4 Reasons to Not Buy the Birthstone for December

Turquoise

The vibrant, earthy blue-green classic loved by ancient civilizations and Instagram influencers alike.

Zircon

A fiery, light-catching gem that shines in shades from champagne to electric blue.

Tanzanite

Rare and regal, with a mesmerizing color-shifting quality between blue and purple.

Blue Topaz

Sleek, sparkling, and budget-friendly, with hues ranging from sky blue to deep London blue.

Reason 1: December’s Birthstone Is Too Common

Not only does December come with many stones, but these stones also come in many colors of their own. Find turquoise in soft shades of sky and seafoam or deep cerulean and teal green. Zircon is available in a rainbow of hues and blue topaz comes in three main colors: sky blue (obvious), Swiss blue (a medium shade), and London Blue (a deep greenish blue).

Tanzanite, though, keeps it in a tighter range. This rare gemstone is famous for its striking blue-to-violet hue, which seems to shift depending on the angle and lighting. AKA a phenomenon known as pleochroism. In daylight, tanzanite leans more toward a vibrant blue, while it takes on a rich purple tone under incandescent light. Its unique color comes from trace amounts of vanadium within the stone, enhanced through heat treatment to bring out its most vivid shades. Whether you love it for its bold royal blues or the softer lavender tones, tanzanite’s chameleon-like beauty makes it a standout in any jewelry collection.

Reason 2: The Blue Topaz Is Too Valuable

The idea that December’s birthstones are “too valuable” might sound odd, but it’s more about perception than reality. Take tanzanite as an example: it’s only found in one place on Earth (a small area near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania), making it incredibly rare and, therefore, pricier than more common stones. Some people might shy away from gifting tanzanite because they associate rarity with extravagance, thinking it’s “too much” for a casual birthday gift.

Even blue zircon, though more affordable, is sometimes viewed as overly luxurious due to its dazzling brilliance, often mistaken for diamonds. And then there’s turquoise, which carries deep cultural significance in many Indigenous communities. Its significance adds a layer of meaning that can make it feel “too important” for everyday wear to some—but for others, this rich heritage only enhances its value.

Of course, blue topaz rounds out December’s lineup as an approachable, versatile option. So if you’re afraid that blue topaz is too valuable to wear – think again!

Reason 3: Gifting the December Birthstone is So Passé

Gifting birthstones is so last century—or is it? While some may call it predictable, others see it as a deeply thoughtful gesture. Birthstones combine personalization with style, making them feel intimate and meaningful without trying too hard.

The key to making these seemingly generic stone choices really work is to work them into custom jewelry that reflects your personal taste. Maybe it’s a minimalist stacking band, or a cool cluster ring with an ombré color effect. You can also add them as side stones in an engagement ring, or set one inside a ring for a little secret. Whether you go big and bold or sleek and simple, custom birthstone jewelry makes it modern and meaningful.

Reason 4: December’s Birthstone Carries Too Much Spiritual Symbolism

From turquoise’s ancient reputation as a protector to zircon’s grounding energy and tanzanite’s connection to intuition, December’s stones are dripping with spiritual symbolism. At first glance, that might seem like too much for a simple birthday gift, but it’s actually what makes these stones so special.

For example, turquoise is often considered a powerful protective stone, so gifting it to someone embarking on a new journey or a big life change can add a thoughtful layer of intention. Meanwhile, tanzanite is associated with heightened intuition and creativity, making it the perfect choice for an artistic spirit or someone seeking to unlock their inner potential. Zircon, known for its grounding properties, can be a beautiful way to offer stability and balance to someone going through a challenging time. So, while these stones are rich in symbolism, that only makes them more meaningful—whether or not you buy into the spiritual side.

Why You Should Buy the Birthstone for December

At first glance, the reasons to avoid December’s birthstones seem valid. But dig a little deeper, and those critiques turn into reasons to embrace them. With turquoise, zircon, tanzanite, and blue topaz in the mix, December offers something for everyone—from bold statement makers to understated classics. So don’t be scared. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, we’re here to help you find just the right piece of custom jewelry to fit the bill. Feeling blue? Us too! Schedule an in-person or virtual consultation, or take the quiz and we’ll provide a free sketch of your dream ring.

What is December’s birthstone?

December boasts not one birthstone but four: turquoise, zircon, tanzanite, and blue topaz.

Is there more than one birthstone for December?

Yes! December has not one but four official birthstones, offering endless style options. Because birthstones have changed over time, the list reflects industry and cultural availability and demand. Turquoise, with its ancient heritage, and zircon, known for its brilliance, were early choices. And blue topaz was added later as an affordable, versatile option. Tanzanite joined in 2002, bringing a rare, luxurious edge.

What color is the birthstone for December?

From turquoise’s blue-green to zircon’s fiery rainbow, tanzanite’s blue-purple, and blue topaz’s icy spectrum, there’s no shortage of variety of color. However, most consider the color blue to be the color of the birthstone for December.

Does Frank Darling set topaz stones?

Because of the physical properties of topaz, we no longer offer setting it as a central stone. But take heart, you can still rock a blue beauty. We will set it as a side stone which, we think adds the perfect touch of blue. Feeling blue? Drop us a line at hello@frankdarling.com to begin designing your custom topaz engagement ring.