COLLECTION
December Birthstone: Turquoise
The December birthstone is turquoise, one of the oldest gemstones in the world. It was worn as far back as ancient Egypt. Here you'll find the turquoise necklace from By Carola as a smooth teardrop, in 14K gold-filled or 925 sterling silver. For more blue to give as a gift, take a look at aquamarine and labradorite.
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More birthstone jewelry
Pieces in similar colors from other months, each one handmade.
All birthstone necklaces
Turquoise, the December birthstone
Turquoise is a mineral made of copper, aluminum and phosphate. Copper turns it sky blue, iron pulls it toward green. The fine dark veins come from the host rock and make every stone unmistakable. Turquoise is opaque and has a soft, waxy luster.
The December stones
December has three birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Some lists also name blue topaz. All of them are blue, from the sky blue of turquoise to the violet blue of tanzanite. Turquoise is the oldest of them and the classic December stone.
Meaning and tradition
Turquoise was worn as far back as ancient Egypt and Persia. The name means Turkish stone, because it reached Europe by way of Turkey. By tradition, it stands for protection, clarity and calm. As the December birthstone, it makes a personal gift for birthdays and for Christmas.
A genuine stone
The turquoise at By Carola is genuine, not dyed howlite and not a pressed imitation. Its fine veins show that every stone is one of a kind.
Shape and material
You wear the turquoise as a polished teardrop of about 13 to 14 mm. You choose between 14K gold-filled and 925 sterling silver, at 40 or 45 cm (15.7 or 17.7 in). With silver, the blue looks cool and clear, with gold warm and summery.
Care
With a hardness of 5 to 6, turquoise is rather soft and naturally porous. The necklace is water-resistant, but it's best to keep the stone itself dry and away from perfume, lotion and cleaning products. Avoid heat and strong sunlight, and store the necklace on its own.
December birthstone for Sagittarius and Capricorn
If you were born in December, you are a Sagittarius up to 21 December and a Capricorn from 22 December. The birthstone follows the month, not the zodiac sign. So for both signs in December, turquoise is the matching stone. A Sagittarius born in November wears citrine, a Capricorn born in January wears garnet. All signs are listed in the guide under Birthstones by zodiac sign.
Turquoise at a glance
| Mineral | Turquoise (copper aluminum phosphate) |
|---|---|
| Color | sky blue to blue-green |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 5 to 6 |
| Main sources | Iran, USA, China, Egypt |
| Birth month | December, together with tanzanite and zircon |
| Zodiac signs | Sagittarius, Capricorn |
Continue to January: Garnet or back to November: Citrine. You'll find every piece under Birthstone Jewelry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the December birthstone?
December has three birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. The oldest and best known is turquoise.
What does turquoise mean?
By tradition, turquoise stands for protection, clarity and calm. It was worn as far back as ancient Egypt and Persia. This meaning is based on tradition.
Is the turquoise genuine?
Yes. It is genuine turquoise, not dyed howlite.
Which birthstone suits Sagittarius and Capricorn?
If you were born in December, your birthstone is turquoise, whether you are a Sagittarius or a Capricorn. The stone follows the month.
Is a turquoise necklace a good Christmas gift?
Yes, especially for anyone born in December. The birthstone makes the necklace personal. On request, a gift note is included free of charge.
