December has three birthstones, and all of them are blue: turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite. That makes December birthstone jewelry a gift of cool, calming color, with options for every taste and budget. Turquoise brings ancient heritage, blue zircon brings diamond-like fire, and tanzanite brings rich blue-violet luxury.
This guide helps you choose the perfect December piece. You’ll meet all three stones, see the best jewelry for each, and get practical tips for buying a gift they’ll love. At Gems Lore, we want your December gift to feel just right. Here’s everything you need.
December’s Birthstones at a Glance
- Turquoise — sky-blue, heritage-rich, affordable, and full of character.
- Blue zircon — brilliant natural sparkle, not to be confused with cubic zirconia.
- Tanzanite — luxurious blue-violet, the modern and rarest of the three.
- All three are blue, so December jewelry is a gift of serene color.
Some older traditions also list lapis lazuli as a December stone, and our lapis lazuli meaning guide covers that deep-blue classic too.
Meet the Three December Birthstones
Each December stone has its own personality. Knowing them makes choosing easier.
Turquoise is one of the oldest gems used by humans, loved for its sky-blue color and Southwestern heritage. It’s soft, affordable, and rich in meaning, as our turquoise meaning guide explains. Blue zircon is a natural gemstone with exceptional fire that rivals diamond, prized for its bright, slightly electric blue. It is not the same as lab-made cubic zirconia. Tanzanite is the newest December birthstone, discovered only in the 1960s and found in just one place on earth, near Mount Kilimanjaro. Its blue-violet color and rarity make it the most luxurious of the three. Dedicated tanzanite guides are on the way.
Turquoise Jewelry Gifts
Turquoise is the affordable, characterful choice for a December gift. Its color suits almost everyone, and its Southwestern soul feels timeless. Just remember it’s a soft, porous stone that needs gentle care.
For a bold, meaningful gift, a turquoise ring is a classic, and our turquoise rings guide covers styles and buying tips. A pendant is a gentle, everyday choice, explored in our turquoise necklaces guide. Earrings frame the face beautifully, as our turquoise earrings guide shows, and a silver cuff makes a statement on the wrist, covered in our turquoise bracelets guide.
Blue Zircon Jewelry Gifts
Blue zircon is the sparkle-lover’s December stone. Its fire makes it a dazzling, affordable alternative to pricier blue gems. One tip: make sure any gift is described as natural zircon, a real gemstone, and not cubic zirconia.
For brilliance on the hand, our zircon rings guide covers styles and settings. A pendant shows the fire beautifully and protects this slightly brittle gem, as our zircon necklaces guide explains. Earrings set the sparkle in motion near the face, covered in our zircon earrings guide, and a tennis-style bracelet is pure glamour, explored in our zircon bracelets guide.
Tanzanite Jewelry Gifts
Tanzanite is the luxury pick for a December birthday. Its deep blue-violet color is unlike any other gem, and its single-source rarity makes it special. It’s also softer than a diamond, so protective settings suit it well.
Tanzanite shines in rings, pendants, and earrings, especially in white metals that echo its cool color. Because it’s rarer and pricier than turquoise or zircon, it’s a memorable gift for a milestone. Dedicated tanzanite buying and jewelry guides are on the way, so check back soon.
Which December Stone Should You Choose?
With three stones to pick from, a quick comparison helps. Each suits a different giftee and budget.
Choose turquoise for someone who loves heritage, boho style, or meaningful color on a friendly budget. Choose blue zircon for someone who loves sparkle and fire but appreciates great value. Choose tanzanite for a luxurious, milestone gift, or for someone who loves a rich, unusual blue. If you’re unsure, turquoise and zircon are the easy, affordable crowd-pleasers, while tanzanite is the splurge.
Choosing by Jewelry Type
The type of jewelry matters as much as the stone. Think about how your giftee actually dresses.
