Everything You Need To Know About December Birthstone Jewelry
Celebrate December birthdays with the captivating beauty of turquoise! Our stunning birthstone jewelry showcases this vibrant gem, symbolizing protection and serenity. Perfect for a special gift!
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Estimated read time:
11 minutesDo you have a December birthday or know someone who does?
You're in for a treat!
By the end of this guide, you'll have everything you need to know about these stunning stones, from their rich histories to how to care for them.
Let's dive into the enchanting world of December birthstones!
In this article...
What Is The December Birthstone?
December isn't just about twinkling lights and festive cheer—it's also the month blessed with three mesmerizing birthstones: tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon.
Each stone tells a story—whether it's the deep, velvety blues of tanzanite, the ancient and serene turquoise, or the sparkling brilliance of zircon.
These gems aren't just beautiful; they're steeped in history and meaning, making them perfect for gifts that are as thoughtful as they are stunning.
Historical Significance & Symbolism
Tanzanite
Discovered in 1967, tanzanite is a relative newcomer but has quickly gained popularity for its stunning blue-violet hues.
Found exclusively in Tanzania, this gem is believed to bring insight and spiritual awakening to its wearer.
Turquoise
One of the oldest known gemstones, turquoise has been prized for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of turquoise gemstones hark back to 3000 BCE!
Ancient civilizations—from Egypt to Persia—cherished turquoise for its sky-blue color and believed it held protective powers.
Turquoise symbolizes peace, health, and good fortune.
Zircon
Often overshadowed by its counterparts, zircon is one of the oldest minerals on earth, dating back over 4 billion years.
Zircon was particularly popular during the Victorian era, particularly for mourning jewelry.
Known for its broad spectrum of colors, zircon is often used in meditation practices to clear negative energy and provide a protective aura.
Featured Women's December Birthstone Jewelry
Famous Stones
Some gemstones are so remarkable they become legends in their own right, such as The Queen of Kilimanjaro, Persian Turquoise and Starlight Blue Zircon.
The Queen of Kilimanjaro (Tanzanite)
The Queen of Kilimanjaro is one of the most extraordinary tanzanites ever discovered, weighing an incredible 242 carats.
This remarkable gem is set in a tiara that is as much a symbol of luxury as it is of the stone’s royal allure.
The tiara itself is a masterpiece, adorned with over 900 diamonds, but it is the central tanzanite that truly steals the show.
Tanzanite was only discovered in 1967 in the Merelani Hills of Tanzania, near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Due to its limited geographic origin, tanzanite is a rare gem, and stones of this size are exceedingly uncommon.
The Queen of Kilimanjaro not only highlights the stunning deep blue and violet hues that tanzanite is known for but also emphasizes the stone's rarity and the fact that such a large tanzanite might never be found again.
This tiara represents one of the most prestigious showcases of tanzanite's beauty and remains a symbol of African gemstones on the global stage
Persian Turquoise
Persian turquoise, also known as Iranian turquoise, is one of the most sought-after varieties of this ancient stone.
Revered for its intense robin’s egg blue color, Persian turquoise has been cherished for thousands of years.
The ancient Persians believed that turquoise was a symbol of heaven on earth, and it was often worn as an amulet to protect against evil and bring good fortune.
The gemstone has been mined in Iran for over 2,000 years, and some of the world’s most famous pieces of turquoise jewelry originate from this region.
Persian turquoise is renowned for its purity of color, often free of the veining that characterizes turquoise from other regions.
This pure blue color made it highly prized by ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and the Aztecs, and it continues to be a favorite among collectors and jewelry designers today.
Persian turquoise remains a symbol of protection, healing and good fortune.
Starlight Blue Zircon
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some crystals dating back over 4 billion years.
The Starlight Blue zircon’s striking resemblance to blue diamonds has made it a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious finish without a high price point.
This gemstone exhibits a stunning play of light, known as "fire," which is the colorful flashes of light seen when the stone is moved under a light source.
This fire, combined with its vibrant blue color, makes Starlight Blue zircon a standout in the world of gemstones.
