December babies have a problem most people would love to have.
Most months get one birthstone. December gets three.
That means if you’re shopping for yourself, choosing a gift, or looking for a meaningful piece of jewellery, you’re faced with a surprisingly tricky question: should you choose the ancient sky-blue beauty of turquoise, the sparkling brilliance of blue topaz, or the rare violet-blue wonder that is tanzanite?
In this guide, we’ll reveal what makes each stone unique, who each stone suits best, which is the rarest, which is the most durable, and which one tends to get the most compliments. By the end, you’ll know exactly which December birthstone deserves a place in your jewellery box.
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Why does December have three birthstones?
December is one of the few months blessed with multiple birthstones.
Historically, turquoise was the original December birthstone and has been treasured for over 5,000 years. Later, blue topaz became associated with December due to its stunning colour range and affordability.
Then in 1968, a spectacular new gemstone was discovered in Tanzania. Named tanzanite, it quickly became so popular that it was added as an official December birthstone.
Today, December-born jewellery lovers get to choose between:
• Turquoise – ancient, earthy and full of character
• Blue Topaz – bright, sparkling and versatile
• Tanzanite – rare, luxurious and highly sought-after
💎 Not many birth months can claim that much variety.
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1 . Sparkling 18ct White Gold Marquise Tanzanite and Diamond - £2,995.00 GBP
2. Bohemian Inspired Detailed Sterling Silver Turquoise Drop Earrings - £49.00
3. 9ct Rose Gold London Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring - £950.00 GBP
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Turquoise: the ancient adventurer
If gemstones had personalities, turquoise would be the well-travelled explorer.
Turquoise has been worn by Egyptian pharaohs, Persian kings, Native American tribes and countless cultures throughout history.
Its distinctive robin’s-egg blue colour is instantly recognisable and unlike virtually any other gemstone.
Many people love turquoise because it feels less formal than traditional precious stones. It has a relaxed, bohemian character that suits everyday wear beautifully.
Turquoise is often associated with:
• Protection
• Good fortune
• Wisdom
• Travel
• Friendship
Turquoise jewellery is perfect for someone who loves individuality and wants jewellery that stands out from the crowd.
At Eloise Jewellery, we’re particularly drawn to unusual gemstone pieces that you won’t see in every chain jeweller. Our turquoise collection reflects that philosophy perfectly. Many of our pieces are one-offs, meaning if you see one you love, it may never come back again.
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Eloise Jewellery turquoise pieces:
- Sterling Silver Oval Turquoise Pendant
- Unusual Sterling Silver Irregular Shaped Green Turquoise Drop Earrings
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Statement Sterling Silver Pear Cut Green Turquoise Ring - £149
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Blue topaz: the sparkling crowd pleaser
If you love brilliance, blue topaz is probably your gemstone.
Blue topaz often surprises people because of how much sparkle it delivers for its price.
Unlike turquoise, which has an opaque appearance, blue topaz is transparent and faceted, allowing light to bounce around inside the stone and create incredible flashes of colour.
Blue topaz comes in several shades:
• Sky Blue – pale and icy
• Swiss Blue – vibrant electric blue
• London Blue – deep sophisticated blue
Blue topaz is often associated with:
• Calmness
• Communication
• Clarity
• Confidence
Its an excellent choice if you want a gemstone that feels elegant, versatile and suitable
One of our favourite examples is our Blue
Topaz, Kyanite & Owhyee Opal Chunky Sterling Silver Statement Collar Necklace, which combines multiple stunning gemstones into one unforgettable design.
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Tanzanite: the rare luxury option
Now we get to the gemstone that jewellery enthusiasts become obsessed with.
Tanzanite is approximately 1,000 times rarer than diamond according to many industry estimates because it is found in just one small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Unlike turquoise or blue topaz, tanzanite often displays multiple colours at once.
Depending on the lighting, you may see:
• Blue
• Violet
• Purple
• Indigo
This colour changing effect is one of the reasons collectors adore it.
Many gem experts believe known tanzanite deposits could eventually become exhausted, making the stone even more desirable in the future.
Tanzanite is often associated with:
• Transformation
• Intuition
• Creativity
• Spiritual growth
If you’re buying a truly memorable milestone gift, tanzanite is hard to beat.
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(Spectacular Quality) Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold Pear Shaped Blue Tanzanite and Diamond Necklace
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Which December birthstone is the most durable?
If durability matters, here’s how they generally compare:
Gemstone durability
Blue Topaz - Excellent
Tanzanite - Good
Turquoise - Moderate
Blue topaz is generally the toughest option for daily wear.
Turquoise is softer and can be affected by chemicals, perfumes and rough treatment.
Tanzanite sits somewhere in the middle - beautiful but deserving of a little extra care.
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Which December birthstone gets the most compliments?
From years of helping customers choose jewellery, the answer is surprisingly consistent:
🥇 Turquoise gets the most “Where did you get that?” Comments.
🥈 Tanzanite gets the most “Wow, what stone is that?” reactions.
🥉 Blue topaz gets the most compliments on sparkle and elegance.
The right choice depends entirely on the impression you want your jewellery to make.
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What our costumes love about unique gemstones
⭐ Dionne R – July 2025
“I am absolutely delighted with my ring. I can’t stop looking at it! Caitlin is amazing and helped me with different ideas. If I needed to message her, she messaged me back. I will definitely visit Eloise again, I enjoyed the shopping experience. Big thanks to Caitlin, Louise and Jamie.”
⭐ Tori Ann
“Fab independent retailer with huge choice of stock for all budgets. Always find something a little different and unique and the quality never fails.”
These reviews perfectly capture what we’re all about. While many jewellers stock variations of the same designs, we actively seek unusual gemstones, antique treasures and distinctive jewellery that feels genuinely different.
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So, which December birthstones should you choose?
Choose turquoise if you love history, individuality and bohemian style.
Choose blue topaz if you want maximum sparkle, versatility and durability.
Choose tanzanite if you want rarity, luxury and a gemstone that jewellery lovers instantly recognise as something special.
Of course, there is a fourth option…
Why choose one when December lets you choose all three?
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone born in December, the best gemstone is ultimately the one that makes you smile every time you look at it.
And if you’re searching for something truly unique, that’s exactly what we specialise in at Eloise Jewellery. Many of our gemstone pieces are one-of-a-kind, antique, vintage, or produced in extremely limited quantities, making them every bit as special as the person wearing them.
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Visit or contact Eloise jewellery
📍 Eloise Jewellery
156 High Street
Kirkcaldy, Fife
Scotland
KY1 1NQ
✉️ eloisejewellery@hotmail.co.uk
🕒 Monday–Saturday: 9:30am–5:30pm
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