December 20th Birthstone: Colors, Meaning & Jewelry

Born in December? You don't have to pick just one stone. Your birth month claims three: turquoise, tanzanite, and blue topaz. Each one brings a different shade of blue to the table.

That mix makes December birthstone jewelry easy to shop for. Whether you want a ring, a necklace, or earrings, there's a blue tone that fits your style. Browse our 14K gold rings for a setting that suits one. At Golden Planet, we set that same look in solid 14K gold with cubic zirconia. Each piece is made to order and ships from New York for US orders, or from Istanbul, Turkey for all others.

December birthdays already share the calendar with the holidays, so birthstone jewelry doubles as a natural gift idea. A single blue stone reads as personal and thoughtful without being complicated to shop for. It works whether you're buying for someone else or picking something for yourself.

What Is December's Birthstone?

Most months get one birthstone. December gets three, and they all lean blue. Each stone brings its own shade and its own finish to the mix.

Turquoise is an opaque sky blue, often marked with thin dark veins running through the surface. Tanzanite is a deeper violet-blue that seems to shift color as the light around it changes. Blue topaz is clear and bright, closer to the blue you'd see at the bottom of a swimming pool.

You'll see all three used in December birthstone jewelry today, but blue topaz has become the most common choice for everyday pieces. It's easy to cut, holds its color well, and pairs naturally with warm 14K gold. Turquoise and tanzanite show up more often in statement pieces, since both need a bit more care over time.

You might also see older references list four December birthstones instead of three. Before blue topaz became popular, jewelers paired turquoise and tanzanite with a rare mined stone. Its name sounds a lot like cubic zirconia, but the two aren't related. Most modern birthstone charts have settled on the three-stone version used here: turquoise, tanzanite, and blue topaz.

Lists differ a little by source. Turquoise is the traditional pick, named by American jewelers in 1912. Tanzanite and blue topaz joined later as modern options. Any of the three is a correct answer to "what is the actual December birthstone?"

What Each Stone Means

December birthstone meaning varies by stone, but each one carries its own story.

Turquoise has one of the longest histories of any gem. Ancient Egyptian, Persian, and Native American cultures all wore it and linked it to protection and good fortune. Its color comes from copper and aluminum minerals, which is why no two pieces of turquoise look quite the same. Traders once carried it across entire continents, which helped turn it into one of the most recognized stones in the world.

Tanzanite is a newer discovery. Miners found it near Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 1967, and it's still only found in that one region. That rarity, plus its color-shifting glow, is why tanzanite is often treated as a modern, special-occasion stone. Some gem experts even call it a "once-in-a-lifetime" find, since geologists expect the local supply to run out eventually.

Blue topaz gets its color two ways: naturally, in pale hints, or through heat and irradiation treatments that deepen the blue. Either way, the meaning attached to topaz has stayed consistent for centuries: calm, clarity, and honest communication. That's part of why it's a popular gift for a new relationship or a fresh start, not just a birth month.

None of this history changes how the stones are worn today. A December birthstone necklace or a birthstone ring is still, first and foremost, a personal choice. The meaning is a nice bonus, not a requirement.

December Birthstone Dates and Zodiac Signs

December birthstone dates run the full month, from December 1 through December 31. But the month actually spans two zodiac signs. Anyone born November 22 through December 21 is a Sagittarius. Anyone born December 22 through January 19 is a Capricorn.

For a Sagittarius, the December birthstone is the same three stones. Many zodiac lists also name topaz for Sagittarius, which lines up neatly with blue topaz. Capricorn stone lists vary by source, but December-born Capricorns still claim turquoise, tanzanite, and blue topaz as birth month stones. Zodiac stone lists and birthstone lists are two separate traditions, so it's normal for them to overlap without matching exactly.

If you're shopping for a specific person, the zodiac angle can help narrow things down. A well-traveled Sagittarius might lean toward turquoise's adventurous history. A steady, ambitious Capricorn might prefer the polish of a clean blue topaz. Either way, the birthstone itself works for both signs.

What About December 20th?

If your birthday is December 20th, your birthstone is the same as everyone else's in December. No stone is assigned to a single day. You can pick turquoise, tanzanite, or blue topaz.

December 20th falls in Sagittarius, so the zodiac link points to topaz. That makes blue topaz an easy choice if you like a stone that matches both your month and your sign. If you prefer a deeper color, tanzanite's violet-blue is the standout. For a laid-back look, turquoise is the one.

How to Wear December Birthstone Jewelry

A December birthstone ring is the boldest way to wear the month's colors. A deep blue stone set in 14K gold catches the eye without needing anything else on your hand. Stack it with plain gold bands, or let it stand alone.

A December birthstone necklace works well for everyday wear. A single blue stone on a thin gold chain sits nicely at the collarbone and pairs easily with other layered pieces. If you're not sure how long your chain should sit, our necklace length chart guide breaks down each common length.

Earrings are the easiest entry point if you're new to birthstone jewelry. A small pair of blue studs adds color without competing with your other jewelry, and they work for both daytime and evening looks. Bracelets are a good middle ground too, especially a thin chain with one small blue stone set along the links.

For gifting, a ring or a necklace tends to feel more personal than earrings, since it's easier to size to the wearer's taste. If you're buying for yourself, start with whichever piece you already reach for most, whether that's a ring, a necklace, or a stack of bracelets.

December stones pair easily with other birth months too. Mix a December birthstone with a November birthstone, a March birthstone, or a January birthstone for a family-stack ring or bracelet.

Comparing the Three Stones

Each December birthstone has its own look and its own level of everyday durability. Here's how they compare at a glance.

Hardness matters if you wear a piece daily. A higher Mohs number resists scratches better, which is one reason blue topaz shows up so often in rings and bracelets meant for regular wear. Turquoise is also somewhat porous, so it can absorb oils and lotions over time, while tanzanite and blue topaz hold up better around everyday products.

None of the three stones is "better" outright. A ring you'll wear daily calls for something tougher, like blue topaz. A piece you'll save for evenings out can lean into turquoise or tanzanite instead, since it won't face the same daily wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

December's birthstones give you three shades of blue to choose from, each with its own history and look. The easiest way to wear any of them, turquoise, tanzanite, or blue topaz, is set in solid 14K gold. That's true whether you're shopping for a December 20th birthstone gift or something for later in the month. Browse our gold necklace collection to find a piece that fits your birth month.