What is December’s Birthstone?

Those born in December are lucky to have not only one but four gemstones representing their special month.

Similar in colour but different in meaning, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon are the four birthstones for December. Read on to discover everything you need to know about these four beautiful gemstones: 

 

 Topaz – History, Origins and Meanings: 

Did you know that the word Topaz comes from tapas, meaning fire in Sanskrit? Although some historians believe that it comes from the Greek word topazos. 

It’s not only the etymology of Topaz that’s up for debate. There are also different versions of when and where the December birthstone originated.

Some believe that the name and the gemstone originated from Russian royalty. Topaz was commonly sourced in the Ural Mountains, Russia. Others believe that Topaz originated in Brazil when Brazilian Emperor Pedro II was presented with a Topaz in 1881. 

What Colour is Topaz?

Topaz comes in a variety of colour. Pink topaz is a common colour for the December birthstone. But the most desirable colour for the December birthstone is Blue Topaz. There are two types of Blue Topaz – Swiss Blue Topaz which is a light blue colour and London Topaz which is a darker blue colour.

Where Is Topaz Sourced?

The December birthstone can be sourced from many countries across the globe. But Brazil remains one of the biggest producers of the most valuable Topaz gemstones.

Topaz which is mined in Brazil comes in a rainbow of colours. From red and orange to pink and purple, there is no shortage of topaz gemstones. 

Pakistan is also an important source for the December birthstone. Topaz mined in Pakistan tends to be pink in colour. The most valuable topaz gemstone from Pakistan is pink with violet undertones. 

Other producers of topaz include Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, the United States and Russia.

Topaz - Special Properties and Meanings

Topaz is known for its calming energy. The birthstone for December is believed to bring healing and soothing qualities to those who wear it. Known as the stone of protection, Blue Topaz encourages confidence and creativity.

Pink Topaz promotes hope and love to those who wear it. As well as its calming qualities, topaz is also the gemstone which is given to mark a fourth wedding anniversary.

How to Clean Topaz - Top Tips

-       Use a soft polish cloth to look after your jewellery 

-       Avoid steam cleaners, chemicals and water

-       Store in soft jewellery pouch to keep your topaz shining

Topaz -  Find Your Birthstone:

Now that you know everything about the Topaz birthstone, check out our birthstone jewellery

 

December birthstone: Tanzanite

Tanzanite - History, Origins and Meaning

Originally known as zoisite, tanzanite has recently emerged in the world of gemstones. The birthstone for December was discovered in the Merelani Hills, Tanzania in 1967. Tanzania is the only place in the world where Tanzanite can be found. The gemstone was consequently named after its birthplace. 

 

What Colour is Tanzanite?

The birthstone for December comes a variety of colours from beautiful deep blues to violet. The colour can be significantly influenced by an optical phenomenon called pleochroism, an optical phenomenon, which reveals different colours when viewing the stone at different angles.

In daylight, Tanzanite appears to be more blue but in incandescent lighting, Tanzanite appears violet/purple. 

Where is Tanzanite Sourced?

Tanzanite comes from deep in the rocky Merelani Hills in Northern Tanzania. It is the only place in the world where Tanzanite can be sourced. The first Tanzanite gemstones were found by a tribesman named Ali Juuyawat near Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Tanzanite: Special Meanings and Properties

Did you know that Tanzanite has special meanings and properties? Many believe that Tanzanite improves creativity. The birthstone for December can also promote inner strength and self-confidence. As well as the birthstone for December, Tanzanite is also commonly given to mark the 24^th wedding anniversary. 

How to Clean Tanzanite: Our Top Tips

-       Use a soft polish cloth to look after your jewellery 

-       Avoid steam cleaners, chemicals and water

-       Store in soft anti-tarnish pouch to keep your tanzanite shining

 

December birthstone: Turquoise

Turquoise - History, Origins and Meanings:

You may have heard of Turquoise but did you know that the December birthstone has an intriguing history and special meaning? Turquoise comes from the expression pierre turquoise, meaning Turkish stone in French. Traditionally, turquoise was particularly popular among the elite of ancient Egypt. It has been mined for over 3,000 years. 

 

What Colour is Turquoise?

Turquoise varies from blue to green and features veins of matrix through the gemstone. The most desirable turquoise stones are those which are robin egg blue, a shade of cyan.

Where is Turquoise Sourced? 

The December birthstone can be found in many countries across the world. The climate must be dry and barren for turquoise to form. Iran has been a major source of Turquoise for around 1,000 years.

The US is also an important producer of the December birthstone particularly in Nevada and Arizona. Nowadays, China has become one of the biggest producers of the turquoise gemstone, particularly in Hubei Province.

Turquoise - Special Meanings and Properties:

The birthstone for December has long been associated with health and fortune. Traditionally, some believed that turquoise could protect the wearer from danger. Legend has it that the turquoise stone would shatter as danger approached.

As well as the birthstone for December, turquoise is the gemstone which is commonly given to mark the 11^th wedding anniversary.

How to Clean Turquoise: Our Top Tips

-       Use a soft polish cloth to look after your jewellery 

-       Avoid steam cleaners, chemicals and water

-       Store in soft anti-tarnish pouch to keep your turquoise shining

 

December birthstone: Zircon 

Zircon - History, Origins and Meaning:

Zircon has recently become an important stone in the world of gemstones. But what do you know about its history, origins and meaning?

The birthstone for December was traditionally used to protect the wearer from evil spirits. Some believe it also brings the wearer wisdom, good health and wealth. 

The word zircon comes from the word zarkun, meaning vermilion. During the Victorian times, blue zircon was particularly popular in English jewellery. 

What Colour is Zircon?

Zircon comes in a rainbow of colours from yellow, red, green, brown and blue. The most valuable and desirable zircon gemstones are those which are blue in colour. The blue zircon stones tend to be greenish-blue. 

Where is Zircon Found? 

Zircon can be found in many countries across the globe from Australia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia to Sri Lanka. One of the biggest producers of the December birthstone is Elahera, Sri Lanka. Australia is also a key source of the zircon gemstone

Zircon – Special Properties and Meanings:

Did you know that Zircon has special properties and meanings? Many believe that Zircon promotes happiness and helps to encourage peace. As a healing stone, the birthstone for December is also said to promote good sleep and reduce anxiety. 

How To Clean Zircon: Our Top Tips

-       Use a soft polish cloth to look after your jewellery 

-       Avoid steam cleaners, chemicals and water

-       Store in soft anti-tarnish pouch to keep your zircon shining