A ring is bold and personal, but remember soft stones like turquoise need care in a ring. A necklace or pendant is the safest, most universal gift, gentle on delicate stones and easy to wear daily. Earrings are elegant and low-risk for softer gems, and they flatter almost everyone. A bracelet makes a lovely statement, though it faces more knocks on an active wrist. When in doubt, a pendant or earrings suit nearly any recipient.
Gift-Buying Tips for December Birthstones
A few smart habits ensure your gift is genuine and lasting. December stones each have their quirks.
Buy from reputable sellers and ask about treatments and origin, as our how to buy gemstones online guide explains. For turquoise, watch out for dyed howlite fakes, using our real vs. fake turquoise guide, and for any stone, our how to spot fake crystals guide helps. For a finer piece, ask about certification, covered in our gemstone certification guide. Finally, match the gift to your giftee’s lifestyle, choosing durable, protected settings for everyday wear.
December Gift Ideas by Budget
December jewelry works at every price point. Here’s a quick way to think about it.
On a modest budget, a turquoise pendant or a pair of blue zircon studs offers real beauty for little. In the mid range, a silver turquoise cuff or a blue zircon drop necklace makes a memorable gift. For a splurge, a tanzanite ring or a fine natural turquoise piece marks a special occasion. Whatever the budget, December’s blue stones deliver a heartfelt, colorful gift.
Keeping December Birthstone Jewelry Beautiful
A quick word on care, since all three December stones are softer than a diamond. A little knowledge keeps your gift looking its best.
Turquoise is soft and porous, so keep it away from water, perfume, and lotion. Blue zircon is a bit brittle, so it prefers gentle handling and protective settings. Tanzanite is also on the softer side and dislikes hard knocks and sudden temperature changes. For all three, remove the jewelry before rough activity, clean it gently, and store it separately. The individual guides linked above cover care for each piece in more detail.
A Note for December Birthdays Near the Holidays
Here’s something worth remembering for December babies. Their birthday often gets swept up in the holiday rush. Many feel their special day is overshadowed by Christmas.
That’s exactly why a birthstone gift lands so well. A piece chosen specifically for their birth month says “this is for your birthday, not just the season.” It’s personal, thoughtful, and clearly separate from a generic holiday present. For a December birthday, a turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite piece is a small way to make sure their day feels like their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is December’s birthstone?
December has three birthstones: turquoise, blue zircon, and tanzanite. All three are blue, ranging from turquoise’s sky blue to zircon’s bright electric blue and tanzanite’s deep blue-violet. This gives you plenty of choice when picking December birthstone jewelry.
Which December birthstone is best for a gift?
It depends on the giftee and budget. Turquoise suits heritage and boho lovers on a friendly budget, blue zircon suits sparkle lovers seeking value, and tanzanite is the luxurious splurge. Pendants and earrings are the most universally flattering, low-risk choices.
Is blue zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Blue zircon is a natural gemstone with genuine fire, while cubic zirconia is a man-made diamond simulant. The names are similar but the materials are completely different. Always confirm a gift is natural zircon, not cubic zirconia.
Why does December have three birthstones?
Birthstone lists have evolved over time, and newer stones were added alongside traditional ones. Turquoise and zircon are the historic December stones, while tanzanite was added in the 20th century after its discovery. Some older lists also include lapis lazuli.
What is the most valuable December birthstone?
Tanzanite is generally the most valuable, thanks to its rarity and single source near Mount Kilimanjaro. Fine natural turquoise can also be costly, while blue zircon is typically the most affordable. Value varies widely with quality within each stone.
Where to Go From Here
December’s trio of blue birthstones makes gifting easy: pick turquoise for heritage and value, blue zircon for fire, or tanzanite for luxury, then choose a jewelry type that fits your giftee’s style. When unsure, a pendant or earrings please almost anyone.
To see every month’s stones, visit our birthstones by month guide, or explore the zodiac connection in our zodiac birthstones guide. To learn more about gemstones in general, browse our types of gemstones guide or our crystal meanings chart.
Shopping for a December birthday? Tell us who it’s for in the comments, and we’ll help you choose.
