December Birthstone Guide: Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon Jewellery
Share
If you have a December birthday, or you are shopping for someone who does, you have a rare treat: December has not one but several birthstones, and every one of them is a shade of blue. In this guide to the December birthstone we cover what each stone is, what it means, how to care for it and how to choose a gift in 925 sterling silver that will be treasured for years.
What Is the December Birthstone?
The December birthstones are turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Turquoise and zircon are the traditional choices, while tanzanite is a more modern addition that has become hugely popular since the late twentieth century. Blue topaz is also widely sold as a December gemstone, and the exact list can vary slightly between countries and jewellery associations.
That variety is good news for gift buyers. Whether she prefers a soft, earthy sky blue, a rich violet-blue or an icy sparkle, there is a December birthstone to suit her style and your budget.
December Birthstones at a Glance
|
|
Turquoise |
Tanzanite |
Zircon |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Colour |
Sky blue to green-blue, often with dark veining |
Violet-blue, sometimes flashing purple |
Bright, icy to electric blue |
|
Look |
Opaque |
Transparent |
Transparent, very sparkly |
|
Hardness (Mohs) |
5–6 |
6.5–7 |
7.5 |
|
Symbolism |
Protection, peace, good fortune |
Intuition, transformation |
Wisdom, prosperity, clarity |
|
Best for |
Everyday statement pieces, vintage styles |
Special occasions and pendants |
Rings and earrings with plenty of sparkle |
Turquoise: The Ancient December Birthstone
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones in human history and is treasured for its calming blue colour. It has been worn for thousands of years, from Egyptian pharaohs to Persian kings and Native American communities, and was long believed to protect the wearer from harm and bring good fortune.
Turquoise is an opaque stone, usually with fine webbing known as matrix running through it. No two stones are the same, which makes every turquoise silver ring genuinely one of a kind. It also looks stunning against the bright white of sterling silver.
Turquoise meaning: protection, peace, honest communication and good luck.
Shop turquoise: browse our full range of turquoise jewellery, including vintage and handmade pieces.
Tanzanite: The Modern December Birthstone
Tanzanite was discovered in the 1960s in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro, and is found in only one small area of the world. That rarity is part of its appeal. It is famous for pleochroism, meaning it can flash blue, violet and even burgundy depending on the angle you view it from.
Tanzanite is a lovely choice for a milestone birthday or a special-occasion necklace. It is also the traditional gem for a 24th wedding anniversary, so it works well for couples celebrating in December too.
Tanzanite meaning: intuition, transformation and new beginnings.
Shop tanzanite: explore our tanzanite jewellery collection.
Zircon: The Sparkling December Birthstone
Zircon is a natural gemstone that is often mistaken for cubic zirconia, but the two are completely different. Natural zircon is a zirconium silicate mined from the earth, whereas cubic zirconia is a lab-made diamond simulant. Zircon has remarkable brilliance and fire, and it is one of the hardest December birthstones at around 7.5 on the Mohs scale. Zircon crystals found in Australia are among the oldest known minerals on Earth, at more than 4 billion years old.
Blue zircon is the most popular December variety, with a bright, electric sparkle that suits zircon earrings, rings and pendants beautifully.
Zircon meaning: wisdom, prosperity and clarity.
Shop the look: for sparkle in sterling silver, take a look at our earrings and gemstone pendants and necklaces.
Which December Birthstone Should You Choose?
Not sure which stone to go for? Here is a simple way to decide.
- For someone who loves vintage or boho style: choose turquoise.
- For a milestone birthday or something rare: choose tanzanite.
- For daily wear and lots of sparkle: choose zircon, the hardest of the three.
- For a gift on a tighter budget: sterling silver studs or a simple pendant in any December stone make a thoughtful present.
December Birthstone Jewellery Gift Ideas
Looking for December birthstone gifts for her? These are the most popular ways to give a birthstone:
- December birthstone rings in sterling silver: rings are our speciality, from stacking styles to statement cocktail designs. Shop our sterling silver rings.
- December birthstone necklaces: a gemstone pendant is a timeless, easy-to-wear gift. Browse pendants and necklaces.
- December birthstone earrings: studs and drops are ideal if you are unsure of ring size. See our earrings.
- Bracelets and bangles: sterling silver bracelets and bangles are perfect for layering.
- Something handmade: every piece in our handmade sterling silver jewellery collection is crafted with care and makes a truly personal gift.
- Not sure what she would like? A Silver Jewellery Store gift card lets her choose her own.
Buying a ring as a surprise? Use our ring size guide or download our free printable ring sizer, and remember we offer ring resizing if you need it.
How to Care for December Birthstone Jewellery
Each December gemstone has its own needs, so a little care goes a long way.
How to clean turquoise jewellery: turquoise is porous and relatively soft, so keep it away from perfume, hairspray, soaps, oils and household chemicals. Wipe gently with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth, and avoid soaking.
How to clean tanzanite: avoid sudden temperature changes and ultrasonic cleaners. Use warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush, then dry thoroughly.
How to clean zircon: zircon is hard but can chip at the edges if knocked, so store it separately from other jewellery. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.
Caring for sterling silver: silver naturally tarnishes over time, but regular wear and a polishing cloth keep it bright. Read our guide on whether genuine sterling silver tarnishes. If a favourite piece ever needs attention, we offer professional jewellery repairs.
Why Buy December Birthstone Jewellery From Us?
- Genuine 925 sterling silver, guaranteed and backed by our hallmarking promise
- One-of-a-kind vintage and handmade pieces, with new jewellery added every week. See the latest arrivals
- Free UK tracked delivery on orders over £30
- Easy 30-day returns, so you can buy with confidence
- Over 18 years of experience in the jewellery trade
Want first access to new pieces? Join our jewellery drops list for subscriber-only prices.
December Birthstone FAQs
What is the December birthstone?
The December birthstones are turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Blue topaz is also commonly sold as a December gemstone.
Is turquoise a December birthstone?
Yes. Turquoise is one of the traditional December birthstones and has been associated with the month for generations.
Which December birthstone is the most valuable?
Tanzanite is generally the rarest, as it comes from a single location. Value depends on colour, clarity, size and quality, so the best stone is the one you love most.
Which December birthstone is the most durable?
Zircon is the hardest at around 7.5 on the Mohs scale, so it is a good choice for everyday rings. Turquoise is softer and best treated with a little extra care.
What is the difference between zircon and cubic zirconia?
Zircon is a natural gemstone mined from the earth. Cubic zirconia is a man-made stone created in a laboratory. They are different materials with different properties.
What is the best December birthstone gift?
For a classic gift, a sterling silver gemstone ring or pendant is hard to beat. If you are unsure of size or style, studs or a gift card are safe and thoughtful alternatives.
Is sterling silver good for birthstone jewellery?
Yes. 925 sterling silver is durable, affordable and its bright finish complements blue gemstones perfectly.
Find Your Perfect December Birthstone
Whether you choose ancient turquoise, rare tanzanite or sparkling zircon, a December birthstone makes a meaningful, personal gift. Start with our turquoise and tanzanite collections, or explore all our sterling silver rings.
Buying for a November birthday too? Read our November birthstone guide.
