If you were born in December, your December birthstone turquoise connects you to one of the oldest talismans in human history. Turquoise has been worn, traded, and treasured across cultures for thousands of years, prized as much for its sky-blue color as for the meaning people have layered onto it. December actually claims more than one gem, but turquoise is the stone most tied to winter, protection, and the quiet turn of the year.
Why Turquoise Is the December Birthstone
December birthdays fall in the depth of winter, and turquoise carries the color of a clear cold sky. It is a copper-and-aluminum mineral that ranges from robin's-egg blue to deep green, often threaded with a web of darker veining called matrix. That matrix is part of its character, not a flaw.
On the Mohs scale, turquoise sits around 5 to 6, which makes it softer than many gemstones. That softness is worth knowing, because it shapes how you care for the piece. You can explore Sherry's turquoise designs in the turquoise collection, where the stone's natural variation gives each piece its own personality.
The Meaning Behind the Stone
Turquoise is often called a stone of protection, luck, and friendship. Ancient Egyptians set it into burial adornments, Persian artisans capped domes with it, and Indigenous cultures of the American Southwest wore it as a guardian stone and a sign of connection.
Across these traditions, turquoise shows up again and again as a talisman — something worn to keep the wearer safe on a journey, or given to strengthen a bond between people. In crystal tradition it is associated with calm, honesty, and open communication. These are traditional and cultural associations, not medical claims, and turquoise is not a treatment for anything.
Because it carries so much history of gift-giving and friendship, turquoise makes a thoughtful present. A piece chosen from Sherry's bestsellers can mark a December birthday or simply say you were thinking of someone.
Blue Topaz, the Modern December Companion
Turquoise is the traditional December stone, but blue topaz is one of its modern companions. Where turquoise is opaque and earthy, blue topaz is transparent and bright, ranging from pale sky tones to deep Swiss and London blues.
Blue topaz is also much harder — it sits at 8 on the Mohs scale — which gives it a crisp, faceted sparkle that plays with light. In gem tradition, topaz is associated with clarity of thought and a sense of steadiness. Some people simply choose between the two by mood: the grounded, ancient feel of turquoise, or the clean brilliance of blue topaz.
The Other Stones of Winter
December is generous with its gems. Alongside turquoise and blue topaz, the month is also linked to zircon and tanzanite. Natural zircon — not to be confused with lab-made cubic zirconia — is a genuine gemstone with remarkable fire, and you can see it in Sherry's zircon collection.
Tanzanite, discovered relatively recently in Tanzania, rounds out the winter lineup with its violet-blue glow. Between these four stones, December birthdays have an unusually rich palette to choose from, spanning warm earth tones to cool, faceted brilliance.
Caring for Your Turquoise
Because turquoise is porous and soft, it asks for a gentle hand. Keep it away from perfume, lotion, and household cleaners, all of which can dull or discolor the stone over time. Take turquoise pieces off before any activity where they might get wet or knocked, and store them separately so harder gems don't scratch the surface.
Wipe your piece with a soft, dry cloth after wearing, and keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight, which can fade the color. Blue topaz is tougher but still deserves the same thoughtful storage.
Choosing Your December Piece
Whether you're drawn to the ancient, protective pull of the December birthstone turquoise or the bright clarity of blue topaz, this month gives you room to choose a stone that feels like you. Turquoise carries centuries of meaning around luck, friendship, and safe passage — a fitting gem for the close of one year and the start of the next. Browse the turquoise collection to find the piece that speaks to you.