December Birthstones: Turquoise and Tanzanite
December Birthstones: Turquoise and Tanzanite – Gifts of Meaning, Beauty, and Heritage
As winter blankets the world in cool tones and the holiday season begins, December celebrates not just one, but two stunning birthstones—turquoise and tanzanite. Both are mesmerizing in their own right: turquoise with its earthy, sky-blue charm and ancient roots; tanzanite with its deep, velvety blues and violet hues, a gem of modern discovery and luxurious appeal.
These birthstones may differ in appearance and origin, but they share a common thread—symbolism, meaning, and emotional depth. Whether you're choosing a gift for a December birthday or a meaningful holiday keepsake, fine jewelry featuring turquoise or tanzanite offers beauty with soul.
Let’s explore the rich history, symbolism, and unique qualities of both turquoise and tanzanite—and why they make unforgettable gifts.
A Tale of Two Gems: Ancient and Modern
Turquoise: A Gemstone with Millennia of History
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones known to humanity, revered by ancient cultures across the globe. Its name is believed to have originated from the French word "turquois", meaning "Turkish," as it was brought to Europe from Persian mines through Turkish trade routes.
Evidence of turquoise adornments dates back to ancient Egypt around 5000 BCE. It was found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, who wore elaborate turquoise-inlaid jewelry. In Persia, it symbolized heaven and protection, often set into royal crowns and architectural domes. Native American tribes, such as the Navajo and Zuni, saw turquoise as sacred, using it in ceremonial tools and jewelry to connect the earth and sky.
Tanzanite: A Rare, Modern Treasure
In contrast, tanzanite is a relatively new discovery, found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 1967. Its name pays homage to its exclusive origin. Though newer to the gem world, it quickly rose in popularity due to its striking color, often described as a blend of sapphire blue, violet, and burgundy depending on the light.
Designated as an official December birthstone in 2002, tanzanite offers a modern, luxurious twist to the month's gemstone offerings.
Symbolism and Meaning
Turquoise: A Stone of Protection and Peace
Turquoise has been valued for thousands of years not just for its color but for its spiritual properties. It symbolizes:
Protection: Ancient warriors and travelers wore turquoise as a talisman to ward off harm.
Healing: Associated with reducing stress, promoting calm, and healing ailments of the heart and lungs.
Communication: Tied to the throat chakra, turquoise is thought to enhance self-expression and truthful speech.
Good Fortune: A stone believed to bring prosperity and emotional balance.
Its earthy beauty and historical reverence make turquoise an especially grounding and meaningful stone.
Tanzanite: A Stone of Transformation and Wisdom
Tanzanite, with its vivid hues and recent discovery, carries a more contemporary metaphysical profile, associated with:
Transformation: Often linked to new beginnings, spiritual growth, and awakening.
Clarity and Insight: A stone that supports intuition and mental focus.
Calm and Compassion: Tanzanite's soothing blues are thought to relieve tension and promote harmony.
Creativity and Confidence: Encourages artistic expression and emotional resilience.
Because of its rarity and vibrancy, tanzanite symbolizes uniqueness and individuality, making it a standout choice for personal and luxurious gifts.
A Gift of Color and Character
Both birthstones offer their own aesthetic appeal—turquoise with its opaque, sky-to-sea tones, and tanzanite with its rich, transparent hues of indigo and violet. Their visual contrast gives gift-givers a choice between earthy tradition and elegant sophistication.
Turquoise Jewelry: Timeless and Artisanal
Turquoise is a favorite in Southwestern, Native American, bohemian, and heritage-inspired jewelry. Set in sterling silver, white gold, or yellow gold, turquoise works beautifully in statement rings, cuffs, pendants, and beadwork.
Each turquoise stone is unique, sometimes featuring dark veins known as a matrix, which adds character and tells the story of the earth it came from. When handcrafted by artisans, especially Native American silversmiths, turquoise jewelry is not only beautiful—it’s a piece of cultural legacy.
Tanzanite Jewelry: Sophisticated and Elegant
Tanzanite’s sparkle and depth make it a favorite for fine, high-end jewelry. It’s commonly set in platinum or white gold, often surrounded by diamonds to enhance its luxurious look.
Perfect for cocktail rings, earrings, and pendants, tanzanite adds a touch of drama and glamour. It’s especially beloved in modern and Art Deco-inspired designs.
Why Turquoise and Tanzanite Jewelry Makes the Perfect December Gift
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, fine jewelry featuring turquoise or tanzanite is more than just a present—it’s a gesture full of personal significance. Here’s why they shine as December gifts:
1. Personalized and Thoughtful
Birthstone jewelry is meaningful by nature. It connects the gift to the recipient’s birth month and often reflects personal traits like wisdom, calm, and strength.
2. Visually Distinct
Both stones offer colors rarely found in nature—turquoise with its bright, opaque blue-greens, and tanzanite with its velvety, transparent purples and blues. Their uniqueness ensures the jewelry stands out.
3. Versatility in Style
From earthy, handmade designs to refined, luxurious pieces, turquoise and tanzanite suit a variety of tastes and styles—whether the wearer prefers boho chic, vintage, minimalist, or glam.
4. Symbolic Value
Both stones carry a wealth of positive symbolism. Turquoise promotes protection and peace, while tanzanite inspires transformation and emotional clarity—ideal for a new year ahead.
5. A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Many turquoise pieces are made by skilled artisans from traditions spanning centuries. Tanzanite, though newer, is often cut by expert gem cutters to maximize its brilliance. You’re not just giving a gemstone—you’re giving artistry and history.
Caring for Your Gemstones
Turquoise is softer (5–6 on the Mohs scale) and porous, so avoid harsh chemicals, perfumes, and long water exposure. Store in a soft pouch away from harder stones.
Tanzanite, while harder (6–7), also requires gentle care. Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, and avoid ultrasonic cleaners or high heat.
With proper care, both gems can be cherished for a lifetime and passed on as heirlooms.
Final Thoughts
December's dual birthstones—turquoise and tanzanite—offer the best of both worlds. One ancient and earthy, the other modern and luxurious; one symbolic of protection and wisdom, the other of transformation and grace.
Together, they celebrate not just the end of the year but the richness of life’s journey. Whether you're drawn to the handcrafted soul of turquoise or the radiant depth of tanzanite, these stones deliver something rare: gifts that carry meaning, history, and beauty in every facet.
This December, give more than a gem—give a story, a symbol, a treasure.