Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are just a few of the holidays that fall in the most magical — and often chaotic — month of the year. But don’t let those December birthdays pass you by. Whether you were born during this winter month or you love someone who was, you might be wondering what gemstone is December’s birthstone? The answer is threefold: December birthstone jewelry can feature the serene purple-blue of tanzanite, the icy elegance of blue topaz or the vibrancy of turquoise. Here’s a bit more about each of these lustrous, semi-precious gems and a few of our top jewelry picks to wrap up this season.
December birthstone meaning
Each December stone color comes in a shade of blue. Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones known to humanity and has been valued for thousands of years across various cultures. Its vibrant blue-green color is often associated with protection, luck and friendship. Tanzanite’s meaning is often associated with qualities such as spiritual growth, transformation, positivity, truth and a connection to the higher self, while blue topaz symbolizes wisdom and honesty.
Gemstones for the month of December
This trifecta of birthstones gives you a range of gift options throughout the holiday month. Here’s what you need to know about each.
What is tanzanite?
Tanzanite is a mesmerizing gemstone known for its depthless blue to dark violet tones. Discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s, the December birthstone quickly gained worldwide popularity. Part of the allure of the December birthstone tanzanite is its trichoric nature, meaning its color shifts depending upon the angle from which you view it. Natural tanzanite’s multifaceted tones can shift from delicate blue to vivid purple.
The rarity of tanzanite is another factor that contributes to its mystique. Found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, and originally discovered by herders, the December birthstone’s supply is limited.
What is blue topaz?
The better-known December birthstone topaz offers all the glamour and appeal of tanzanite with clear blue tones. Available in an array of colors, blue topaz is the most widely available, with variations ranging from a light sky blue to a deep London tone. these exquisite gemstones can be found around the world. Brazilian topaz first became popular in the 18th century among European royalty, but more recently we’ve seen some of our favorite celebrities like Taylor Swift, Kate Middleton and Cate Blanchett sporting blue topaz jewelry.
Caring for blue topaz, turquoise & tanzanite jewelry
To clean tanzanite, particularly when it’s cloudy, you’ll want to soak in warm, soapy water for about 10 to 20 minutes and gently polish dry. If you’re cleaning blue topaz pieces, hand-wash with warm water and a few drops of mild soap, polishing with a soft cloth to dry. Begin by wiping the turquoise with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any surface dirt or oils. Avoid using rough materials that could scratch the stone. If you need to clean it more thoroughly, mix a small amount of mild, phosphate-free dish soap with warm water. Dampen the cloth with this solution — do not soak the turquoise itself — and gently wipe the stone, letting it air dry.
Tanzanite, blue topaz, turquoise & tanzanite jewelry
Looking for the best blue topaz gifts to give your favorite December friend for her birthday? Or maybe you need a turquoise or a tanzanite gift to surprise a partner or treat yourself for Christmas or Hanukkah. Here are a few of our December birthstone jewelry picks to wrap up for the season:
- Match the twinkle of Christmas lights with the luminescent sparkle of a blue topaz and diamond accent ring.
- Treat yourself to a pair of deep purple tanzanite stud earrings to add intrigue to your everyday outfits.
- Wrap up a pair of blue topaz studs for your favorite December-born teen.
- Add colorful allure to your significant other’s jewelry box with a tanzanite pendant on a rose gold chain.
- Delight a parent, grandparent or partner with a stackable, elegant blue topaz and diamond bracelet.
- Choose a turquoise ring or bracelet to add an arts-and-crafts allure to your own jewelry collection.
Check out our birthstone guide to see all the colorful gemstones we have to offer, and shop birthstone jewelry for your loved ones — and yourself — at Helzberg Diamonds.