December Birthstones: Tanzanite vs Blue Topaz vs Turquoise
by Suraj Dhara on Nov 13, 2026
December has three official birthstones: tanzanite, blue topaz and turquoise. (Zircon is a fourth, traditional choice.) All of them are blue, but they look and wear very differently. Tanzanite is a rare violet-blue stone found in only one place on Earth. Blue topaz is bright, durable and affordable. Turquoise is an opaque sky-blue stone with thousands of years of history. This guide explains how to choose between them, whether for your own December birthday or as a gift.
Why December has more than one birthstone
Birthstone lists have changed over time. The modern list used in the United States was set by jewelers in 1912 and later updated. Turquoise and zircon were the original December stones. Tanzanite was added in 2002, a few decades after it was discovered, and blue topaz is also widely accepted. Today you can choose whichever December stone suits your style and budget.
Tanzanite: rare violet-blue
Tanzanite is found in only one small area of the world, in the hills near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. That single source makes it much rarer than most popular gemstones.
- Color: a rich blue with violet tones. The color shifts slightly depending on the angle and the light, which gives tanzanite its distinctive glow.
- Hardness: about 6.5 on the Mohs scale, softer than sapphire or topaz. It is best in earrings, pendants and bracelets, or in rings worn with some care.
- Best for: a special gift, an anniversary, or anyone who wants something less common than sapphire.
Browse our tanzanite jewelry, including tanzanite tennis bracelets in 925 sterling silver.
Blue topaz: bright, durable and affordable
Blue topaz is one of the most popular blue gemstones in the world. It comes in several shades. The two most loved are Swiss blue, a bright, clear sky blue, and London blue, a deep, inky blue with a hint of grey.
- Color: from light sky blue to deep London blue.
- Hardness: 8 on the Mohs scale, so it handles everyday wear well, including rings.
- Best for: everyday rings, statement pieces and larger stones at a friendly price. It is a great choice if you love the look of sapphire but want a bigger, brighter stone.
Browse our blue topaz jewelry: rings, tennis bracelets, earrings and men's cufflinks in 925 sterling silver.
Turquoise: the classic December stone
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones used in jewelry, worn for thousands of years from ancient Egypt to Persia and the American Southwest. Unlike the other December stones, it is opaque, with a soft sky-blue to green-blue color and sometimes fine dark veins called matrix.
- Color: sky blue to green-blue, often with natural veining.
- Hardness: about 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, and slightly porous, so keep it away from water, perfume and lotions.
- Best for: bohemian and vintage styles, and statement rings set in silver.
See our sterling silver rings for turquoise designs.
Quick comparison
| Tanzanite | Blue topaz | Turquoise | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Transparent, violet-blue | Transparent, sky to deep blue | Opaque, sky blue to green-blue |
| Hardness (Mohs) | about 6.5 | 8 | about 5–6 |
| Everyday rings | With care | Excellent | With care |
| Rarity | Very rare (one source) | Widely available | Common, quality varies |
| Price | Higher | Most affordable | Affordable |
Which December birthstone should you choose?
- For a once-in-a-lifetime gift: tanzanite, for its rarity and unusual color.
- For a ring worn every day: blue topaz, the most durable of the three.
- For a large, eye-catching stone on a budget: blue topaz, in Swiss or London blue.
- For a vintage or bohemian look: turquoise set in sterling silver.
Not sure? Many people choose blue topaz earrings or a pendant for everyday wear, and save tanzanite for a special piece.
How to care for December birthstone jewelry
- Put jewelry on after perfume, hairspray and lotion, and take it off before swimming, bathing or exercise.
- Clean tanzanite and blue topaz with lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush, then dry with a soft cloth.
- Wipe turquoise with a soft, dry cloth only. Do not soak it.
- Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners for tanzanite and turquoise.
- Store each piece separately in a soft pouch or an airtight box so harder stones do not scratch softer ones, and so 925 silver keeps its shine.
Handcrafted in Jaipur since 1992
Every piece in our December birthstone range is made in our family workshop in Jaipur, India, in 925 sterling silver or gold with natural gemstones, and checked before it ships worldwide. Looking for a specific stone, size or design? We also make custom jewelry to order.
Explore more birthstones: garnet for January, amethyst for February or sapphire for September.
