December birthstone gifts: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon

December has three modern birthstones: turquoise, tanzanite and zircon. Turquoise is the traditional one; tanzanite was added to the modern list in 2002 and blue zircon is also widely used. See our December birthstone guide. Prices and stock change, so check the product page.

All three December birthstones are known for blue: sky-blue to green-blue turquoise, violet-blue tanzanite and bright blue zircon, although zircon comes in many colours. See our December birthstone guide. Prices and stock change, so check the product page. UK delivery is £3.95, or free on orders over £40, and usually takes 2–5 working days.

Yes. Turquoise is the traditional December birthstone, and its sky-blue colour makes a cheerful winter gift for someone whose birthday falls near Christmas. See our December birthstone guide. Prices and stock change, so check the product page. UK delivery is £3.95, or free on orders over £40, and usually takes 2–5 working days.

Tanzanite is a violet-blue gemstone found commercially only in one small area of northern Tanzania, which is why it is rarer and usually more expensive than turquoise. See our December birthstone guide. Prices and stock change, so check the product page.

No. Zircon is a natural mineral, while cubic zirconia is a man-made stone. Blue zircon is one of December's birthstones. See our December birthstone guide. Prices and stock change, so check the product page. UK delivery is £3.95, or free on orders over £40, and usually takes 2–5 working days.

Turquoise is fairly soft and porous, so keep it away from perfume, oils and harsh cleaners, wipe it with a soft dry cloth and store it apart from harder stones. See our December birthstone guide. Prices and stock change, so check the product page.

Blue stones such as sodalite, lapis lazuli and blue lace agate give a similar winter-blue look at a much lower price. See our December birthstone guide. Prices and stock change, so check the product page. UK delivery is £3.95, or free on orders over £40, and usually takes 2–5 working days.

Sagittarius runs to about 21 December and Capricorn starts around 22 December, so a December birthday gift can also follow their star-sign stones. See our December birthstone guide. Prices and stock change, so check the product page. UK delivery is £3.95, or free on orders over £40, and usually takes 2–5 working days.

Someone born on 25 December is a Capricorn with turquoise as a traditional birthstone, so a turquoise or Capricorn stone gift, given separately from their Christmas present, is a kind touch. See our December birthstone guide. Prices and stock change, so check the product page.

Turquoise has been treasured for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt to the American Southwest, and is traditionally seen as a stone of protection and friendship. See our December birthstone guide. Prices and stock change, so check the product page.