Canada 2011 Birthstones #12 - December Blue Topaz Zircon $3 Pure Silver Proof with Swarovski Crystal Gemstone
Manufacturer:
Canada
SKU:
02944
Price: $69.95
List Price: $79.95 - Savings: $10.00
This item is available to order
A coin that celebrates you and your loved ones - a December
blue topaz zircon crystal gemstone, set in a pure, precious silver proof!
Birthstones
are a tradition almost as old as human civilization. Ancient cultures
associated gems
and crystals
with personal qualities, the planets and zodiac, and special events. In
eighteenth-century Poland
people began to wear gemstones representing the twelve months of the
year in hope that these talismans would bring the wearer good fortune.
Whether as a celebration of birth, a birthday or other commemoration,
or a symbol of good luck, wisdom, protection, well wishes and success,
this thoughtful and personalized present is sure to remain a
treasured memento long after mundane gifts are forgotten!
This stunning keepsake is embedded with a genuine Swarovski
crystal gemstone that tells the story of its
owner’s birth month. Struck in 99.99% pure
silver
with a proof finish, the Swarovski Crystal Gemstone Silver Proof makes
the ideal gift for any occasion! It is perfect for birthdays,
anniversaries, weddings, newborns and any event or romantic
celebration! Of course, you can treat yourself as well to this
brilliant combination of a beautiful, colorful Swarovski crystal and
the purest silver on Earth! Whether as a gift to yourself, or for
someone close to you, this coin’s beauty and distinctiveness
are
sure to bring joy for years to come.
A Dozen Months, Twelve Different
Birthstones!
(Click on any image above
to go directly to that month's birthstone coin!)
The pictures above
show all twelve coins in the Swarovski Crystal Gemstone Birthstone
Collection. Each image above is a link to the coin for that particular
month. The Complete
12-Coin Birthstone Collection may be available as well - click
here to see if it is!
Crystal Gemstones and Their
Meanings - Each Birthstone by Month
Investment Notes
Stunning in its simplicity, this new, pure silver
proof from the Royal Canadian Mint not only makes a great gift for
someone else, it also represents a unique investment opportunity! It is
struck in the purest silver refined and minted anywhere in the world,
and features an unique, $3 denomination. Furthermore, each features a
different, genuine
Swarovski crystal! The twelve coins in the Birthstone
Gemstone Collection are the lowest-priced ever released by
the RCM to feature a Swarovski crystal!
For more information about Swarovski crystals of Austria, please see
the presentation at the end of this article.
Technology Note - Purity
The Royal Canadian Mint refines the purest silver in the world. The RCM
is also the only mint in the world to issue commemorative coins in a
.9999 fineness. This commemorative silver proof is 99.99% pure!
A large,
gemstone-colored Swarowski
crystal sits in the middle of a dynamic sunflower or sunburst
design. There are no legends on the obverse to detract from the
power and the beauty of the design.
Reverse
Her Majesty, Queen
Elizabeth II of England, in profile facing right.
This portrait, the fourth effigy of the queen to appear on Canadian
Coinage, was executed by the artist Susanna Blunt. The legend
ELIZABETH II D. G. REGINA
("Elizabeth II, Queen by the Grace of God") also appears, and the date
and denomination are also indicated.
The coin is encapsulated
inside a
burgundy leatherette, clamshell-style presentation case, lined with
black velvet and protected by an outer sleeve. An
individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.
Specifications
Country
Canada
Year
of Issue
2011
Face
Value
3 Dollars
Weight
7.96
g
Diameter
27.00
mm
Finish
Proof
Composition
.9999
Fine (Pure) Silver
Edge
Reeded
(milled, serrated)
Artist
Royal
Canadian Mint Engravers
Certificate
Individually
Numbered
Swarovski Crystal
Swarovski is the luxury brand name for the range of precision-cut
crystal glass products produced by the privately-owned company
Swarovski AG of Feldmeilen, Austria (near Zürich, Switzerland).
Swarovski crystal was born when a Bohemian, Daniel Swarovski,
invented an
automatic cutting machine in 1892. In 1895 the Swarovski company was
founded when he established a crystal cutting factory in Wattens (near
Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria). Here he could take advantage of local
hydroelectricity for the energy-intensive grinding processes he had
patented.
Swarovski crystal contains approximately 32% lead to maximize
refraction. The Swarovski Crystal firm produces a wide range range of
products, but is world-renowned for the incredible quality and
brilliance of its crystal jewelry.
In order to create a crystal that allows light to refract in a rainbow
spectrum, Swarovski coats some of its crystals with special metallic
chemical coatings. For example, Aurora Borealis, or "AB", is one of the
most popular coatings, and gives the surface a rainbow oil slick
appearance. Recent developments include the 2004 release of a new,
patented cut, Xilion, designed to optimize the brilliance of roses
(crystal components with flat backs) and chatons (diamond-cut crystals).