December Birthstone Jewelry
December has four official birthstones: blue topaz, tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. Zircon is a natural gemstone (not cubic zirconia) with more fire than diamond and crystals dating back 4.4 billion years. Swiss blue topaz offers a bright, vivid blue at an excellent price point. At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, our December collection features both zircon and Swiss blue topaz pieces, all handcrafted in Colorado.
Shop December Birthstone Jewelry
Zircon
- Zircon Necklaces — solitaires, pendants, and station chains
- Zircon Earrings — studs, huggies, drops, and threaders
- Zircon Rings — stackable bands and solitaires
- Zircon Bracelets — stations, bezels, and birthstone links
- Zircon Charms — from $20
Swiss Blue Topaz
- Swiss Blue Topaz Necklaces
- Swiss Blue Topaz Earrings
- Swiss Blue Topaz Rings
- Swiss Blue Topaz Bracelets
Zircon vs. Swiss Blue Topaz
Zircon (Mohs 6.5 to 7.5) has exceptional fire and brilliance but can be brittle at the edges. Swiss blue topaz (Mohs 8) is harder and more durable for everyday wear. Both are beautiful December birthstones. Learn more about zircon or Swiss blue topaz meaning and properties.
Not sure if zircon is a real gemstone? Read: Zircon vs. Cubic Zirconia: The Real Difference.Check out our Swiss Blue topaz Guide
December Birthday Gifts
Every piece ships gift-ready in our eco-friendly packaging with gift bag, tissue, cleaning cloth, and card. Orders over $150 include free U.S. shipping. Design a custom piece through GemBar or browse all birthstone gift ideas.
December Birthstone Jewelry: Frequently Asked Questions
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What are December's birthstones?
December has four official birthstones: blue topaz, tanzanite, turquoise, and zircon. At Erin Gallagher Jewelry, we carry two: zircon (a natural gemstone with more fire than diamond, Mohs 6.5 to 7.5) and Swiss blue topaz (Mohs 8), both handcrafted in Colorado from $20.
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Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
No. Zircon is a natural gemstone — a zirconium silicate mineral (ZrSiO4) with crystals dating back 4.4 billion years and more fire than diamond. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic material with no connection to natural zircon. Blue zircon achieves its color through heat treatment, which is permanent. Read our full guide: Zircon vs. Cubic Zirconia.
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Which December birthstone is most durable?
Swiss blue topaz (Mohs 8) is harder than zircon (Mohs 6.5 to 7.5) and better suited for everyday rings and bracelets. Zircon is more brittle and best protected in bezel settings; it is ideal for earrings and necklaces. Both are genuine gemstones available at Erin Gallagher Jewelry from $20.
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What is the difference between zircon and Swiss blue topaz?
Zircon is a natural zirconium silicate mineral (Mohs 6.5 to 7.5) valued for its exceptional fire and brilliance. Swiss blue topaz is a variety of topaz (Mohs 8) whose vivid medium blue color is achieved through irradiation and heat treatment, both permanent. Zircon has more sparkle; Swiss blue topaz is more durable for daily wear.
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What anniversaries are zircon and Swiss blue topaz associated with?
Zircon is the traditional gift for the 11th wedding anniversary. Swiss blue topaz (blue topaz) is the traditional gift for the 4th anniversary. Both make strong December birthday gifts for Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) and Capricorn (December 22 to January 19).
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What makes Erin Gallagher December birthstone jewelry different?
Every piece is handcrafted in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 14K gold, gold-fill, or recycled sterling silver and ships gift-ready at no extra charge. We carry both zircon and Swiss blue topaz across necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and charms, rated 4.7 stars across 2,656+ reviews. December birthstone jewelry from $20. Free shipping over $150.