December babies are among the luckiest in the calendar — their birth month is assigned not one but several official birthstones, giving them more flexibility than any other month. The two most popular by far are Blue Topaz and Turquoise, a dynamic duo that captures both the icy clarity of winter and the warmth of centuries of cultural heritage.
At SVS Fine Jewelry, our 4,000+ sq ft Oceanside showroom carries an extensive collection of Blue Topaz and Turquoise jewelry — necklaces, earrings, rings, and pendants — alongside GIA Graduate Gemologists who can help you choose the right stone for the right person. This guide covers everything you need to know: history, color, hardness, symbolism, care, and how to choose the perfect December birthstone piece.
December's Birthstone Tradition
Historically, December was assigned to Turquoise — a stone treasured by ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Native American cultures for thousands of years. As the modern jewelry industry evolved, December's birthstone list expanded to include Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, and Blue Zircon, giving December babies the widest birthstone selection of any month. Each carries its own history, color story, and personality. This guide focuses on the two most popular today: Blue Topaz and Turquoise.
Blue Topaz
Blue Topaz captures the essence of a winter sky — ranging from soft Sky Blue, to vibrant Swiss Blue, to deep inky London Blue. The name "topaz" comes from the Greek topazos, the ancient name for an island in the Red Sea where the stone was once mined. Topaz in its natural form is most commonly colorless or pale yellow; the radiant blue variety is created through heat and irradiation treatment of natural colorless topaz — an industry-standard process disclosed at the point of sale.
Topaz measures 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it durable enough for everyday wear in rings, necklaces, and earrings. Across cultures, Blue Topaz has been associated with clarity of mind, eloquent expression, and calm under pressure — a fitting symbolism for the introspective quality of winter.
Turquoise
Turquoise has one of the longest histories of any gemstone — worn in jewelry over 7,500 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, beloved by Egyptian pharaohs (Tutankhamun's burial mask is inlaid with Turquoise), revered in Persian architecture and royal regalia, and central to Native American jewelry traditions across the American Southwest. Its blue-green color, often laced with natural matrix — the brown or black veining from the host rock — gives every stone an individual character. No two pieces of Turquoise are exactly alike.
Turquoise measures 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale — softer than Blue Topaz and more porous, which means it requires more careful wear. Most commercial Turquoise is stabilized (treated with a clear resin) to harden the stone and prevent color change from skin oils, lotions, and sunlight — another industry-standard treatment disclosed at sale. Across cultures, Turquoise has been associated with protection, friendship, and good fortune.
Blue Topaz vs. Turquoise
Choosing between Blue Topaz and Turquoise comes down to three things: color preference, lifestyle, and intended use.
Color: Transparent. Sky Blue, Swiss Blue, London Blue
Best for: Faceted rings, drop earrings, modern pendant settings, everyday wear
Color: Opaque blue-green, often with matrix veining
Best for: Pendants, statement necklaces, bohemian and Southwestern designs, occasion wear
Caring for Your December Birthstone
Blue Topaz is durable but should be stored separately to avoid scratching softer gemstones. Clean with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners on heat-treated topaz, as the treatment can be affected over time.
Turquoise requires more care. Avoid prolonged exposure to perfume, lotions, household chemicals, and direct sunlight — all of which can dull the color or damage the stone. Clean with a soft, dry cloth only. Never use ultrasonic cleaners, steam, or chemical jewelry cleaners on Turquoise. Our Oceanside showroom offers complimentary gentle cleaning for all jewelry, including delicate stones like Turquoise — whether the piece was purchased at SVS or not.
Choosing December Birthstone Jewelry
From bold Native American-inspired Turquoise statement pieces to refined Blue Topaz solitaire pendants, December birthstone jewelry spans every style.
Necklaces & pendants — the most popular setting for both stones. Blue Topaz solitaires for a refined daily piece; Turquoise pendants for character and color.
Earrings — Blue Topaz drops catch the light beautifully; Turquoise studs offer everyday earthy color.
Rings — Blue Topaz is the stronger choice for everyday rings thanks to its hardness; Turquoise rings shine in occasion wear or as cocktail pieces.
Bracelets — Turquoise cuffs and beaded designs are timeless heirlooms; Blue Topaz stations and tennis-style designs lean modern.
Custom design — for a milestone December birthday, our in-house team can create a one-of-a-kind piece in either stone. Learn about our custom design process.
Why Shop December Birthstone Jewelry at SVS
SVS Fine Jewelry has been Long Island's destination for fine jewelry since 2003. Our 4,000+ sq ft freestanding Oceanside showroom carries an extensive Blue Topaz and Turquoise collection alongside our GIA Graduate Gemologists Sami V. Saatchi and Marissa B., master bench jeweler Jorge T., master setter Oscar H., and a 15-person team that has helped thousands of Long Island families mark their most important moments. Backed by 2,500+ five-star Google reviews, complimentary lifetime jewelry cleaning, and flexible showroom financing on qualifying purchases.
Where love sparkles, and every moment shines. Locally owned, locally loved, since 2003.
Find the Right December Birthstone
Book a private showroom appointment with our jewelry specialists — or call us directly. We will help you find the right Blue Topaz or Turquoise piece for the December birthday on your list.