December Birthstone
Introduction
If you’re born in December, your birthstone is a fascinating blend of beauty, history, and meaning. Unlike many months with just one birthstone, December has three stunning gemstones: blue topaz, turquoise, and tanzanite. Each stone has its own unique color, symbolism, and history that make December birthstone jewelry popular around the world. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift or a special piece to celebrate yourself, this guide will help you understand what the December birthstone is, its color variations, the meaning behind each gem, and how to choose the perfect jewelry piece for your style.
What Is the December Birthstone?
December’s birthstones include blue topaz, turquoise, and tanzanite, making it one of the most diverse birth months. The traditional and most widely recognized stone is blue topaz, but turquoise has been cherished for thousands of years, especially by Native American cultures. Tanzanite, discovered more recently in the 1960s, is rare and prized for its unique deep blue-violet color. These three birthstones provide a range of options, from affordable and classic to rare and luxurious.
December Birthstone Color Explained
The December birthstone color is vibrant and diverse:
- Blue Topaz is usually a clear, bright blue ranging from pale sky blue to a deeper Swiss or London blue. It’s often enhanced to bring out the intense blue shade.
- Turquoise is known for its unique blue-green or teal shades with natural veining patterns, giving each stone a one-of-a-kind look.
- Tanzanite boasts a mesmerizing violet-blue color, shifting tones depending on lighting and angle, sometimes showing hints of purple or indigo.
These colors not only make the stones beautiful but also symbolize calm, wisdom, creativity, and spiritual growth — perfect qualities to celebrate a December birthday.
December Birthstone Meaning and Symbolism
Each December birthstone carries deep meaning:
- Blue Topaz is linked to communication, clarity of thought, and emotional balance. It’s believed to calm tempers and inspire honesty.
- Turquoise symbolizes protection, healing, and good fortune. Historically, it was worn as a talisman to guard against harm and bring positive energy.
- Tanzanite is associated with transformation, intuition, and spiritual awakening. Its rarity adds to its allure as a gem for personal growth and deep insight.
Together, these meanings make December birthstones powerful symbols of strength, balance, and positivity for those born this month.
History and Origins of December Birthstones
The blue topaz has been treasured since ancient times, though natural blue topaz is rare. Many blue topaz stones today are treated to enhance their color. Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones, mined for over 6,000 years, especially valued by Egyptians, Persians, and Native American cultures. Tanzanite, on the other hand, was only discovered in Tanzania in the 20th century and quickly became prized for its vivid color and rarity — it’s found in just one place in the world!
December Birthstone Jewelry: Rings, Necklaces, Earrings, and Bracelets
December birthstone jewelry comes in a wide variety of beautiful pieces. December birthstone rings are popular for their daily wear and as statement pieces, offering everything from simple bands with a single blue topaz or turquoise to elaborate settings with tanzanite. Necklaces featuring December stones make meaningful gifts and versatile accessories, whether worn as a delicate pendant or a bold design. Earrings and bracelets also showcase these gems beautifully, allowing wearers to add color and meaning to their look in subtle or striking ways.
Blue Topaz: The Classic and Most Popular December Birthstone
Blue topaz is often the first stone people think of when asked “what is the December birthstone?” It’s prized for its bright, clear blue colors, resembling a clear sky or calm ocean. Because natural blue topaz is rare, most stones are enhanced with heat treatment or irradiation to boost their color, resulting in stunning Swiss blue or London blue shades. Blue topaz jewelry is widely available and affordable, making it a favorite for birthday gifts and personal collections. Its meaning of calmness and communication adds to its appeal.
Turquoise: The Ancient and Protective December Birthstone
Turquoise has a rich cultural history and has been treasured for millennia. Its distinctive blue-green color with natural veins makes every piece unique. Turquoise was believed to protect warriors in battle and heal the body and mind. Today, turquoise remains popular in bohemian and southwestern-style jewelry and is loved for its organic, earthy charm. For December-born individuals, turquoise birthstone jewelry symbolizes protection, good health, and happiness.
