December is the only month with three birthstones, and all three wear the colors of winter: tanzanite, deep violet-blue like the sky just after sunset; blue topaz, icy and bright; and turquoise, the sky-blue stone of good luck. Whether you're shopping for a December birthday or a holiday gift, here's everything you need to know about all three.
💜 Tanzanite: The Newest Birthstone
Tanzanite is the youngest gem on the birthstone list. It was discovered in 1967 in the hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and in 2002 it was officially added as a December birthstone. To this day, it is found in only one small area on earth, which makes every piece special.
Color: rich blue to violet, and it can show blue, violet and even a hint of burgundy as you turn it.
Meaning: transformation, intuition and new beginnings.
Care: tanzanite is softer than sapphire (about 6 to 7 on the hardness scale), so it's lovely for pendants and earrings, and rings should be worn with a little care.
Anniversary: the traditional gemstone for a 24th anniversary.
👉 Read the story of its discovery: Tanzanite: The Gem Found in Only One Place on Earth
👉 Explore our Tanzanite jewelry
🔷 Blue Topaz: Winter's Coolest Sparkle
Blue topaz is as cool and crisp as the winter sky. It usually receives gentle treatment to achieve its bright sky-blue, Swiss blue or deeper London blue colors. It's durable (8 on the hardness scale), affordable and exceptionally sparkly, perfect for daily wear or special occasions.
Blue topaz became popular in the mid-20th century, especially from the 1950s to the 1970s, in mid-century cocktail rings, sterling silver statement pendants and elegant drop earrings with step or emerald cuts. Its icy sparkle pairs beautifully with silver and white gold.
Meaning: clarity of thought, calm, loyalty and lasting love.
🩵 Turquoise: The Stone of Good Fortune
Turquoise is one of the oldest gems in human history, treasured in ancient Egypt, Persia and the American Southwest. Its sky-blue to green color often carries delicate veins called matrix. For centuries it has been worn as a protective talisman and a stone of good luck, making it a lovely gift to begin a new year.
Care: turquoise is soft and porous, so keep it away from perfume, lotion and water, and wipe it with a soft dry cloth.
🎁 December Gift Ideas
Tanzanite pendant or earrings: rare, violet-blue and perfect for the holidays
Vintage blue topaz cocktail ring: bold mid-century glamour
Blue topaz studs: subtle sparkle for every day
Turquoise in sterling silver: a lucky charm with history
🎄 Final Thoughts
Three stones, three shades of winter blue. Tanzanite for something rare, blue topaz for sparkle and turquoise for luck: whichever you choose, a December birthstone makes a gift that's both personal and timeless.
🛍️ Find Your December Birthstone
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