Both turquoise and topaz are popular December birthstones. The traditional December birthstone is turquoise, while blue topaz is considered a modern December birthstone. Choosing between the two often comes down to personal preference.
Traditional December Birthstone – Turquoise
Turquoise has been valued as a gemstone for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, and many Native American cultures used turquoise extensively in jewelry and art. This vivid blue-green stone has long been associated with healing, protection, and wisdom.
Turquoise is one of the oldest known gemstones and has been prized for its unique color since ancient times. The name “turquoise” dates back to the 13th century and comes from the French for “Turkish stone” because it was first brought to Europe from Turkey. The vibrant blue-green color of turquoise makes it instantly recognizable.
This opaque mineral gemstone forms in arid climates when water containing dissolved copper percolates through rocks and deposits the copper. Turquoise ranges in color from sky blue to greenish blue and its signature matrix patterns distinguish natural turquoise from treated and imitation stones. The finest turquoise has a solid, intensely saturated uniform color.
Turquoise has been treasured worldwide but it holds special significance in the Southwestern United States and the Middle East. The turquoise cabochons adorning ancient Egyptian royalty headdresses were believed to possess protective powers. Southwestern Native American tribes believe the stone carries life-giving forces and have used it extensively in jewelry, carvings, and sacred objects for thousands of years.
This exotic gemstone continues to be a staple in Southwestern jewelry. Native American artists use raw nuggets of turquoise as well as cut stones to create unique pendants, rings, bracelets, and other handcrafted jewelry.
In 1912, the National Association of Jewelers officially added turquoise as a December birthstone, likely because the vivid blue color enhanced December’s deep blue zodiac sign of Sagittarius. And turquoise remains the traditional birthstone for December.
Modern December Birthstone – Blue Topaz
While turquoise remains the traditional December birthstone, blue topaz is now also an accepted modern birthstone for December babies. Topaz is a hard silicate mineral that contains fluorine and aluminum. Pure topaz is colorless, but trace impurities tint topaz in a rainbow of colors, including blue, yellow, orange, brown, pink, and red.
Blue topaz ranges in color from pale sky blue to deep Swiss blue. While most blue topaz is pale, improved color treatments can produce more saturated blue hues. Topaz rates an 8 on the Mohs hardness scale so blue topaz jewelry is quite durable for everyday wear. Its high clarity and sparkle make it a affordable diamond alternative.
Blue topaz was adopted as a December birthstone in 1952 by the American Gem Trade Association. Adding additional birthstone choices gives people more options that appeal to their personal taste.
The cool blue hue of blue topaz complements December’s winter season. And as a birthstone, blue topaz represents wisdom, understanding and forgiveness. Blue topaz jewelry makes meaningful December birthday gifts.
How to Choose Between Turquoise and Blue Topaz
So how do you choose between turquoise and blue topaz birthstones for December? Consider the unique properties of each gem.
Turquoise is an opaque gemstone that displays distinctive matrix patterns in shades of brown or black veins. No two turquoises are exactly alike. Turquoise jewelry has a bohemian, handcrafted artistry that fits with December’s creative Sagittarius personality.
Blue topaz is a transparent gem with a vitreous luster. Modern topaz cuts like rounds, ovals, and cushions display the stone’s brilliant shine. Blue topaz has a crisp, cool elegance to complement December chilly temps.
Both turquoise and blue topaz look stunning in December birthstone jewelry. Turquoise rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings showcase December’s traditional birthstone. Blue topaz’s sparkling style lights up modern December jewelry designs.
How are Turquoise and Topaz Worn?
Turquoise and topaz are versatile birthstones that can be set in all types of December jewelry. Here are some of the most popular ways to wear these December birthstones:
- Turquoise rings, from chunky silver and turquoise Southwest rings to Art Deco cocktail rings.
- Turquoise pendants featuring large cabochons on silver chains or leather cords.
- Turquoise bracelets, including Native American cuffs, beaded bracelets, and tennis bracelets with turquoise stones.
- Turquoise earrings in simple studs, dangling drops, and chandelier designs.
- Blue topaz stud earrings that showcase the stone’s brilliance.
- Blue topaz pendant necklaces to accentuate the gem’s clarity.
- Blue topaz rings, including diamond and blue topaz stacking rings.
- Blue topaz tennis bracelets for sparkling December style.
Both birthstones also make meaningful and personal December birthday gifts.
Where Does Turquoise Come From?
Turquoise is found in a number of countries around the world. Some of the most important turquoise mines and sources include:
- United States: New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Australia
- China
- Tibet
- India
- South America
The southwest United States produces a distinctive light blue turquoise, often with dark spiderweb matrix patterns. Iranian turquoise has a sky blue color, while turquoise from Arizona features shades of greenish blue. Beautiful turquoise deposits are also found in Africa, Egypt, and the Sinai Peninsula.
