← Explore the complete birthstone guide
Three blue gemstones. Three different personalities.
December has three widely recognized birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Turquoise brings opaque, earthy color; tanzanite offers a rich violet-blue glow; and zircon delivers bright sparkle. This guide compares their hardness, origins, character and care so you can choose a December birthstone that suits the person who will wear it.
The hero and three gemstone portraits are AI-generated illustrations. Jewelry photographs show Nina Wynn designs. Individual gemstones vary in color, pattern and cut.
Turquoise: the December birthstone with natural character
Turquoise is an opaque gemstone with color ranging from blue to green. Some stones have a clean, even appearance; others contain matrix, the dark veins or patches of surrounding rock. That pattern can make a turquoise cabochon feel especially individual.
- Mohs hardness
- 5–6
- Color
- Blue to green
- Common mining regions
- Iran, China and the southwestern United States, including Arizona and Nevada
- Why choose it?
- For distinctive color, organic pattern and a softer, understated look
Turquoise works beautifully with both warm gold and cool silver. Choose an even blue stone for a crisp, minimal look, or a patterned stone if you enjoy visible natural character. Smooth cabochons emphasize color rather than the flashes of a faceted gem.
What to ask before buying: Is the material natural turquoise, and has it been stabilized, dyed or otherwise treated? Treatment disclosure matters because turquoise is porous and its appearance and care can depend on how it was prepared.
Explore Nina Wynn turquoise jewelry →
Tanzanite: rich violet-blue color from Tanzania
Tanzanite is the blue-to-violet variety of zoisite. Its color can shift with viewing direction, a property called pleochroism. A well-chosen cut presents an appealing balance of blue and violet when the stone is viewed face up.
- Mohs hardness
- 6–7
- Color
- Violet to blue
- Commercial source
- The Merelani Hills area of northern Tanzania
- Why choose it?
- For a saturated blue-violet centerpiece and a gemstone with a distinctive source story
Choose tanzanite if you love expressive color and a refined, luminous look. Earrings and pendants are thoughtful options because they generally receive fewer knocks than rings. A tanzanite ring deserves a protective setting and careful, occasional wear.
What to ask before buying: How does the color look in different lighting, and what treatments are disclosed? Heating is common in tanzanite. Natural describes the gemstone’s origin; it does not automatically mean untreated.
Tanzanite’s cleavage and limited toughness make protection from impact important, even though its hardness is higher than turquoise’s.
Ask us about a tanzanite design →
Zircon: bright sparkle in a natural gemstone
Zircon is a natural gemstone prized for brilliance and colorful flashes called fire. It occurs in several colors, but blue zircon is especially associated with December. Its lively sparkle gives a different impression from turquoise’s opaque surface or tanzanite’s deeper color.
- Mohs hardness
- 6–7.5, depending on type
- December favorite
- Blue zircon
- Notable mining regions
- Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Australia
- Why choose it?
- For light-catching brilliance, fire and an airy blue look
Zircon is not cubic zirconia. Natural zircon and synthetic cubic zirconia are different materials. The similar names are easy to confuse, so ask for the gemstone’s full identification when comparing jewelry.
What to ask before buying: Is the stone natural zircon, and is its color treated? Blue zircon is often produced by heating. Look for an attractive face-up appearance and crisp facets, then consider a setting that helps protect exposed edges.
Zircon can abrade at facet edges with rough handling. Earrings and pendants are appealing ways to enjoy its sparkle while reducing daily contact.
Ask us about a zircon design →The regions in this guide describe general gemstone sources. They do not establish the origin of a particular Nina Wynn stone. Ask for available documentation if mine or country of origin is important to your purchase.
Which December birthstone should you choose?
Start with the wearer’s favorite kind of color, then consider how and where the jewelry will be worn. All three stones can make a meaningful December birthday gift; the strongest choice is the one that fits the person’s style and care habits.
Choose turquoise for character
A good starting point for someone who loves opaque color, warm gold, silver or organic patterns. Choose studs or a pendant for an easy styling foundation, and remember that turquoise needs protection from chemicals and oils.
Choose tanzanite for rich color
A thoughtful choice for someone drawn to violet-blue gems and an elegant centerpiece. Earrings or a pendant suit a wearer who will handle the piece carefully and remove it for active tasks.
Choose zircon for sparkle
A lovely option for someone who enjoys bright, faceted jewelry and icy blue tones. Select protected settings and gentle wear rather than relying on hardness alone.
For a gift when you are unsure: Look at jewelry the recipient already reaches for. A simple turquoise stud suits a color-focused style; a tanzanite pendant suits a love of deeper hues; blue zircon earrings suit a preference for sparkle. Check metal preference, earring format and dimensions before choosing.
Mohs hardness measures resistance to scratching. It does not measure resistance to breaking. Cleavage, toughness, treatments and the setting also affect how well a gemstone handles daily wear.
December birthstone meaning and history
Turquoise has a long history in adornment and has been associated with protection and good fortune in various traditions. Tanzanite entered the jewelry world much more recently, following its discovery in Tanzania in 1967. A December gift can draw on these stories, but the most lasting meaning may be personal: a favorite color, a birthday or a shared memory.
Product edit and trend notes updated .
