Sell With a Story: December Birthstone Guide
Rounding out the end of the year is a special time for many, especially those born in December. This month stands apart from most in that there are not one but three fascinating birthstones — Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon — that celebrate the uniqueness of everyone celebrating a birthday. With a wealth of history, symbolism, and stunning visual features, the December birthstones are perfect for jewelry styles that make exceptional holiday gifts and are rich with meaning.
The History and Meaning of December Birthstones
Turquoise
Named after the French saying pierre tourques, or “Turkish stone,” Turquoise has been cherished and prized for thousands of years by both ancient and modern civilizations. Turquoise jewelry can be traced all the way back to the ancient Egyptians, who prized the stone and even adorned the burial mask of King Tut with it. Asian cultures used Turquoise in elaborate carvings. Native Americans, particularly from the southwest region of the United States, have long incorporated Turquoise in their jewelry due to its symbolic, mystical, and ceremonial importance.
Turquoise has long been associated with friendship, good fortune, health, protection, and peace. It’s an ideal and thoughtful gift for a loved one.
Tanzanite
Discovered only in the 1960s, Tanzanite is one of the most recent additions to the gemstone world. It is named after the East African country of Tanzania, which is where Tanzanite was discovered and is exclusively mined. Tanzanite experienced a surge in popularity within a decade of being discovered and has been beloved ever since.
With such a short time within the cultural and jewelry space, Tanzanite does not hold a large history of symbolism. However, there are those who attribute Tanzanite with transformation, calmness, and spiritual awakening, making it a perfect gemstone to mark new beginnings.
Zircon
Not to be confused with the lab-grown gemstones Cubic Zirconia, Zircon is a naturally occurring birthstone option that presents a rainbow of opportunity. There is debate on how Zircon received its name. Some say it’s derived from the Arabic word zarkun, meaning “cinnabar” or “vermilion,” while others think it comes from the Persian word zargun, or “gold colored.”
While Zircon may fly under many people’s radars when it comes to its use in jewelry, it has a vast history filled with meaning. For example, cultures in the Middle Ages believed Zircon could promote sound sleep and ward off evil spirits. The Hindu religion believes that Zircon when combined with the other gems of the navaratna — nine mystic gemstones in Indian mythology representing astrological bodies that act as a talisman when set together — can provide wealth, wisdom, and good health. Victorian England experienced a burst of popularity specifically for Blue Zircon and, as such, it was included in much of the jewelry of that period.
Did You Know?
Not only do the December birthstones hold significance for this particular month, but Turquoise is the traditional symbol for the 11th wedding anniversary, and Zircon is the zodiac birthstone for Scorpio.
How to Care for December Birthstones
Turquoise
While exceptionally beautiful, Turquoise is a very delicate and porous gemstone that should be worn with care. With a Mohs hardness rating of 5–6 and poor to good toughness, Turquoise is prone to cracking or breaking when impacted with a hard surface. Heat and harsh chemicals can discolor or damage the stone as well. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided. To properly and safely clean Turquoise, use warm, soapy water with a soft brush or cloth.
Tanzanite
As a member of the zoisite mineral species, Tanzanite has a Mohs hardness rating of 6–7 and fair to poor toughness. It is likely to crack, fracture, or abrade if exposed to a hard impact, high temperatures, or harsh chemicals. However, it can stand up to normal heat and light. While Tanzanite should not be used with an ultrasonic or steam cleaner, warm, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth works just fine.
Zircon
Zircon, like the other December birthstones, is more delicate in nature and should be worn with care. With a Mohs hardness rating of 6–7.5 and poor to good toughness, it can chip and abrade when impacted, and heat-treated Zircon can revert to its original color when exposed to heat. However, light and chemical exposure is not a significant concern with Zircon. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners should also not be used with Zircon. Opt for the warm, soapy water and soft brush or cloth method instead.
Gemstone Education
Want to learn more about the colorful world of gemstones? Visit Stuller’s Gemstone Information Center to see a rainbow of options along with fun facts, care tips, and helpful resources.
Options With December Birthstones
Turquoise
Turquoise is an opaque, cabochon stone that ranges in color from medium blue to a greenish blue. Some Turquoise exhibit a weblike pattern called a matrix (Spider Web Turquoise) or golden flecks of pyrite (Kingman Turquoise). However, the most prized Turquoise is a glossy, smooth robin’s egg blue.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite comes in a vivid violet blue hue but can also range between both violet and blue. This color range is greatly influenced by its pleochroism, or ability to feature different colors when viewed at different angles. Tanzanite can be found in a variety of faceted cuts in a large range of sizes while maintaining excellent quality. Even the larger sizes can feature a high clarity.
Zircon
While Zircon can come in a variety of color options, such as red, brown, yellow, orange, green, and colorless, the most popular color in Zircon is the light blue which pairs well with the other two blue December birthstones. It is available in a wide range of faceted cuts and sizes.
Choosing December Birthstone Jewelry
When it comes to exploring jewelry options with December birthstones, customers have their pick of color ranges within the blue hues. Each gemstone’s color pairs best with a white metal, such as silver, white gold, or platinum, as it brings out the cool tones of each stone. However, the warm tones of yellow gold could provide an interesting color contrast.
Earrings and pendants are ideal jewelry choices for these delicate gemstones. However, they would also look stunning on rings that are worn for special occasions as opposed to daily use.
Turquoise, Tanzanite, and Zircon: Pure Beauty
December’s birthstones are as unique as they are beautiful. Each gemstone offers the opportunity to create a meaningful gift or personal treasure enriched in meaning and reflecting a special beauty. As you help your customers find the perfect December birthstone piece, explore every option these gemstones provide to find something truly special and eye-catching.
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