December Birthstones: Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon

December has three widely recognised birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Their colours range from opaque sky blue and blue-green to violet-blue and bright icy sparkle, giving December birthdays several distinctive ways to wear their month.

What are the December birthstones?

Turquoise is an opaque blue-to-green gem with a history stretching across many cultures. Tanzanite is known for blue and violet tones and comes from a single region near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Zircon is a natural gemstone with strong brilliance and can occur in many colours, although blue zircon is especially associated with December.

For a month-by-month comparison, start with our birthstone jewellery guide.

Turquoise meaning and style

Turquoise has traditionally been associated with protection, good fortune and friendship. These ideas belong to cultural symbolism, not medical or spiritual guarantees. Its opaque colour gives jewellery a relaxed yet recognisable character, particularly in gold-toned settings where the blue creates warm contrast.

Choose turquoise-inspired jewellery for someone who likes colour, organic character and pieces that feel distinctive without relying on high sparkle.

Tanzanite meaning and style

Tanzanite is often associated with transformation, new beginnings and individuality. Its blue-violet colour can look different under changing light, which gives it a sophisticated and contemporary appeal. It is well suited to milestone gifts that mark a graduation, a new role, an anniversary or another important transition.

Zircon meaning and style

Zircon has traditionally been linked with wisdom and prosperity. Blue zircon is admired for its vivid colour and lively brilliance. It should not be confused with cubic zirconia: zircon is a natural gemstone with its own mineral identity and history.

Which December birthstone should you choose?

• Choose turquoise for opaque blue-green colour and an expressive, relaxed look.
• Choose tanzanite for refined blue-violet tones and a modern milestone gift.
• Choose blue zircon for bright sparkle and a crisp winter-blue finish.
• Choose by lifestyle: earrings and pendants protect more delicate stones better than rings worn every day.

December birthstone jewellery gift ideas

A December stone can celebrate the recipient’s own birthday or represent a child, partner, friend or meaningful date. The Square Birthstone Bracelet gives the colour a clean geometric setting. For a charm-led look, explore the Octagon Birthstone Charm.

See more necklace, bracelet and charm options in our birthstone jewellery collection.

How to style December birthstone colours

December blues work with both gold and silver tones. Gold brings warmth to turquoise and creates contrast with icy blue stones; silver feels crisp and wintry. These colours also pair easily with black, white, navy, denim and soft neutrals, making them practical beyond the birthday season.

How to care for turquoise

Turquoise is relatively soft, measuring about 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Keep it away from cosmetics, perfume, household chemicals, steam and ultrasonic cleaners. Wipe it gently with a clean damp cloth and avoid prolonged heat. Put turquoise jewellery on after beauty products have dried.

How to care for tanzanite and zircon

Tanzanite measures about 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale and is better protected in pendants and earrings than in jewellery exposed to frequent knocks. Clean it with warm soapy water; avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaning and sudden temperature changes.

Zircon measures roughly 6 to 7.5 and can show wear along facet edges, so avoid rough handling. Use a soft brush with mild soap and warm water, then store it separately. Always follow the care guidance for the specific setting and materials used in your finished piece.

A personal December choice

There is no single “best” December stone. Turquoise feels artistic, tanzanite feels refined and zircon brings lively sparkle. The right choice is the one that suits the wearer’s real routine and tells the story you want the gift to carry.

Continue exploring: browse personalised birthstone jewellery or discover meaningful ways to wear someone else’s birthstone.

Source and further reading

Gemstone facts and care guidance were checked against the Gemological Institute of America’s December birthstone guide.