December Birthstone Jewelry Decoded: The 5 Stunning Blue Gems That Will Make You Forget Diamonds Ever Existed
If you (or someone you love) was born in December, you hit the birthstone jackpot. While most months get just one gem, December rules over five dazzling stones — Turquoise, Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz, and Lapis Lazuli. Every single one of them is blue, every single one has a wild backstory, and every single one is more affordable than you think. This guide breaks down what to buy, what to avoid, and how to wear December birthstone jewelry like you actually know what you're doing.
Why December Has So Many Birthstones (And Why That's a Win for You)
Most months were assigned a single official birthstone back in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association. December originally had Turquoise and Lapis Lazuli. Then Zircon was added. Then Tanzanite joined in 2002 after the African gemstone took the world by storm. Finally, Blue Topaz was officially welcomed into the club in 2016. The result? December babies get the widest range of price points, colors, and styles of any month — from $30 silver studs to five-figure tanzanite pendants.
And here's the secret most jewelers won't tell you: because you have options, you have leverage. You can pick the stone that matches your skin tone, your budget, your wardrobe, and even your astrological vibe. Let's break each one down.
1. Tanzanite — The Rarest December Birthstone (And the One Everyone Wants)
Tanzanite is the youngest gemstone on this list and arguably the most exciting. Discovered in 1967 in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania — and found nowhere else on Earth — it shifts between deep violet and electric blue depending on the light. Tiffany & Co. famously named and popularized it, calling it "the most beautiful blue stone discovered in 2,000 years."
Geologists estimate the world's only tanzanite mine will be depleted within a generation, which is why prices keep climbing. If you're looking at December birthstones as a long-term investment piece, tanzanite is the clear winner.
✓ Pros
- Extraordinarily rare — found in only one place on Earth
- Stunning violet-to-blue color change (pleochroism)
- Hardness of 6.5–7 — suitable for most jewelry
- Value continues to appreciate over time
✗ Cons
- Most expensive December birthstone
- Too soft for everyday rings without protective settings
- Heat-treated stones are the industry norm
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners
Best For
Pendants, earrings, and special-occasion rings. Tiffany, Brilliant Earth, and Blue Nile all carry investment-grade tanzanite, while Peora and Gemporia offer beautiful entry-level pieces under $300.
2. Turquoise — The Ancient Talisman That's Suddenly Cool Again
Turquoise has been adorning royalty for over 5,000 years — Egyptian pharaohs, Persian sultans, Aztec emperors, and Native American chiefs all wore it as protection. It's the only stone on this list that's opaque, and the only one whose value is judged primarily by color and matrix pattern rather than clarity.
The robin's-egg blue from the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona is the most coveted, while spiderweb turquoise from Nevada is prized for its dramatic dark veining. Estate Diamond Jewelry, James Avery, and Alison Moore all highlight turquoise as a bohemian classic that pairs surprisingly well with both silver and yellow gold.
✓ Pros
- Affordable — beautiful pieces start under $50
- Steeped in symbolism (protection, friendship, healing)
- Stunning against tanned and warm-toned skin
- Endlessly versatile from boho to modern minimalist
✗ Cons
- Soft (5–6 on Mohs) and porous
- Reacts badly to perfume, lotion, sweat, and sunlight
- Lots of dyed howlite is sold as fake turquoise
- Color can fade or shift over years
Best For
Statement necklaces, cocktail rings, and Southwestern-inspired bracelets. Avoid daily-wear rings unless the stone is set in a heavy bezel.
3. Blue Topaz — The Most Affordable Way to Look Like You Spent a Fortune
Blue Topaz is the workhorse of December birthstones. It comes in three main shades — Sky Blue (pale and icy), Swiss Blue (vivid medium blue), and London Blue (deep, inky teal). Almost all blue topaz on the market starts as colorless topaz that's irradiated and heat-treated to produce its signature color, which is why it stays so affordable despite its hardness and brilliance.
It's the favorite at brands like Swarovski, Astrid & Miyu, Abbott Lyon, and Say It With — perfect for shoppers who want the look of a high-end blue gemstone without the four-figure price tag.
✓ Pros
- Excellent hardness (8 on Mohs) — great for everyday rings
- Extremely affordable per carat
- Available in large sizes with excellent clarity
- Three beautiful shades to choose from
✗ Cons
- Color is almost always lab-enhanced
- Lacks rarity premium of tanzanite or natural sapphire
- Can fade with extended sun exposure
- Sometimes confused with aquamarine
Best For
Engagement-style rings, oversized statement pieces, and gifts under $200. London Blue is especially popular for a moody, modern look.
4. Zircon — The Original "Diamond Alternative" (Don't Confuse It With Cubic Zirconia!)
Here's a fact most people get wrong: zircon and cubic zirconia are completely different things. Zircon is a natural mineral that has existed in the Earth for billions of years — in fact, the oldest mineral ever found on our planet is a zircon crystal from Australia, dated at 4.4 billion years old. Cubic zirconia is a man-made simulant.
Blue Zircon — the official December variety — has more fire and brilliance than a diamond thanks to its extreme dispersion. It comes in stunning electric blue, teal, and golden hues. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and Blue Nile both highlight zircon as one of the most underrated gemstones in the trade.
✓ Pros
- Exceptional brilliance and fire — outshines many diamonds
- Natural and ancient — billions of years old
- Moderately priced compared to tanzanite
- Beautiful in vintage and Art Deco settings
✗ Cons
- Brittle — edges can chip if knocked
- Hardness of 6–7.5 limits everyday ring use
- Often confused with cubic zirconia by uninformed buyers
- Limited availability at mainstream retailers
Best For
Earrings, pendants, and dressier rings. Estate and vintage pieces from the 1920s–1940s often contain stunning blue zircon and can be incredible value.
