The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) has added tanzanite to the list of traditional birthstones for the month of December. Adding tanzanite to the traditional list of December birthstones (currently turquoise and zircon) should help build even more demand for the stone, says Douglas K. Hucker, executive director of AGTA. The organization made the announcement October 30, 2002.
Hucker said the idea was sparked during a meeting of industry association leaders earlier this year. Among a variety of gemological issues being discussed, someone brought up the idea of finding another alternative gemstone for December, and there was strong consensus among the associations that tanzanite would be a good choice. Tanzanite, with its blending of royal blue and burgundy wine hues, was first introduced to the public in 1969 and has grown to become the most popular blue gemstone after sapphire.
The Board of Directors of the International Colored Gemstone Association, New York, has unanimously adopted a proposal to make tanzanite a December Birthstone. In so doing, ICA is joining forces with the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA).
