December's Blue Trio: The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide to Tanzanite, Zircon, & Turquoise (And How to Choose)
December Birthstone Guide: Choosing the Perfect Blue Gem (Three Budgets, One Clear Decision)
December is special among all birthstone months because it offers three beautiful blue gemstones at three different price points. If you’re searching for a meaningful December birthstone gift—whether for a birthday, anniversary, or holiday—this friendly guide will help you choose the perfect match.
1. Tanzanite — The Luxury December Birthstone (The Rare Blue)
Tanzanite is the premium choice among December birthstones. Its stunning blue-violet color and single-source origin in Tanzania make it feel truly unique and memorable.
Best for: Milestone birthdays, luxury gifts, pendants, or cocktail rings.
Why choose it: Eye-catching color, rarity, and a strong “wow” factor.
Expert Tip:
Tanzanite sits at Mohs 6.0 ~ 7.0, so it’s softer than many gems. It’s perfect for occasional wear, not for daily-wear engagement rings. A bezel setting gives it the protection it needs.
2. Blue Zircon — The Sparkling December Birthstone (The Brilliant Blue)
Not to be confused with cubic zirconia, natural Blue Zircon is one of the most brilliant stones in the world. If your recipient loves sparkle, this birthstone is unbeatable for the price.
Best for: Mid-range budgets, earrings, and everyday rings.
Why choose it: Exceptional fire (dispersion) that can rival diamonds.
Expert Tip:
Prioritize excellent cut quality—just like choosing a diamond. Zircon’s Mohs hardness of 7.5 makes it a nice balance of beauty and daily durability.
3. Turquoise — The Cultural December Birthstone (The Artistic Blue)
Turquoise has been loved for thousands of years. Its bold color, natural matrix patterns, and rich cultural history make it perfect for anyone who enjoys artistic or bohemian-style jewelry.
Best for: Statement pieces, cuff bracelets, and bold pendants.
Why choose it: Affordable, unique, and full of character.
Expert Tip:
Turquoise is softer (Mohs 5.0 ~ 6.0) and porous, so keep it away from water, soap, perfume, and lotions. These can permanently change its color.
December Birthstone Comparison Table: Which One Should You Choose?
| Gift Goal | Best December Birthstone | Why It Fits | Budget Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury & Rarity | Tanzanite | Unique origin, vivid blue-violet color, premium impression | High |
| Maximum Sparkle | Blue Zircon | Brilliant fire, diamond-like shine, strong durability | Medium |
| Artistic & Meaningful | Turquoise | Cultural history, distinctive look, high visual impact | Low to Medium |
Friendly Final Advice
When gifting a December birthstone, include a small note on care instructions, especially for Tanzanite and Turquoise. It shows thoughtfulness and helps the jewelry stay beautiful for years.
If you’d like a deeper dive into December birthstones or more gift guides, visit GemGuidePro.com—your trusted, friendly expert for gemstones and birthstone knowledge.