The History and Meaning Behind December’s Birthstones

There are several different beautiful gemstones to choose from when it comes to selecting birthstone jewelry for the December birthday in your life! From the light, bright blues of turquoise, the rich hues of blue topaz, and the many shades of zircon, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for the December birthday in your life.

What is the Birthstone for December?

Those born in December are lucky enough to have four accepted birthstones: turquoise, zircon, blue topaz, and tanzanite. All of these gems are beautiful options for fine jewelry and give December babies a wide variety of styles and price ranges to choose from.

What Birthstone Color is December?

Although zircon, turquoise, tanzanite, and topaz are gemstones that come in a variety of hues, beautiful blue shades are the popular choice for December birthstone jewelry. For our December birthstone jewelry pieces, we prefer to use London Blue topaz for its rich and unique blue color.

Why Does December Have Multiple Birthstone?

December isn’t the only month that has multiple accepted birthstones, but it does have more birthstones than any other month. Turquoise and another famous blue gemstone, lapis lazuli, were the traditional birthstones for December. Today, the more brilliant blue topaz and zircon have become the most popular modern gemstones for December birthdays.

Turquoise Birthstone History and Meaning

Ranging in color from bright robin’s egg to pastel blue and bluish green, turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones. This December birthstone has been prized for thousands of years by cultures ranging from the Aztecs to the ancient Egyptians (who used it to decorate King Tut’s tomb) to the Persian empire. From ancient times to today, people have ascribed special powers to turquoise. Native American tribes of the Southwest wore turquoise as an amulet believed to offer protection, while in ancient Persia (and modern-day Iran) some believe wearing turquoise can ward off evil. Over the centuries, turquoise has acquired a reputation for protecting people from misfortune.

Although the gem itself is ancient, the name is relatively new: dating from thirteenth century France, the word “turquoise” meaning “stone from Turkey,” originated when the gems were brought from Turkey to Western Europe. Turquoise cabochons are often found in antique jewelry from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and Queen Victoria gave her bridesmaids turquoise embellished brooches as gifts.

Turquoise Jewelry Cleaning and Care Tips

As gemstones go, turquoise is a bit fragile, so we recommend taking special care when wearing turquoise fine jewelry. High heat can damage its surface or cause discoloration, and exposure to some chemicals, cosmetics and even skin oils can change its color. Clean turquoise with warm soapy water but avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Our jewelry specialists would be happy to answer any questions on how to properly care for your turquoise jewelry pieces!

Zircon Birthstone History and Meaning

Zircon is another gem featured in dazzling December birthstone jewelry. Although Zircon isn’t as well-known as some other gems, this stone is a celebrity among geologists. The oldest rock ever discovered was a zircon found in Australia dating 4.4 billion years, nearly as old as the planet itself (the oldest diamonds are 3.3 billion years old). If you’re shopping for someone born in December, a piece of zircon jewelry would make for a timeless treasure!

Zircon can be found in a rainbow of colors, including blue, brown, green, orange, yellow, red and even clear. Clear zircon is one of the most brilliant non-diamond gems and was often used as a diamond alternative in the nineteenth century. According to the American Gemological Society, folk wisdom says that zircon has the power to relieve pain, protect travelers and prevent nightmares.

Zircon Jewelry Cleaning and Care Tips

Zircon is fairly durable, but it’s not as strong as sapphires and diamonds so you should avoid wearing or storing it in harsh conditions. If a zircon has been heat-treated to produce a certain color (many blue zircon stones have been), prolonged exposure to light could lead to the gem changing back to its original hue. Clean zircon with warm water and gentle soap, but don’t use steam or ultrasonic cleaners with this gem.

Topaz Birthstone History and Meaning

Topaz has been sought after for centuries, and many believe it got its name from the Island of Topazios in the Red Sea when it was discovered by ancient romans. Topaz becomes blue when it is heated, either naturally or artificially, and can vary in intensity. Throughout history, this beautiful blue stone was thought to have healing properties that brought peace and clarity and that could even dispel magic spells, sickness, and anger.

In more modern history, blue topaz has been a favorite among the European aristocracy. Kate Middleton regularly wears a pair of blue topaz and diamond earrings for social occasions, and celebrities like Cate Blanchett, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez have all worn blue topaz on the red carpet. London Blue Topaz is one of the richest and beautifully unique shades of blue, and this is the shade of blue topaz Brilliant Earth uses for its fine jewelry.

