They are Turquoise, Blue topaz and Tanzanite. Besides the current stones, other traditional birthstone gems include Zircon and a stone with a funny, exotic name: Lapis Lazuli.

Modern December birthstones

Turquoise

December Birthstone - Turquoise

Turquoise is the oldest and most popular of December’s birthstones. It was found on artifacts dating back 5000 years, in ancient Egypt, Sumeria and Mesopotamia. Its name means “Turkish Stone” in French because that’s where the first deposits of turquoise were first found in the ancient world, before the first mines in Egypt, and it is the route that the gemstone took when it was introduced in Europe.

The Egyptians were the first who to recognize the value of Turquoise and use it as a precious stone. The tomb of Tutankhamen was packed with turquoise jewelry, the stone being used on it sarcophagus and mortuary mask. Most likely, Cleopatra used ground-up turquoise for her eye paint.

Millennia later, Turquoise became a sacred stone for Tibetans and Native Americans who used it extensively in their specific religious rituals officiated by the shamans. Both Tibetans and the Native Americans believed Turquoise to promote spiritual and mental clarity and also help build trust, understanding and kindness within the community.

Unlike other precious stones, Turquoise was not a stone only for rituals or for the rich. It is believed that ancient warriors wore turquoise rings that they believer would save them from falling off the horse. Many cultures believed that turquoise helped children have a healthy night sleep preventing nightmares and also protecting against harm.

The Native Americans in the southwest used turquoise as money, believing it would bring animals to the hunter, riches to the warriors and overall happiness.

Turquoise ranges in color from sky blue to green. Very often, to enhance this color, jewelers use a lair of wax coat of the gem which means that the color is not permanent.

This December birthstone is relatively easy to scratch so you need to avoid hits and also hot water and household chemicals.

When shopping for turquoise jewelry, make sure you avoid “Vienna Turquoise”. It sound exotic and refined, but in reality it is just a cheap class imitation.
Modern Turquoise sources are Iran, China, Australia, Afghanistan, Mexico and the US.

Blue Topaz

December Birthstone - Blue Topaz

The second of the modern December birthstones is Blue Topaz. Its name comes either from the Sanskrit word “tapas” which means fire, the symbol of love and fidelity, or the greek word ‘topazos’ which means “green gemstone”.

As a precious stone, Topaz became known only in the classical era. In the middle ages, the name topaz was used to name any yellow gemstone. Only later did it receive it’s proper destination, describing the current stone.

In its pure form, Topaz is colorless. However, skilled jewelers can turn it into just about any color with a little treatment, such as green, pink, blue and pink.

Topaz symbolism

Traditionally, it was believed that topaz had healing powers, could dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears, to warn its wearer of poisons and protect him or her from sudden death. There are also a few weird beliefs, like if you wore a topaz ring, you could put your hand in hot water and not be harmed. I wouldn’t rely on that though.

According to some translations of the bible, Topaz is an apocalyptical stone. The Romans dedicated Topaz to their God, Jupiter.

Today, the Portuguese crown has a huge Topaz stone called that weighs 1680 carats. For a long time, it was thought that it actually was a diamond.

This December birthstone is more durable than turquoise, but you still need to avoid sudden temperature changes and rough surfaces.

You can see here a a wide selection of blue topaz jewels, which you can even personalize.

Tanzanite

December Birthstone - Tanzanite

In 2002, the American Gem Trade Association officially added tanzanite to the modern list of birthstones for the month of December.

It was first discovered in 1967 in Tanzania by a local Masai shepherd and it would soon become ‘the stone of the 20th century’, being popularized only two later by Tiffany’s with a massive marketing campaign.

Tanzanite has a beautiful, intense blue color. It varies from ultramarine blue to light violet-blue. In sizes over 10 carats, the effect is impressive. Some tanzanite crystals need to be treated at 500 degrees Celsius to enhance their color and resistance.

Tanzanite is so popular today both because of its fascinating color but also because of its rarity, the only known deposits being in Tanzania, at Merelani.

Without a long history like that of the other December birthstones, tanzanite does not have any powerful, mysterious powers associated to it. But what it lacks in history, it compensates with beauty.

December birthstone jewelry

Here’s a list of the jewelry that can be used to as a gift for the natives of this month.

December birthstone rings

December birthstone earrings

December birthstone necklaces

Turquoise, Tanzanite and Blue Topaz are the modern December birthstones and each gem has both physical and symbolic properties that you should consider when purchasing a necklace for a gift.

When offering the gift, you should always tell the story behind the precious stone that makes it special.

Tanzanite or ‘the gemstone of the 20th century’ was first discovered in 1967 in a remote region of Tanzania. To this day, that is still the only mine of its kind in the world which means that a tanzanite necklace is one of the most unique gifts one can offer.

Tanzanite Necklace

Being known for only 40 years, it does not have many mythical properties associated to it like other gemstones. What it lacks in history however it compensates in beauty.

With a striking blue transparent color, December birthstone necklaces with a tanzanite stone will never get by unnoticed.

Here’s a nice selection of tanzanite necklaces. What’s cool is that you have the option to personalize them.

Blue Topaz was fist discovered in the ancient world, but it only became recognized for its precious properties in the classical era. In the Sanskrit language, its name means fire which is the symbol of love and fidelity.

Blue Topaz necklaces have deep symbols attached to them thanks the mythical powers of the topaz. It is believed that it has healing powers, it can dispel sadness, anger and nocturnal fears and protect its owner from sudden death.

Blue Topaz Necklace

Because it can be found in just about any color imaginable thanks to the jeweler’s talent, a topaz necklace will definitely intrigue admirers.

For a wide selection of customizable blue topaz rings, go here.

Turquoise is the oldest gem and because it’s been known since the time of the ancient Egyptians, it’s been associated numerous mystical properties. Both Tibetans and the Native Americans believed Turquoise to promote spiritual and mental clarity and also help build trust, understanding and kindness within the community.

Turquoise Necklace

A necklace that has Turquoise as its precious stone will most likely to instill these qualities in its bearer.

Many cultures believed it could also help children have a good night sleep by preventing bad dreams.

Turquoise is a beautiful stone that rages in color from light blue to green, being often enhanced by jewelers with specific techniques.

Click here to see a wide range of Turquoise necklaces.