Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa are just a few of the holidays that fall in the most magical — and often chaotic — month of the year. But don’t let those December birthdays pass you by. Whether you were born during this winter month or you love someone who was, December birthstone jewelry featuring the serene purple-blue of tanzanite or the icy elegance of blue topaz makes the perfect gift to bring to a birthday celebration.
Here’s a bit more about each of these lustrous December birthstones and a few of our top jewelry picks to wrap up this season.
what is tanzanite?: a rare & enchanting gemstone
Tanzanite is a mesmerizing gemstone known for its depthless blue to dark violet tones. Discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s, the December birthstone quickly gained worldwide popularity. Part of the allure of the December birthstone tanzanite is its trichoric nature, meaning its color shifts depending upon the angle from which you view it. Natural tanzanite’s multifaceted tones can shift from delicate blue to vivid purple.
The rarity of tanzanite is another factor that contributes to its mystique. Found only in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, and originally discovered by herders, the December birthstone’s supply is limited. Tanzanite’s meaning is often associated with qualities such as spiritual growth, transformation, positivity, truth and a connection to the higher self.
what is blue topaz?: a multifaceted gem brimming with rich history
The better-known December birthstone topaz offers all the glamour and appeal of tanzanite with clear blue tones. Available in an array of colors, blue topaz is the most widely available, with variations ranging from a light sky blue to a deep London tone. Symbolizing wisdom and honesty, these exquisite gemstones can be found around the world. Brazilian topaz first became popular in the 18th century among European royalty, but more recently we’ve seen some of our favorite celebrities like Taylor Swift, Kate Middleton and Cate Blanchett sporting blue topaz jewelry.
caring for blue topaz & tanzanite jewelry
To clean tanzanite, particularly when it’s cloudy, you’ll want to soak in warm, soapy water for about 10 to 20 minutes and gently polish dry. If you’re cleaning blue topaz pieces, hand-wash with warm water and a few drops of mild soap, polishing with a soft cloth to dry.
tanzanite & blue topaz birthstone jewelry
Looking for the best blue topaz gifts to give your favorite December friend for her birthday? Or maybe you need a tanzanite gift to surprise a partner or treat yourself for Christmas or Hanukkah. Here are a few of our December birthstone jewelry picks to wrap up for the season:
- Match the twinkle of Christmas lights with the luminescent sparkle of a blue topaz and diamond accent ring.
- Treat yourself to a pair of deep purple tanzanite stud earrings to add intrigue to your everyday outfits.
- Wrap up a pair of blue topaz studs for your favorite December-born teen.
- Add colorful allure to your significant other’s jewelry box with a tanzanite pendant on a rose gold chain.
- Delight a parent, grandparent or partner with a stackable, elegant blue topaz and diamond bracelet.
Check out our birthstone guide to see all the colorful gemstones we have to offer, and shop birthstone jewelry for your loved ones — and yourself — at Helzberg Diamonds.
