It’s typically a face-off between blue topaz and turquoise for December’s birthstone, and we’ve chosen turquoise for the win. Turquoise, with its blue, greenish blue and sometimes robin-egg blue hues, is a variegated surprise, kind of like azure confetti that comes out of the earth. Turquoise is one of the oldest stones used by humans, found in artifacts as old as 5,000 B.C. Turquoise is associated with protection.

Each turquoise cluster pendant is made by hand and is as different as each chip included. Natural turquoise chips used in this necklace are rough to the touch and randomly dropped into place so your necklace is one of a kind. If you notice tiny holes in the stones, that’s because these were originally drilled to be strung in jewelry, but we thought this was a more unusual way to display them. The pendant is sealed with clear resin with some stones protruding through.

Pendants measure about 1/2 inch and are available in lead-free pewter plated with .999 fine silver in a bright finish or antiqued 24kt gold plated onto lead-free pewter. Chains are available in 18 inches or 20 inches. Please see last photo to compare lengths on a model before selecting. Silver chains are sterling silver, twisted rope chains. Gold chains are gold-filled cable chains.

Each necklace may also be personalized with up to 3 letters in a small circle. Please see second-to-last-photo for an example of a gemstone necklace that has been personalized (featured picture is not turquoise). Personalized circles are either solid brass or solid polished aluminum. Some great personalized ideas include monograms, initials, or the word “mom.”

Please allow up to 8 days for your necklace to ship. These necklaces take some time to create and must be made in batches and given 3 days to completely cure. They are made to order.

Birthstone cluster necklaces are made by hand at Bang-Up Betty’s North Little Rock, Arkansas, studio.