Sources, Types, and Colors
Where do these magical stones come from, and what makes them unique?
Mining Locations
Tanzanite
Found exclusively in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, tanzanite’s rarity makes it incredibly special.
The limited mining area means that tanzanite might one day be mined out completely, adding to its allure.
Turquoise
While turquoise is mined worldwide, the most prized stones come from Iran (formerly Persia), the southwestern United States, and Tibet.
Each region produces turquoise with distinct characteristics, from the rich blues of Persian turquoise to the greener shades found in the U.S.
Zircon
Cambodia is renowned for producing some of the finest blue zircon, but the stone can also be found in Sri Lanka, Australia, and Madagascar.
Each location offers zircon in a range of colors, from clear to deep red.
Color Varieties & Significance
Tanzanite
Tanzanite’s color ranges from deep blue to violet, often displaying a mesmerizing color shift when viewed from different angles.
The deeper the purplish-blue of tanzanite, the more valuable the stone.
Turquoise
Turquoise comes in a beautiful spectrum of colors, from pale blue to green, often with intricate veining.
Persian turquoise is the most sought-after, known for its pure blue color with minimal veining.
Zircon
Zircon is available in many colors, but blue zircon is the most popular for December birthdays.
Its vivid sparkle and range of blues—from pastel to deep hues—make it a versatile and desirable choice.
Our Favorite December Birthstone Pieces
Le Vian Robins Egg Blue Turquoise & Nude Diamond Halo Pendant
Gabriel & Co. Sterling Silver Blue Topaz and White Sapphire Ring
Simon G. 18K White Gold Pear Tanzanite Pendant
Care, Maintenance, and Buying Tips
When you invest in a beautiful piece of birthstone jewelry, you’ll want to ensure it lasts a lifetime.
Here are our top tips for caring for your tanzanite, turquoise and zircon pieces.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a relatively soft stone (6-7 on the Mohs scale), so it’s best to avoid wearing this precious stone during activities that could cause scratches.
Clean it with soapy warm water and a soft brush, and avoid exposing it to sudden temperature changes or placing it in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner.
Turquoise
Turquoise is porous and can be sensitive to chemicals, so it’s important to keep it away from lotions, perfumes, and harsh cleaners.
Clean it with a soft, damp cloth and store your turquoise separately from other jewelry to avoid scratches.
Zircon
Though zircon is quite hard (between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale), it can be brittle.
Handle it with care, avoid sharp impacts, and clean it with a mild soap solution and soft cloth.
December Birthstone Jewelry Buying Guide
When shopping for December birthstone jewelry, here are a few tips to ensure you’re getting the best quality:
Ask About Treatments
Many tanzanites are heat-treated to enhance their color.
This is a standard practice, but it’s good to know before you buy.
The heat reduces red and yellow tones, leaving behind blue and violet shades.
Turquoise may be treated to improve its color and durability, so ask if the stone has been stabilized or dyed.
For zircon, inquire about any heat treatments used to achieve its vibrant blue color.
Check for Certifications
Especially with tanzanite, which can be quite valuable, it’s important to ask for a certificate of authenticity.
This ensures that your stone is genuine and ethically sourced.
Consider the Setting
The setting can significantly impact the appearance and longevity of your gemstone. Tanzanite is best suited to earrings or pendants as opposed to rings, so they are less exposed to wear and tear.
Tanzanite and turquoise are best in protective settings, while zircon’s sparkle can be beautifully showcased in more open designs.
December Birthstones Demystified!
December birthstones—tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon—offer a world of beauty, history, and meaning.
Whether you’re drawn to the rich blues of tanzanite, the ancient allure of turquoise, or the sparkle of zircon, each stone perfectly captures the spirit of December.
Ready to explore these stunning gems?
Discover our collection of December birthstone jewelry and find the perfect piece to celebrate your special month. Whether as a gift or a treat for yourself, these gems are sure to dazzle and delight.
Explore our full range of tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon jewelry, and let the ethereal magic of December’s birthstones inspire you!
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