December Birthstone: The Meaning of Turquoise

Birthstones go back centuries, to scholars who linked the twelve gems on the breastplate of Aaron with the twelve months and the twelve signs of the zodiac. Today, birthstone jewellery is one of our favourite ways to make a piece personal, whether it's for you or a gift for someone you love.

What is the December birthstone?

December's birthstone is turquoise, alongside tanzanite and zircon. Turquoise is the one we reach for most. It's known for its eye-catching blue-green colour, and because every stone forms naturally, no two slices are ever the same. That's what makes it such a special gift: it's truly one of a kind.

The shade shifts from sky blue to soft green, and some stones carry fine veins of brown or black from the iron and copper they formed alongside. Turquoise is opaque, with a soft, waxy shine, and it looks just as beautiful set in gold as it does in silver.

Prefer something with more sparkle? Tanzanite's violet-blue is a modern December alternative, and we set it in solid gold in our Solid Gold December Birthstone Tanzanite Pendant Necklace.

What does the turquoise birthstone mean?

Turquoise is linked to the throat chakra, which is all about communication and feeling heard, two things closely tied to self-worth. It's seen as a healing stone that brings calm and supports emotional wellbeing.

Turquoise asks you to look beneath the surface: to notice what is and isn't working, and to talk openly, with yourself and with others. That makes it a lovely match for Sagittarius. Sagittarians live life at full speed, and turquoise helps bring a little calm to all that energy.

Turquoise birthstone jewellery

Whether you want a pop of colour or a full-on statement, there's a turquoise piece at AC for you:

• A birthstone necklace: our Gold December Turquoise Birthstone Pendant Necklace is the easiest way to wear your stone every day.
• Something to stack: the Gold Fine Biography Turquoise Bracelet layers beautifully, and the Gold Aurora Ridge Turquoise Station Bracelet adds texture to the mix.
• For your ears: the Gold Aurora Ridge Turquoise Drop Huggies bring colour right up to the face.
• A ring to remember: go subtle with the Gold Aurora Ridge Turquoise Eternity Ring or bold with the Gold Aurora Ridge Turquoise Ring.

Love a symbol with meaning? The Gold Fine Biography Turquoise Evil Eye Bracelet pairs the protection of the evil eye with the calm of turquoise. Every turquoise stone is hand-selected and polished, and comes with our two-year warranty.

Shop turquoise jewellery

How do you look after turquoise jewellery?

Look after your Astley Clarke jewellery and it will last a lifetime. Semi-precious stones like turquoise just need a little extra care:

• Put it on last. Turquoise is sensitive to perfume, creams, make-up and perspiration, so add your jewellery once you're ready to go.
• Clean it gently. Wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Never soak it in hot water or use chemical cleaners.
• Store it separately. Keep it in its pouch so harder stones don't scratch it.