December Birthstone Jewelry
The month of December boasts two beautiful birthstones, blue topaz and blue zircon. Renowned for their stunning blue hues, these December birthstones are rich in history, tradition and cultural significance. Each gemstone carries its own unique meaning and appeal, and both have been cherished across generations.
In this guide, we delve deep into the origins, symbolism and timeless appeal of these exquisite birthstones, taking a closer look at the fascinating stories each December birthstone has to tell.
What is the December Birthstone?
Traditionally, there are two different birthstones for the month of December: blue topaz and blue zircon, each boasting distinct color, characteristics and charm. These gems have been cherished throughout history for their beauty and the unique qualities they bring to fine jewelry. Both stones are a lovely celebration of December’s wintry elegance, adding a special touch to jewelry designs for anyone who would like to honor the last month of the year.
What Color is the December Birthstone?
The blue topaz shows off a wide range of blue shades, ranging from the gentle whisper of pale sky blue to the deep London blue. This versatility in color is part of what makes blue topaz so timeless and enchanting. The blue stones that fall within the category of London blue topaz have a distinctly deep blue color, the deepest, richest shade available when it comes to this specific gemstone, created via a specialized heat treatment process. The name is a nod to the world’s largest blue topaz (weighing in at nearly 9,400 carats!), which is housed in the UK Natural History Museum in London.
Blue zircon, distinguished by its brilliance and vivid coloration, stands as a vibrant counterpart in the December birthstone duo. It showcases an exceptional range of blue hues, often displaying an intense, almost electric blue that is reminiscent of the tropical seas. The gem’s natural high refractive index and strong dispersion contribute to its brilliance, making it a stunning choice for those seeking a birthstone with a bold and lively presence.
Blue Topaz Birthstone FAQs
Learn more about our first birthstone for December, the blue topaz, below.
Blue topaz has held a place of significance and beauty throughout the ages, beloved for its captivating deep hues. This precious gemstone has traversed cultures and centuries, leaving a legacy rich in history and symbolism.
Blue Topaz has a storied history, with its roots tracing back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Rome. As time progressed, blue topaz continued to be a gemstone of great admiration.
Blue topaz is found in various locations across the globe, with major sources including Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Mexico and the United States. The stone is typically found in granitic pegmatites and in vapor cavities in lava flows. Its wide geographical distribution has made it a readily available gemstone, contributing to its popularity in jewelry and decorative arts.
Blue topaz is a durable gemstone, ranking 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This resilience makes it an excellent choice for all types of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
To preserve the beauty and longevity of blue topaz, regular cleaning and proper storage are essential. The gemstone can be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a soft brush, ensuring to rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. It’s important to avoid exposing blue topaz to harsh chemicals or extreme temperature changes, as this can cause damage to the stone.
When storing blue topaz jewelry, it should be kept separate from other gemstones to prevent scratches. A soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box offers an ideal solution, providing protection and keeping the gemstone in pristine condition.
Blue Zircon Birthstone
Now, let’s explore the backstory of the sister birthstone to blue topaz, the blue zircon.
Blue zircon, with its unparalleled vibrancy and brilliance, is a gemstone that has been highly regarded for centuries. Its vivid blue hues and eye-catching sparkle have made it a favorite for those born in December, serving as a birthstone as unique as it is beautiful.
The history of blue zircon stretches back to ancient times, with uses and beliefs as diverse as its variety of colors. Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on earth, and blue zircon has been discovered in archaeological digs dating back to the Middle Ages.
Despite its ancient roots, blue zircon experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era. It was highly prized during this time for its sparkling brilliance and intense color, making it a go-to gemstone for jewelry and decorative arts.
Blue zircon is found in various parts of the world, with significant sources including Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Australia and Brazil. The gemstone forms in metamorphic rocks and is often found in small quantities. Despite its rarity, blue zircon birthstone remains a sought-after gemstone, celebrated for its unique properties and stunning appearance.
Blue Zircon is a relatively hard gemstone, rating 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. However, it possesses a brittle nature, making it susceptible to chips and cracks if subjected to hard knocks or rough wear. Proper care is essential to maintaining the beauty and integrity of blue zircon.
To clean blue zircon, warm, soapy water and a soft brush can be used, ensuring a thorough rinse to remove any soap residue. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners should be avoided, as these can cause damage to the stone. When storing blue zircon jewelry, it should be kept separate from other gemstones to prevent scratches. A soft cloth pouch or a lined jewelry box provides an excellent solution, offering protection and maintaining the gemstone’s condition.
December Birthstone Jewelry: Necklaces, Bracelets, Rings and More
Celebrating the month of December becomes even more special with the exquisite range of jewelry featuring its stunning birthstones. The December birthstones, with their captivating shades of blue, find their place in an array of elegant jewelry designs, ideal for gifting. From necklaces to bracelets that add a touch of sophistication, as well as birthstone rings that make a bold statement, the options are as endless as they are stylish.
For those looking to gift something truly memorable, topaz December birthstone jewelry serves as a thoughtful and personal choice. Whether commemorating a birthday, an anniversary or simply expressing affection, these pieces carry with them a sense of uniqueness tied to the celebratory month. Earrings featuring blue topaz add a subtle sparkle to the wearer’s ensemble, while pendants capture the gemstone’s allure in a singular, eye-catching drop.
Combining topaz with other December birthstones, like turquoise or zircon, in a charm bracelet or a customized jewelry piece adds an extra layer of personalization and charm. The versatility of December birthstone jewelry ensures that it is a beautiful piece for every style and occasion, making it a timeless and cherished addition to any jewelry collection.
Shop December Birthstone Jewelry at James Avery Artisan Jewelry
At James Avery Artisan Jewelry, we have created a diverse selection of beautiful gemstone jewelry with an array of styles to suit every personality, occasion and aesthetic. Whether you're hoping to find a memorable gift for a special someone or treat yourself to something beautiful, we can help you discover a design that is everything you want and more.
Every design in our collection is a testament to our commitment to quality, ensuring that you take home not just a piece of jewelry, but a lasting memory. Visit James Avery Artisan Jewelry today and discover the perfect way to commemorate life's special moments with the exquisite beauty of our December birthstone jewelry collection.
Explore our full collection of blue topaz and blue zircon gemstone jewelry today.