Topaz Jewelry Cleaning and Care Tips

Like all crystals, topaz can be brittle and should be treated with care. However, it still ranks 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness which is right behind sapphires. When cleaning topaz, avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning. Instead, use lukewarm water and a bit of soap, and wash your topaz very gently with a cloth or a soft toothbrush, patting it dry afterwards.

December Birthstone Jewelry

Birthstone jewelry is a beautiful and sentimental gift that your friend, partner, or family member will treasure for years to come. See some of our favorite blue topaz birthstone jewelry to gift below!

Floating Solitaire London Blue Topaz Pendant

A beautiful London blue topaz is set in this elegant pendant style that glides smoothly along a lustrous cable chain.

London Blue Topaz Stud Earrings

Fashion forward with classic sophistication, these striking London Blue Topaz stones are set in comfortable basket settings.

Maris London Blue Topaz and Aquamarine Bracelet

Stunning oval-shaped London blue topaz gemstones and round aquamarines float along the wrist in this delicate and beautiful bracelet.

Mazarine London Blue Topaz and Aquamarine Earrings

Sparkling in hues of luscious blue, these elegant earrings feature glistening cushion-cut London blue topazes atop breathtaking emerald-cut aquamarines for a chic and stylish look.

Teardrop London Blue Topaz Bracelet

A beautiful bezel-set pear-shaped London blue topaz rests on a lustrous chain in this unique bracelet. Modern and elegant, this design is perfect for effortless everyday wear and features a sizing station at 6′ for individual comfort.

Teardrop London Blue Topaz Earrings

A pear-shaped London Blue topaz rests within a bezel setting, an open back allows maximum light to reach the gem, and a classic French wire setting adds movement to these perfect everyday earrings.

Hex London Blue Topaz Stud Earrings

Gleaming London Blue Topaz gems are set in a hexagonal-shaped frame in these studs that are perfect for elevated everyday wear.

Delmar Hue Ring

This unique ring showcases a stunning line of sapphire, London blue topaz, swiss blue topaz, and white topaz that emit a radiant aura of light.

Petite Signet Cerulean Ring

Glistening sapphires, aquamarines, and London Blue topazes are channel-set in this elegant and timeless blue-hued signet ring.

Azule Earrings

A shining gemstone cluster of aquamarine, London blue topaz, and a diamond gather together for a chic statement perfect for any occasion.

Melanie Earrings

A glittering cluster comprised of a sapphire, aquamarine, and London Blue topaz, stem from a shining diamond to complete the perfect playful and everyday look.

Siren Huggie Earrings

These glamorous huggie hoop earrings feature a row of dazzling prong-set diamonds, freshwater cultured pearls, London Blue topazes, and aquamarines set in lustrous gold. Secured with hinged latch backs, these earrings are perfect for elevated every day wear.

Hydrangea Cuff Bracelet

A glittering cluster comprised of a sapphire, aquamarine, London blue topaz, and a shining diamond gathers together for a truly unique look in this cuff that is the perfect playful and colorful everyday piece.

Coastal Ombre Ring

Shimmering diamonds, sapphires, aquamarines, lab alexandrites, london blue topazes, and sunstones create an eye-catching ombre effect that wraps half of the way around this chic, whimsical ring.

Marina Diamond Ring

This unique ring showcases a stunning cluster of sapphire, London blue topaz, aquamarine, and diamond gemstones that emit a radiant aura of light.

Rae London Blue Topaz Ring

A single London Blue topaz rests within a band of precious metal in this sleek and elegant ring.

Joelle London Blue Topaz Ring

Floating shared prong marquise London Blue topazes shimmer from the top half of this delicate and dazzling band for a spectacular look.

Marseille London Blue Topaz Ring

Floating shared prong London Blue topazes shimmer from the top half of this delicate and luminous band for a spectacular look.

Soiree London Blue Topaz Huggie Earrings

Perfectly sophisticated yet effortlessly cool, these huggie hoop earrings feature glistening London Blue topazes pavé-set in a stunningly chic teal-blue row.

Sunflower London Blue Topaz Earrings

Petals of London blue topaz gemstones dazzle within a hoop of lustrous silver in this enchanting nature-inspired look.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a December baby, what do you think of your birthstones—do you have a favorite?  Do you own any birthstone jewelry?  Let us know your thoughts on  Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter or in the comments section!