December Birthstone: Meaning, Symbolism, and Jewelry Guide
The December Birthstone at a Glance
December is a month of winter’s arrival, celebration, and reflection. Its birthstones — turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon — perfectly reflect the month’s cool elegance, spiritual depth, and timeless beauty.
- Turquoise, the traditional birthstone, is celebrated for its sky-blue hues and protective qualities.
- Tanzanite, a modern alternative, features a deep blue to violet color, symbolizing transformation, intuition, and personal growth.
- Zircon, another alternative, shines in blue, golden, and colorless varieties, representing prosperity, wisdom, and protection.
This guide explores the December birthstones, their history, symbolism, jewelry uses, and care tips. You’ll also find links to the Turquoise Gemstone Guide, Tanzanite Gemstone Guide, Zircon Gemstone Guide, the Birthstone Jewelry hub, and the Birthstone Meanings & Symbolism hub.
What Are the December Birthstones?
December is unique because it has multiple recognized birthstones:
- Turquoise (traditional) – sky-blue stone symbolizing protection, serenity, and good fortune.
- Tanzanite (modern alternative) – blue to violet stone representing transformation, intuition, and personal growth.
- Zircon (alternative) – available in blue, golden, and colorless, symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, and protection.
Each stone provides a meaningful way to celebrate December birthdays, offering color variety, symbolism, and style flexibility.
For more details, see:
Why These Stones Represent December
December’s birthstones reflect winter energy, protection, and spiritual growth.
Turquoise: Protection and Serenity
Turquoise has been valued for millennia for its protective qualities and ability to bring peace, calm, and balance. Its blue hue mirrors clear winter skies, making it a natural symbol for December-born individuals.
Tanzanite: Transformation and Intuition
Tanzanite, discovered in the 20th century, represents personal growth, intuition, and spiritual awareness. Its deep blue-violet color embodies winter’s reflective, transformative energy.
Zircon: Wisdom and Prosperity
Zircon is historically associated with wisdom, clarity, and good fortune. Its brilliance and range of colors make it a versatile choice for jewelry and a meaningful December birthstone alternative.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Turquoise
Turquoise has been treasured by ancient Egyptians, Native Americans, and Persians as a stone of protection, luck, and spiritual insight. Its unique color and protective symbolism made it a popular talisman.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite was discovered in Tanzania in 1967 and quickly gained popularity for its striking blue-violet color and rarity. It symbolizes transformation, spiritual growth, and self-discovery.
Zircon
Zircon is one of the oldest known minerals, used historically as a symbol of wealth, protection, and clarity. Its sparkle and versatility made it a favorite in fine jewelry for centuries.
For more on historical significance, see our Birthstone Meanings & Symbolism hub.
Meaning and Symbolism of the December Birthstones
December’s birthstones collectively embody protection, spiritual growth, and abundance:
- Turquoise: Serenity, protection, good fortune
- Tanzanite: Transformation, intuition, personal growth
- Zircon: Wisdom, prosperity, clarity
Each stone reflects December’s winter energy and the contemplative spirit of year-end reflection.
December Birthstone Jewelry Ideas
December gemstones are versatile and elegant, making them ideal for a variety of jewelry types.
Turquoise Jewelry
- Rings: Statement pieces or meaningful gifts
- Necklaces & Pendants: Highlight the stone’s vibrant sky-blue color
- Earrings: Casual or bold winter looks
- Bracelets: Layered or single-stone designs for everyday wear
Tanzanite Jewelry
- Rings: Elegant, deep blue-violet stones for special occasions
- Necklaces & Pendants: Showcasing tanzanite’s unique brilliance
- Earrings: Perfect for formal or evening wear
- Bracelets: Add a sophisticated pop of color
Zircon Jewelry
- Rings: Versatile and brilliant in multiple colors
- Necklaces & Pendants: Classic or modern settings
- Earrings: Sparkling accents for daily or formal wear
- Bracelets: Stackable or singular designs
For curated jewelry inspiration, visit our Birthstone Jewelry hub.
Zodiac Connections
December spans Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 – January 19):
- Sagittarius: Turquoise promotes protection and serenity; tanzanite enhances intuition and growth.
- Capricorn: Zircon supports clarity, wisdom, and prosperity; tanzanite encourages personal transformation.
Caring for December Birthstone Jewelry
Turquoise Care
- Clean with mild soap and water
- Avoid chemicals and prolonged sunlight
- Store separately to prevent scratches
Tanzanite Care
- Clean gently with warm water and mild soap
- Avoid heat and ultrasonic cleaning
- Store in padded boxes or soft pouches
Zircon Care
- Clean with warm water and mild soap
- Avoid harsh chemicals and high heat
- Store separately to preserve brilliance
For full gemstone care guidance, see our Gemstone Care & Buying Guides hub.
Fun Facts About December Birthstones
- Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones and was used in ancient jewelry and talismans.
- Tanzanite is only found in a small region of Tanzania, making it extremely rare.
- Zircon is often mistaken for diamond due to its brilliance.
- Turquoise has historically been considered a stone of protection and good luck.
- Tanzanite’s violet-blue hue was a sensation when first introduced to the jewelry market in the 1960s.
Learn more about gemstone science in our Gemstone Science & Education hub.
Related Articles and Resources
- Turquoise Gemstone Guide
- Tanzanite Gemstone Guide
- Zircon Gemstone Guide
- December Birthstone Jewelry Guide
- Birthstone Meanings & Symbolism Hub
- Birthstone Gifts for December Birthdays
Explore More Birthstones
December’s birthstones — turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon — reflect protection, transformation, and abundance, perfectly capturing the energy and spirit of winter. To explore the full birthstone calendar, visit our Birthstones by Month hub.
Final Thoughts
The December birthstones, turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, provide beauty, meaning, and symbolic depth. Whether for jewelry, gifts, or personal appreciation, these stones connect wearers to December’s protective, transformative, and abundant energy.
Return to the Birthstones by Month hub to explore all 12 months and their unique stones, or explore earlier months in the calendar.