December Birthstone Collection: Turquoise, Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, and Zircon

Introduction to December Birthstones

December birthstones are a captivating collection of precious gems that celebrate the final month of the year with vibrant colour and rich symbolism. Among the most cherished are blue topaz, turquoise, and tanzanite—each offering its own unique allure. Blue topaz, with its serene sky blue shade, is a favourite for December birthstone jewellery, evoking the calm and clarity of clear winter skies. Turquoise, a gemstone steeped in history, is admired for its striking blue and green tones and is often associated with good fortune and protection.

Tanzanite, a rare variety of the mineral zoisite, dazzles with its deep blue and purple hues, making it one of the most sought-after precious gems for those born in December. Whether you are drawn to the tranquil blue of topaz, the earthy beauty of turquoise, or the mesmerising colour play of tanzanite, December’s birthstones offer a stunning array of gemstones to mark this special month.

December Birthstone Colours and Varieties

December’s birthstones are renowned for their breathtaking spectrum of blue shades and unique colour variations. Blue topaz is available in several distinct varieties, including the delicate sky blue topaz, the vivid Swiss blue topaz, and the deep, dramatic London blue topaz—each offering a different intensity of blue to suit every taste. Turquoise is celebrated for its classic robin’s egg blue colour, though it can also display beautiful greenish-blue tones, often enhanced by natural veining that adds character to each stone.

Tanzanite stands out with its remarkable violet hues, shifting from blue to purple depending on the light and angle, a phenomenon known as pleochroism. Blue zircon, another December birthstone, is prized for its brilliant blue stones and exceptional sparkle, while also being available in a range of other colours. With three December birthstones to choose from, each offering a unique palette, there is a perfect gemstone for every style and personality.

Turquoise: Symbol of Prosperity, Love, and Good Fortune

Turquoise is a semi-translucent to opaque gemstone that ranges from blue to green, often featuring veins of matrix running through it. Revered as a national treasure in Tibet, turquoise is believed to grant health, good fortune, and protection from evil. Turquoise is the traditional December birthstone. In European tradition, gifting a turquoise ring signifies “forget me not,” symbolising enduring love and remembrance.

Turquoise’s porous nature means it can change colour over time and may be damaged by acids or discoloured by chemicals, cosmetics, and skin oils. Treasured as an ornamental stone for thousands of years across many cultures, turquoise holds a special place in history. The history of turquoise mining in regions such as Iran, the United States, and China has played a significant role in making high-quality turquoise available and shaping its value and desirability.

Therefore, turquoise jewellery should never be cleaned with steam or ultrasonic cleaners; instead, mild soap and soapy water are recommended. Proper care is essential to preserve the beauty and value of turquoise jewellery. The most valuable turquoise stones are bright blue with no spots or streaks, with the most prized colour known as robin's egg blue, particularly from the Nishapur district in Iran, making them highly prized for their vibrant hue.

Tanzanite: Rare Gemstone of Spiritual Growth

Discovered only in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, tanzanite is a gemstone named after its country of origin. Known for its unique blue and violet hues, tanzanite exhibits pleochroism—its colour changes depending on the viewing angle, displaying stunning violet hues alongside blues. The Merelani Hills in Tanzania is the only place on earth where tanzanite is mined commercially. Often heat treated to enhance these colours, this treatment is considered permanent.

Tanzanite ranks 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it softer than diamonds but harder than some opals. Due to its relative softness and susceptibility to scratching, tanzanite jewellery is ideally set as earrings, necklaces, or pendants rather than rings or bracelets. Considered rarer than many precious gems, including diamonds, because of its limited supply, tanzanite represents spiritual growth, emotional vitality, and intuitive wisdom. Additionally, turquoise symbolises prosperity, love, and good fortune.

Blue Topaz: The Clarity Stone with Stunning Blue Hues

Blue topaz is one of the modern birthstones for December, composed of a silicate mineral made of aluminium and fluorine. It registers an 8 on the Mohs scale, making it harder than sapphire and suitable for daily wear. Known as the "clarity stone," blue topaz is believed to stimulate open communication and reduce stress, supporting throat health when worn near the neck. Blue topaz jewellery is offered by many reputable online retailers.

Most commercially available blue topaz is produced by irradiating naturally colourless topaz, which enhances its vibrant blue hues. The name "topaz" derives from the Sanskrit word for "fire," reflecting the gem’s fiery brilliance. Blue topaz comes in several varieties, including London Blue, Swiss Blue, and Sky Blue, with London blue topaz recognised as the darkest and most valuable variety. Its official colour is an inky medium blue that captivates with depth and richness. Blue topaz is widely available in various shapes and sizes, making it a versatile and affordable choice for December birthstone jewellery.

Zircon: A Gem with a Broad Colour Palette and Rich History

Zircon is known for its wide array of attractive colours, including red, orange, yellow, brown, green, and blue. Colourless zircon is especially prized for its brilliance and flashes of multicoloured light, called fire, which has often led to confusion with diamonds. The turquoise birthstone has been cherished for millennia. Fine blue zircon gemstones are typically rarer than diamonds, though they may be perceived as less valuable due to confusion with cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant.