Tanzanite: The Rare and Spiritual December Birthstone
Tanzanite is a relatively new gem in the world of birthstones but has quickly become a beloved choice for December birthdays. Its deep violet-blue hues shift with the light, showing flashes of purple and indigo. Tanzanite is considered a stone of transformation and spiritual growth, often chosen by those seeking deeper insight or a fresh start. Because it is only found in Tanzania, tanzanite is rare and valuable, making jewelry pieces with this gem feel truly special.
Kendra Scott December Birthstone Jewelry
Kendra Scott is known for creating modern, stylish jewelry that incorporates birthstones beautifully. The Kendra Scott December birthstone collection highlights blue topaz in trendy designs that suit everyday wear or special occasions. These pieces often mix traditional gemstone beauty with contemporary settings, making them a popular choice for people who want meaningful but fashionable birthstone jewelry.
How to Choose the Perfect December Birthstone Jewelry
Choosing December birthstone jewelry depends on personal taste and budget. Think about your favorite colors — do you prefer the bright blue of topaz, the earthy teal of turquoise, or the mysterious violet of tanzanite? Consider the type of jewelry you wear most, whether that’s a ring, necklace, earrings, or bracelet. Also, factor in the stone’s hardness and care requirements — turquoise is softer and needs more gentle handling compared to topaz or tanzanite.
Caring for Your December Birthstone Jewelry
To keep your December birthstone jewelry sparkling, proper care is essential. Blue topaz and tanzanite are fairly durable but still require cleaning with mild soap and water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners. Turquoise is softer and porous, so avoid prolonged water exposure, perfumes, and harsh cleaning products. Store each piece separately to prevent scratches and damage.
December Birthstone Ring: Symbolic and Stylish
December birthstone rings are popular gifts and personal accessories. Blue topaz rings are particularly common due to the stone’s affordability and brilliance. Tanzanite rings offer a luxurious, deeper color option, while turquoise rings add a rustic, natural look. Rings make a strong style statement and allow wearers to carry the meaning of their birthstone with them daily.
December Birthstone Necklace: A Perfect Gift
Necklaces featuring December birthstones make timeless, meaningful gifts. Whether it’s a simple blue topaz pendant, a turquoise charm necklace, or a striking tanzanite drop, these pieces suit all ages and styles. Birthstone necklaces are versatile, easy to wear, and great for layering with other jewelry.
December Birthstone Earrings and Bracelets
Earrings with December birthstones can be delicate studs or bold hoops, perfect for adding a splash of color. Bracelets featuring these stones, especially beaded turquoise or elegant blue topaz bangles, allow wearers to showcase their birth month in a unique way. Both earrings and bracelets are popular options for those who want subtle yet meaningful birthstone jewelry.
(FAQs)
1. What is the December birthstone?
December’s birthstones are blue topaz, turquoise, and tanzanite.
2. What color is the December birthstone?
They range from bright blue (blue topaz), blue-green (turquoise), to violet-blue (tanzanite).
3. What does the December birthstone mean?
They symbolize clarity, protection, healing, and spiritual transformation.
4. Is blue topaz the only December birthstone?
No, turquoise and tanzanite are also official December birthstones.
5. Can I wear December birthstone jewelry daily?
Yes, but care should be taken, especially with softer stones like turquoise.
6. What is the hardest December birthstone?
Blue topaz is the hardest, followed by tanzanite; turquoise is softer.
7. Where can I buy Kendra Scott December birthstone jewelry?
Kendra Scott’s collections are available online and in many jewelry stores.
8. How do I care for turquoise jewelry?
Avoid chemicals, water exposure, and clean gently with a soft cloth.
9. What makes tanzanite special among December birthstones?
Its rarity and unique violet-blue color make it a prized gemstone.
10. Are December birthstones good gifts?
Absolutely! They’re meaningful, beautiful, and personal gifts for December birthdays.
Conclusion
The December birthstone is a fascinating blend of history, color, and meaning. Whether you choose the classic blue topaz, the ancient turquoise, or the rare and spiritual tanzanite, each stone offers something special to celebrate your birth month. From elegant rings and necklaces to stylish earrings and bracelets, December birthstone jewelry is a wonderful way to carry your birthstone’s beauty and symbolism wherever you go. Ready to find the perfect December birthstone piece? Explore your options, choose the gem that speaks to you, and enjoy the timeless elegance and powerful meaning of these December treasures!
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