Where Does Blue Topaz Come From?
Natural blue topaz is quite rare. Most blue topaz is colorless topaz that’s been irradiated and heated to produce blue colors. Topaz itself is mined in many locations around the world, including:
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Russia
- China
- Germany
- Sri Lanka
- Ukraine
- United States (California, Utah, Texas)
While blue topaz is readily available in the market, natural blue specimens are hard to find. Most blue topaz is sourced from treated clear topaz, often mined in Brazil, Nigeria, Pakistan, and China.
Are Turquoise and Topaz Valuable?
| Gemstone | Value |
|---|---|
| Turquoise | Turquoise is an affordable gemstone, ranging from $1 to $10 per carat for lower grade stones. Rare turquoise can reach up to $100 per carat. The most valuable turquoise has a vivid blue-green color and no matrix. |
| Blue Topaz | Blue topaz has moderate affordability. Fine quality blue topaz can cost $30 to $80 per carat. For large 5-10 carat stones, blue topaz can be thousands of dollars. Imperial topaz is extremely rare in nature and can be valued over $1,000 per carat. |
While blue topaz costs more than turquoise per carat, it’s still an affordable gemstone, especially for large birthstone jewelry pieces. Both turquoise and blue topaz offer an economical alternative to pricey gems like sapphire.
How to Care for Turquoise Jewelry
Turquoise jewelry requires some care to maintain its durability and beauty. Follow these tips for keeping turquoise jewelry looking its best:
- Avoid harsh household chemicals that can damage or discolor turquoise.
- Store turquoise jewelry safely in a fabric-lined box or pouch.
- Don’t let turquoise get wet. Even perspiration can discolor the porous stone.
- Remove turquoise jewelry before activities like cleaning, gardening, or exercising.
- Take off turquoise jewelry at night since the stone can be damaged while sleeping.
- Gently clean with a soft toothbrush and mild soap and water.
- Consider a turquoise jewelry cleaner or jewelry polish made specifically for turquoise.
- Bring turquoise to a jeweler for professional cleanings and checks for any needed repairs.
With some basic care, your turquoise jewelry will retain its striking color and unique beauty as a December birthstone.
How to Care for Blue Topaz Jewelry
Blue topaz is relatively hard and durable. But it’s still important to care for blue topaz jewelry to keep it sparkling beautifully.
- Store topaz jewelry separately to prevent scratches. Place in a fabric-lined box or pouch.
- Clean blue topaz in an ultrasonic cleaner or warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly after cleaning to remove all soap residue.
- Avoid steam cleaners and exposure to chemicals or heat.
- Consider having blue topaz periodically repolished to restore shine.
- Take off blue topaz jewelry when doing rough work or sports.
With periodic cleaning and proper storage, your blue topaz jewelry will maintain its clarity and radiance to make a gorgeous December birthstone.
How to Buy Turquoise and Topaz Jewelry
You can find lovely turquoise and topaz December jewelry from:
- Local jewelers, especially in the Southwestern U.S. for quality turquoise pieces.
- Department stores like Macy’s or Kohl’s.
- Online retailers such as Blue Nile or Gemvara.
- Etsy shops offer unique handmade turquoise and blue topaz jewelry.
- Designer jewelry brands often use turquoise and topaz.
- Auction sites like eBay for antique and vintage turquoise jewelry.
When buying turquoise and topaz jewelry, check for quality craftsmanship and natural gemstones, not dyed imitations. The setting should protect the stone from damage. An appraisal or gemological lab report can authenticate the gem’s quality.
For turquoise, the most valued stones have a pure blue-green color without brown veins. Spiderweb matrix patterns are also desirable. For topaz, look for fine blue color and superior faceted cuts for maximum sparkle.
Shop from a reputable jeweler and you can find stunning birthstone jewelry to delight a December birthday recipient.
Conclusion
December babies are fortunate to have not just one, but two beautiful birthstone options: turquoise and blue topaz. Turquoise is the traditional birthstone with ancient history and significance. Blue topaz became a modern alternative December gemstone in the 20th century.
Vibrant turquoise represents wisdom and protection. Sparkling blue topaz symbolizes understanding and communication. Both turquoise and blue topaz possess a cool blue color fitting for December’s winter season.
The choice between traditional turquoise and modern blue topaz comes down to personal preference. Turquoise has an earthy, bohemian beauty with its matrix patterns. Blue topaz shines with contemporary sparkle. Whichever December birthstone you choose, turquoise and blue topaz make meaningful and gorgeous birthstone jewelry to delight someone born in December.