5. Lapis Lazuli — The Royal Blue Stone of Cleopatra (And Honestly, You)
Lapis Lazuli is the OG luxury blue gem. Mined in Afghanistan for more than 6,500 years, it was so valuable that Renaissance painters ground it into the pigment "ultramarine" — which cost more than gold. Cleopatra wore powdered lapis as eyeshadow. Tutankhamun's death mask was inlaid with it. Few stones carry this much history.
It's an opaque deep blue speckled with golden pyrite flecks, making each stone look like a tiny piece of the night sky. Vianne Jewellery, Alison Moore, and Estate Diamond Jewelry all celebrate lapis as the most "regal" of the December options.
✓ Pros
- Stunning deep-blue color with golden pyrite sparkle
- Extremely affordable for such a historic gem
- Considered a stone of wisdom and truth
- Looks rich and bold in yellow gold settings
✗ Cons
- Soft (5–6 Mohs) and porous
- Damaged by chemicals, heat, and ultrasonic cleaners
- Often dyed to deepen color — ask for natural
- Not suitable for engagement rings
Best For
Statement cocktail rings, signet rings, pendants, and earrings. Pairs beautifully with gold and works for both formal and bohemian styles.
Quick Comparison: All 5 December Birthstones at a Glance
| Stone | Color | Hardness (Mohs) | Price Range | Best For | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzanite | Violet to deep blue | 6.5–7 | $$$$ | Pendants, earrings, dress rings | Transformation, intuition |
| Turquoise | Sky to robin's-egg blue | 5–6 | $ | Boho jewelry, necklaces | Protection, friendship |
| Blue Topaz | Sky, Swiss, London blue | 8 | $$ | Everyday rings, statement pieces | Communication, calm |
| Zircon | Electric blue, teal | 6–7.5 | $$ | Earrings, vintage settings | Wisdom, prosperity |
| Lapis Lazuli | Royal blue with gold | 5–6 | $ | Signet rings, pendants | Truth, royalty |
How to Choose the Right December Birthstone Jewelry
Match the Stone to the Wearer
If she loves color and history, go lapis or turquoise. If she's modern and minimal, choose tanzanite or blue topaz. If she's a vintage lover, nothing beats zircon. And if you just want something she'll wear every single day without worry, blue topaz is the most durable of the group.
Pick the Right Setting
Softer stones (turquoise, lapis, tanzanite) belong in bezel or halo settings that protect the edges. Harder stones (blue topaz, zircon) handle prong settings beautifully. Yellow gold flatters lapis and turquoise, while white gold and platinum make tanzanite and blue topaz pop.
Consider the Treatment
Almost all tanzanite is heat-treated. Almost all blue topaz is irradiated. Most lapis on the market is waxed or dyed. None of this is bad — it's industry standard — but always buy from a reputable seller who discloses treatments openly. The GIA, Tiffany, Blue Nile, and Brilliant Earth all provide certification on higher-end pieces.
Care Guide: Keep Your December Birthstone Jewelry Looking New
- Tanzanite: Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners.
- Turquoise: Wipe with a damp cloth only. Remove before showering, swimming, or applying perfume.
- Blue Topaz: Most durable of the group. Soap and water work fine. Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
- Zircon: Store separately — it can scratch and be scratched. Use soft cloth and mild soap.
- Lapis Lazuli: Keep away from acids, perfume, and hot water. Wipe with a soft, dry cloth.
Where to Buy December Birthstone Jewelry in 2026
For investment-quality tanzanite and certified gemstones, Tiffany, Blue Nile, and Brilliant Earth lead the pack. For affordable, design-led pieces under $200, look at Swarovski, Abbott Lyon, Astrid & Miyu, and Say It With. For artisan and bohemian styles, Alison Moore, Vianne, and James Avery offer beautiful handmade options. And if you want one-of-a-kind antique pieces — particularly vintage zircon and turquoise — estate jewelers like Estate Diamond Jewelry are the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official December birthstone?
December actually has five: Tanzanite, Turquoise, Blue Topaz, Zircon, and Lapis Lazuli. Turquoise and Lapis are the most traditional, Tanzanite is the most modern, and Blue Topaz is the most popular for everyday wear.
Which December birthstone is the most valuable?
Tanzanite is by far the most valuable due to its extreme rarity — it's mined in only one location on Earth and the supply is expected to run out within a generation.
Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Zircon is a natural gemstone that has existed for billions of years. Cubic zirconia is a man-made diamond simulant. They are completely different materials.
What color is December's birthstone?
All five December birthstones are blue — ranging from icy sky blue to deep violet-blue and royal lapis blue. That makes December the only month whose stones share a unified color palette.
Can I wear December birthstone jewelry every day?
Blue Topaz is the most durable for everyday wear thanks to its 8 Mohs hardness. Tanzanite and zircon work for daily use if set protectively, while turquoise and lapis are better reserved for occasional wear.
Final Verdict
December birthstone jewelry isn't just one of the best categories in fine jewelry — it's the most flexible. Whether you want a $40 turquoise pendant for a casual gift, a $300 London Blue topaz cocktail ring for yourself, or a $5,000 tanzanite halo necklace for a milestone anniversary, December has a stone that fits. The only mistake you can make is buying without knowing what you're looking at. Now you do.
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