Zircon jewelry
Handcrafted zircon necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, made to order in our Colorado studio. Set in sterling silver, 14K gold-fill, and solid 14K gold.
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About zircon
Zircon is a a zirconium silicate mineral, distinct from synthetic cubic zirconia, with refractive index and fire higher than most natural gemstones rated 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, Zircon rates 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, depending on the variety. For context, a steel nail is roughly 6.5, sapphire is 9, and diamond is 10. At 6 to 7.5, zircon is durable enough for everyday wear in necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, though the stone is brittle and faceted edges can chip if struck. Protective settings are recommended for rings. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners.. Its color ranges from naturally occurring in colorless, blue, yellow, golden, brown, red, and green, with blue being the most popular variety associated with December, with the most prized stones showing even saturation and high clarity.
Zircon is the oldest known mineral on Earth, with crystals from Australia's Jack Hills dated to 4.4 billion years old. The name likely comes from the Persian zargun, meaning gold-colored. Zircon has been used in jewelry for centuries and was historically valued as a diamond simulant for its high refractive index and dispersive fire. It is often confused with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant, but the two are entirely different materials. Major sources include Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, and Myanmar.
Historically, zircon has been associated with wisdom, prosperity, and protection. In crystal healing and metaphysical traditions, zircon is associated with the Root and Crown Chakras. It is linked to grounded confidence, restful sleep, and spiritual clarity. Practitioners often use it as a stone for steady focus and good fortune, themes that align with December's contemplative end-of-year energy.
Zircon vs diamond
Same color family, different stones. Here's how to choose.
Zircon
Zircon and diamond are entirely different minerals. Diamond is pure crystalline carbon and rates 10 on the Mohs hardness scale; zircon is a zirconium silicate and rates 6 to 7.5. Despite the difference in hardness, colorless zircon has a refractive index and dispersive fire close to diamond, which is why it was historically used as a diamond alternative.
Diamond
Diamond is harder, more durable, and carries significant cultural weight along with much higher price points. Zircon offers similar sparkle and fire at a fraction of the cost, with the trade-off that it can chip more easily and requires more careful wear. Note that zircon is a natural gemstone and should not be confused with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant.
Born in December?
Zircon is one of four modern birthstones for December December birthstones, alongside blue zircon, blue topaz, tanzanite, and turquoise are all modern birthstones for December. For people who follow birthstone jewelry traditions, blue zircon makes a brilliant gift for anyone born in December. Its sparkle rivals diamond thanks to a refractive index higher than most natural stones, the color reads as a clean ocean blue, and the stone is far less expensive than sapphire while offering more visible fire.
See all December birthstones on the December birthstone jewelry hub.
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Made to order in Colorado
Every zircon piece is handcrafted to order in our Steamboat Springs studio, shipped in about 10 business days, and arrives in eco-friendly gift packaging.
Zircon Jewelry: Frequently Asked Questions
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Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Zircon and cubic zirconia are completely different materials. Zircon is a natural gemstone (zirconium silicate) that has been forming in the Earth for billions of years. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic, lab-created diamond simulant (zirconium oxide) invented in the 1970s. Natural zircon actually has more fire (rainbow flashes) than diamond.
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Is zircon a December birthstone?
Yes. Zircon is one of four official December birthstones, alongside blue topaz, tanzanite, and turquoise. Blue zircon is the most popular color for December birthstone jewelry. Zircon has been recognized as a December birthstone since the 1952 update to the official list.
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Can you wear zircon jewelry every day? Is zircon natural or treated?
Yes, with care. Zircon scores 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Earrings and necklaces are the safest options for daily wear. For rings and bracelets, bezel settings are recommended because zircon's edges can be brittle and chip with impact. Clean with warm soapy water and avoid ultrasonic cleaners.
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Is zircon natural or treated?
Zircon is a natural gemstone. Blue zircon is commonly created by heating brownish natural zircon, a stable and permanent treatment that is the industry standard. The stone itself is 100 percent natural. At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, we are transparent about all gemstone treatments.
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Does zircon have more fire than diamond?
Yes. Zircon's dispersion (the property that creates rainbow fire) actually exceeds that of diamond. Combined with a high refractive index, this gives well-cut zircon exceptional brilliance and sparkle. This optical quality made colorless zircon a popular diamond alternative in the Victorian era, long before cubic zirconia existed.
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What does zircon symbolize?
Zircon symbolizes prosperity, wisdom, honor, self-confidence, and grounding. It is connected to the Root Chakra (stability), Sacral Chakra (creativity), and Solar Plexus Chakra (personal power). Zircon is associated with the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Capricorn. The oldest known zircon crystals are 4.4 billion years old.