The December Birthstone Edit: Turquoise and Tanzanite

Happy birthday month, December babies! When your birthday is smack in the middle of the holiday season, you might as well embrace an entire month’s worth of celebration, right? So go ahead, treat yourself. Whether that looks like cutting yourself an extra slice of cake or giving yourself some gorgeous new accessories as an early birthday present, we are all for it.

Sagittarius and Capricorn zodiac signs, rejoice. December has some of the most beautiful birthstones around, so you can easily find an attractive and memorable watch or piece of jewelry that alludes to your favorite time of the year. Today, we are going to take a closer look at two of the premier birthstones for the month of December: turquoise and tanzanite. We will showcase a prestigious selection of luxury watches that highlight these blue hues, making it easy to shop for yourself or anyone else on your list that has a December birthday.

Traditionally, every month of the year is paired with a gem or another precious stone that represents certain qualities for those born in that month. Throughout the years, however, many months have been assigned a couple of different birthstones. For those born in December, you are lucky enough to have three beautiful stones to choose from!

The birthstones for December are turquoise (the most traditional), tanzanite, and zircon. We will go ahead and break down these options so that you can choose the one that resonates the most with you. Of course, you do not have to choose just one of your three birthstones.

Turquoise: Admired since ancient times, turquoise is known for its striking blue color, which can range from a light powder blue to a vibrant robin’s egg color. Iran and Turkey were once the world’s primary source of turquoise, but these days, the United States is actually the biggest producer of this stone. The American Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and California) have large and high-quality turquoise deposits. The gorgeous color of this stone has made it a popular choice for jewelry and carvings throughout history.

Tanzanite: As its name suggests, tanzanite is primarily found in the African country of Tanzania. A variant of the mineral zoisite, tanzanite has a unique purple-blue color and was discovered relatively recently, dating back to just 1967. The stone is found in just a few square miles of land, surrounding the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. This rarity makes it rather expensive, and it is often used as a stand-in for deep blue sapphires. However, it is just a 6.5 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, meaning it is not as durable as actual sapphires are for jewelry purposes.

Zircon: Australia is the world’s leading producer of zircon, an underrated gemstone that appears in a variety of different colors. A 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, it can be used in jewelry but is better for low-touch pieces. It commonly occurs in an earthy, reddish brown hue with a fiery sparkle, but the most popular type of zircon is its blue variant. Blue zircon is the third alternative birthstone for the month of December.

If you are shopping for someone with a December birthday (or treating yourself to your own special birthday gift), choosing a piece with personal significance can make that present all the more special. Show them that you care with a gift they will cherish forever. Although turquoise is a relatively soft stone that is not ideal for high-touch accessories like watches, its memorable hues have been incorporated into countless different eye-catching designs. Take a look at some of our favorites right here:

You will never go wrong with an exquisite Rolex watch, and this gorgeous Daytona model is no exception. With a one-of-a-kind Tiffany blue dial, this 18K yellow gold watch stuns from every angle. The three chronograph subdials on its face cement its position as both an aesthetic and functional masterpiece that is sure to change your watch collection for the better. The bold tachymeter bezel harkens back to the line’s motorsport origins. Plus, this timepiece has become part of the cultural zeitgeist. Why? Tennis champion Carlos Alcaraz sported the very same piece when he took home the US Open men’s singles title in 2025. His watch garnered almost as much attention as his near-perfect serving game.

Searching for a turquoise watch at a more affordable price point? Do not skip over offerings from renowned Geneva-based brand Tudor, which is actually an offshoot of Rolex geared toward a more budget-conscious audience. The vibrant turquoise hue of this stainless steel watch’s large dial is sure to turn heads, and the stark contrast between the dial and the black chronometer subdials is just another point in its favor. The stainless steel bracelet has a sophisticated, five-link structure that is both comfortable and flexible on your wrist. Plus, the 41 mm case size is a perfect middle ground that will never go out of style. In other words, you will be thrilled to add this watch to your collection, whether or not you have a December birthday.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is a favorite entry-level watch for many. Available in a wide variety of different dial colors, it offers a chance to imbue your wristwear with personality while sporting a sleek and timeless accessory that will last a lifetime. This Oyster Perpetual shows off a bright turquoise dial with index hour markers and a shining stainless steel case and bracelet. The 31 mm silhouette is perfect for anyone with a more petite wrist, woman wearers, or those who are leaning into this year’s hot miniature watch trend.

Although tanzanite is an exquisite stone, its rating of 6.5 on the Mohs Scale of hardness renders it a less than ideal choice for high-touch accessories, such as watches. Because watches are worn around the wrist, they often brush against other surfaces and even bump up against things in our everyday lives. That is why it is so important to choose durable materials when crafting watches, and the world’s most famous watch brands know and embrace that fact. Although you will rarely see tanzanite used in watches, you can evoke the spirit of tanzanite with its more durable sister mineral: sapphire. Here are a few of our favorite watches that incorporate a tanzanite aesthetic, which provides a wintery hue perfect for December gifting.

Go bold or go home with this exquisite sapphire-studded timepiece from the renowned Avi & Co. HUE Collection. Crafted from prestigious 18K white gold, this immaculate creation showcases the very best of deep blue hues with gems set throughout its dial, bezel, and bracelet. The blue sapphire watch is meticulously set with 945 natural sapphires that catch the light from every angle. Tanzanite may not be ideal for jewelry purposes, but sapphires are a hard and durable gem that can support everyday wear without breaking a proverbial sweat. In short, this watch is sure to become a family heirloom that you will treasure for generations to come.

The rugged younger sister of the Nautilus collection, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut stands as a testament to the modern era of horological success. This sapphire-set model combines high jewelry renown with versatility and comfort, marrying a gem-studded dial and bezel with a durable rubber strap. The bezel features a gradient of shining sapphires, which extend onto the dial, forming a checkerboard pattern in the middle of the watch’s face. Around the edge of the dial, baguette-cut sapphires serve as hour markers amidst a sea of round-cut diamonds. You will never tire of watching light refract off the countless jewels fastened around your wrist.

December’s alternative birthstone, tanzanite, is known for its unique purple and blue hue. This RM 07-01 watch exudes the same gorgeous combination of colors, set into a classic Richard Mille structure. The tonneau-shaped case and skeletonized dial are Richard Mille through and through, making this horological masterpiece immediately recognizable as a product of the renowned Swiss brand. From cornflower blue to lovely lilac and rich plum, all of your favorite shades are incorporated into this memorable accessory. The 46 mm silhouette is built to make a statement, and the lightweight design will make this watch a go-to choice for daily wear.

Whether you are looking for the perfect holiday gift or shopping for a memorable birthday present, incorporating their birthstone is a great way to show how much you care. Here at Avi & Co., we will work with you to find the perfect watch. We have built an incredible collection of luxury timepieces, ranging from Richard Mille to Patek Philippe and from Audemars Piguet to Rolex. Plus, you can explore our very own Avi & Co. watch lines and fine diamond jewelry.

Make an appointment today to shop with us in person. We cannot wait to meet you!