During the Middle Ages, zircon was believed to lull one into a deep sleep and scare off evil spirits. In Hindu tradition, zircon alternates with hessonite garnet as one of the nine gems of the navaratna, believed to protect the wearer and bring wealth, wisdom, and good health. Zircon ranges from 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable for jewellery, though it tends to abrade and should be protected from rough conditions such as gardening or sports.

Most natural blue zircons are extremely rare; the majority on the market have been heat treated to achieve their vivid blue colours. Zircon is generally stable when exposed to light, but some heat-treated stones may revert to their original colours after prolonged exposure to bright light. For cleaning, use a soft brush and mild soap in warm water, avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaners.

Birthstone Care and Maintenance

Caring for December’s birthstones ensures their beauty and brilliance last for years to come. Blue topaz, tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon each have their own care requirements based on their position on the Mohs scale and their natural properties. For most December birthstones, it’s best to clean them gently using mild soap and soapy water, and to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided, especially for turquoise and tanzanite, as high temperatures and vibrations can damage these stones.

Turquoise, being more porous, is particularly sensitive to prolonged exposure to skin oils, cosmetics, and household cleaners, which can alter its colour over time. Tanzanite and zircon, while relatively durable, should be protected from knocks and scratches, making them better suited for earrings, necklaces, or pendants rather than rings intended for daily wear. By following these simple care tips, your December birthstone jewellery will remain as stunning as the day you received it.

Where to Find Birthstones

The origins of December’s birthstones are as fascinating as the gems themselves. Turquoise has been mined for centuries in regions such as the American Southwest, Iran, and Egypt, with each location producing stones of distinct colour and character. The most prized turquoise often comes from areas known for their vibrant robin’s egg blue stones. Tanzanite is found exclusively in the Merelani Hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, making it one of the world’s rarest gemstones and highly sought after by collectors and jewellery lovers alike.

Blue topaz is mined in several countries, including Brazil, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, where it is often found in its natural state before being treated to enhance its colour. Zircon, another December birthstone, is sourced from locations around the globe, including Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Each gemstone’s journey from the earth to your jewellery box adds to its unique story and enduring appeal.

Buying Birthstone Jewellery

When shopping for December birthstone jewellery, it’s important to consider both the quality of the gemstones and the craftsmanship of the piece. Look for blue topaz, turquoise, tanzanite, or zircon that displays vibrant colour, clarity, and expert cutting to maximise brilliance. December birthstone jewellery is available in a wide variety of styles, from classic rings and elegant necklaces to statement earrings, pendants, and bracelets. Gold and sterling silver settings both complement the cool blue and green tones of these stones, allowing you to choose a look that matches your personal style.

For added assurance, purchase from reputable jewellers who provide information about the gemstone’s origin, treatments, and care instructions. Whether you’re selecting a meaningful gift or treating yourself, December’s birthstones offer a timeless way to celebrate life’s special moments with jewellery that is as unique as you are.

Our Collections: Diverse Styles for Every Taste

At Sarasbeads & Jewellery, our December birthstone collections feature a wide range of designs to suit every style and occasion. From elegant gold-plated pieces to timeless sterling silver jewellery, our collections include delicate earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and classic pearl jewellery for a touch of elegance. We also offer handmade beaded jewellery crafted with natural stones, perfect for layering or stacking to create personalised looks. Whether you prefer classic sophistication or modern flair, our diverse collections ensure you’ll find the perfect birthstone jewellery to celebrate December birthdays or to gift your loved ones with meaningful, beautiful treasures. Our focus on December's birthstone and December's birthstones ensures a curated selection that highlights the unique appeal of these gems, as well as other months' gems like the May birthstone.

This December birthstone collection showcases the unique beauty and rich symbolism of turquoise and blue topaz, tanzanite, and zircon—four gemstones recognized as December's birthstones. Turquoise is regarded as the traditional December birthstone. Each gem carries its own story and significance, making them perfect choices for meaningful and elegant jewellery that celebrates the spirit of December birthdays.

While gems like ruby are renowned for their rarity and vibrant color, December's birthstones stand out for their distinctive hues, origins, and symbolic meanings. Each gem carries its own story and significance, making them perfect choices for meaningful and elegant birthstone jewellery that celebrates the spirit of December birthdays.

Especially at Christmas, birthstone jewellery makes an ideal gift for friends, family, and loved ones. Our collection features a beautiful range of gold-plated birthstone jewellery, including earrings, stud earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Additionally, we offer handmade beaded jewellery crafted with various stones, available as necklaces, anklets, and bracelets. For those seeking timeless elegance and versatility, we also provide sterling silver pieces that are perfect for stacking and layering to create personalised looks.

Whether you are looking to gift a heartfelt token or treat yourself to something special, our December birthstone jewellery combines beauty, meaning, and craftsmanship to make every moment memorable. For those interested in January birthstones, explore our collection for meaningful symbols of love and friendship. For those interested in January birthstones, discover our Gold-Plated Necklace with January Garnet & Rose Quartz Birthstone and Carnation Flower for a unique and symbolic jewellery option. For those interested in November birthstones, explore our Citrine Gemstone collection for unique and uplifting jewellery options.