December birthstone jewelry trends for 2026
Color and versatility feature in JCK’s 2026 show coverage. Our December edit begins with turquoise pieces in gold and silver, while tanzanite and zircon remain other birthstone choices to discuss with our team.
Our styling suggestions
- Let a turquoise Evil Eye stud supply the blue in a small gold ear arrangement.
- Choose a silver turquoise pendant for one clear focal point at the neckline.
- Pair textured turquoise silver studs with a simpler necklace to keep the gemstone color visible.
Shop the current December birthstone edit
- Turquoise Evil Eye flat back earring
- Vintage Lace turquoise silver studs
- Athena turquoise silver necklace
Follow each product link for current gemstone options, sizing and availability. Confirm piercing fit and whether earrings are sold individually or as a pair.
Trend reference: JCK’s 2026 jewelry reporting. The styling suggestions are Nina Wynn’s interpretation of that direction.
December birthstone jewelry at Nina Wynn
Turquoise offers an especially beautiful place to begin. These real jewelry photographs show how the same gemstone family can move from a delicate stud to a statement earring or a simple necklace. Follow each design to see current details, dimensions and availability.
Athena turquoise convertible earrings
Turquoise cabochons and textured drops in 14k yellow gold bring color and movement to a dressed-up look.
View Athena earrings →
Athena turquoise silver necklace
A round turquoise pendant in sterling silver creates a clear focal point for a clean, minimal neckline.
View Athena necklace →
Vintage Lace turquoise studs
Natural turquoise, sterling silver and a detailed border make these 7mm studs a colorful foundation.
View Vintage Lace studs →
Turquoise Evil Eye flat back earring
A natural turquoise center with lab-grown diamond accents adds a small point of color to an ear arrangement.
View Evil Eye earring →Two ways to style December color
Let one piece lead. Pair a larger turquoise earring with a quieter necklace, or use a small turquoise stud as the color accent beside simple gold pieces. For flat back jewelry, confirm the post length and fit with your piercer rather than choosing by the photograph alone.
What about blue topaz for December?
Some birthstone lists also include blue topaz. This guide follows GIA’s December trio of turquoise, tanzanite and zircon, while recognizing blue topaz as another choice you may encounter.
Topaz has a Mohs hardness of 8, but cleavage makes it vulnerable to sharp blows. Commercial blue topaz is commonly treated to create its color. Choose it for the shade and design you love, with treatment disclosure and suitable care.
Ask about blue topaz jewelry →How to care for December birthstone jewelry
Use gentle cleaning and store gemstone pieces separately so they do not rub against harder jewelry. Check the jeweler’s instructions for the complete piece, including treatments, metal and setting.
Turquoise
Clean gently with warm, mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaning, strong heat and chemicals. Put jewelry on after cosmetics and fragrance, and protect it from oils and discoloration.
Tanzanite
Use warm, mild soapy water and a soft brush with light pressure. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners, abrupt temperature changes and impacts. Remove it before sports, chores or rough work.
Zircon
Clean with warm, mild soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid steam and ultrasonic cleaners. Protect facet edges from abrasion, and keep the piece separate from other jewelry when traveling.
December birthstone FAQs
What are the birthstones for December?
GIA lists turquoise, tanzanite and zircon as December birthstones. Some other lists include blue topaz. The primary three offer very different appearances, so December birthdays have plenty of room for personal preference.
What color is the December birthstone?
December is strongly associated with blue: turquoise can be blue or green, tanzanite ranges from violet to blue, and blue zircon is a popular December choice. Zircon also occurs in other colors.
Which December birthstone is best for a birthday gift?
Choose turquoise for opaque color and natural character, tanzanite for rich violet-blue hues, or zircon for brilliance and fire. Match the jewelry type and metal to the recipient’s habits, then consider how carefully they will wear and clean it.
Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Zircon is a natural gemstone. Cubic zirconia, often abbreviated CZ, is a different, synthetic material. Ask for a clear gemstone identification rather than relying on similar-sounding names.
Are natural December birthstones always untreated?
No. Natural gemstones can still be treated. Turquoise may be stabilized or dyed, while tanzanite and blue zircon are commonly heated. Ask which treatments apply to the individual stone and whether they affect its care.
Can I wear a December birthstone ring every day?
That depends on the gemstone, setting and activities. All three benefit from careful handling. Tanzanite’s cleavage, zircon’s susceptibility to abrasion and turquoise’s sensitivity to chemicals make a protected design and removal for rough tasks important. Earrings or pendants usually face fewer impacts.
Why is Tanzania important to tanzanite?
Tanzanite’s commercial source is the Merelani Hills area of northern Tanzania. The gemstone’s name reflects that association. Origin information for an individual stone should still come from the seller and available documentation.
Can I choose a December birthstone if it is not my birth month?
Yes. A birthstone tradition can guide a meaningful gift, but it does not restrict what you can wear. Choose the color, design and personal story that appeal to you.
Explore another birth month: Visit our complete birthstone guide to discover the gemstones associated with every month.
Gemological sources and further reading
This guide draws on GIA’s gemstone education resources. Birthstone lists can vary; the blue topaz note also reflects the International Gem Society’s December list.
Explore all 12 birthstone guides
Return to the complete birthstone guide for the month-by-month chart, colors and care.
