December’s Birthstone: Turquoise, Tanzanite & Zircon
As the year draws to a close, December shines bright with not one, but three captivating birthstones — turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon. Each gemstone offers its own unique beauty and meaning, making them perfect for celebrating winter birthdays or adding a cool-toned sparkle to antique and vintage jewellery collections.
What Is December’s Birthstone?
December is one of the few months that boasts multiple recognised birthstones. The most traditional of these is turquoise, long admired for its serene blue-green hue and ancient history. More modern additions include tanzanite — discovered only in the 20th century — and zircon, a naturally occurring gem treasured for its brilliance and range of colours.
Whether you favour turquoise’s timeless charm, tanzanite’s violet-blue allure, or zircon’s rainbow sparkle, each gem brings something extraordinary to antique and vintage rings.
Turquoise: The Ancient Protector
Turquoise is one of humanity’s oldest gemstones, revered for over 5,000 years. Ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native Americans all believed it possessed protective powers and brought good fortune. Its striking colour — ranging from sky blue to green — is caused by copper and iron in its composition.
In antique jewellery, turquoise was especially popular during the Victorian era. It often featured in romantic pieces symbolising love, protection, and faithfulness. Rings set with turquoise cabochons and pearls were worn as tokens of affection, and the gemstone’s soothing colour made it a favourite choice for sentimental gifts.
Tanzanite: A Modern Marvel
Tanzanite is one of the most recent gemstone discoveries, first found in Tanzania in 1967. With its vivid blue-violet tones, it quickly captured the attention of jewellers and collectors alike. It’s a relatively soft gemstone, so it’s often reserved for special-occasion jewellery rather than daily wear.
Tanzanite’s unique pleochroism — the ability to show different colours when viewed from different angles — gives it a mesmerising depth, especially when cut in elegant step or emerald shapes. Though a modern addition, tanzanite pairs beautifully with antique-style settings, blending contemporary brilliance with vintage charm.
Zircon: The Underrated Gem of Fire
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some crystals dating back over four billion years. Its high refractive index gives it remarkable brilliance — in fact, colourless zircon was once a popular substitute for diamonds in Georgian and Edwardian jewellery.
Natural zircon occurs in a range of colours, from golden brown to blue and green, with blue zircon being especially associated with December. Its fiery sparkle and ancient origins make it an intriguing choice for those who appreciate gemstones with both history and radiance.
Symbolism and Meaning of December’s Gems
Each of December’s birthstones carries unique symbolism:
- Turquoise — Protection, peace, and enduring love
- Tanzanite — Transformation, intuition, and new beginnings
- Zircon — Clarity, wisdom, and spiritual balance
These meanings make December’s gemstones particularly meaningful choices for engagement rings, anniversary gifts, or heirloom pieces that carry emotional depth.
December Birthstones in Antique and Vintage Rings
Antique and vintage rings featuring turquoise or zircon are especially sought after by collectors. Turquoise, with its bright colour and natural matrix patterns, often appears in Georgian and Victorian designs. Zircon, prized for its brilliance, can be found in Edwardian and Art Deco pieces where it was used to mimic diamonds with remarkable success.
Each ring tells a story — from handcrafted Victorian treasures to early 20th-century masterpieces — making them ideal for anyone drawn to history and symbolism.
A Cool Gem for a Winter Month
Whether you’re celebrating a December birthday or simply love cool-toned gemstones, these three gems embody the month’s spirit perfectly — calm, luminous, and full of meaning. From ancient turquoise to modern tanzanite, December’s birthstones offer a world of history, beauty, and timeless elegance.
Explore our collection of antique and vintage rings to find your perfect December gemstone — a piece that carries both winter’s brilliance and centuries of craftsmanship.