiant white, or rare warm tones.
At Hallmark the Jewellers, explore our curated range of gemstone jewellery, and discover the natural brilliance of zircon for yourself.