December is full of beautiful blue gemstones. Turquoise, tanzanite and zircon are its best-known birthstones, and blue topaz is another popular modern choice. From the vivid blue-green of turquoise to the sparkle of topaz, December has a wonderful range of colors and styles.
Turquoise: a classic blue-green
Turquoise has been used in jewelry for thousands of years. Some pieces are a clear sky blue, while others lean greener or show distinctive natural veining. Its color looks lovely in simple designs and has made it a favorite in many different jewelry traditions.
Tanzanite: blue with a hint of violet
Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite, found commercially in a small area of Tanzania. It’s admired for its rich blue-to-violet color, which brings a completely different look from opaque turquoise. A faceted tanzanite can have a beautiful depth of color and sparkle.
Blue topaz: clear blue sparkle
Blue topaz adds another lovely option for a December birthday. Sky Blue Topaz has a light, refreshing color, Swiss Blue Topaz is brighter, and London Blue Topaz offers a deeper shade. Blue topaz is often chosen as an alternative December birthstone, although the most widely used U.S. birthstone lists feature turquoise, tanzanite and zircon.
Zircon: bright and brilliant
Natural zircon comes in several shades, including blue, golden brown and colorless. Its sparkle is one of its most distinctive features. Despite the similar name, natural zircon is not the same material as cubic zirconia.
December traditions and care
December’s gemstones have long been linked with friendship, good fortune and protection in different traditions. Their blue tones also look lovely in silver and gold-filled jewelry, whether you prefer opaque stones or transparent sparkle.
A little everyday care keeps December jewelry looking its best. Wipe pieces gently after wearing them, keep perfume and harsh cleaners away from turquoise, and store your jewelry separately so the stones and metal stay beautifully finished.
For more about these materials, explore the Turquoise Gemstone Guide and Blue Topaz Gemstone Guide.
View all turquoise jewelry or blue topaz jewelry.