Turquoise: December's Birthstone Meaning, History and Gift Guide

December is one of the few months with several birthstones, so you can choose the stone that best suits the person you are celebrating.

Turquoise is the most traditional of the four. Its opaque, earthy colour feels very different from the sparkle of tanzanite or topaz, which is exactly why many people love it. Read more in Tanzanite, your December birthstone.

The name comes from the French pierre turquoise, meaning Turkish stone, because it reached Europe through Turkish trade routes. Long before that, it was treasured in ancient Egypt, Persia and the Americas.

A Stone of Protection

• Ancient Egypt: set into royal jewellery and burial pieces
• Persia: worn to protect against harm and bad luck
• Native American cultures: a sacred stone linked with sky and water
• Travellers: carried as a talisman for safe journeys

That long history of protection is a big part of why it still feels like such a personal birthday gift today.

Turquoise meaning centres on calm strength. It is often described as a stone that helps you speak honestly, stay steady and feel protected.

What Turquoise Symbolises

• Protection: a traditional talisman for safety
• Wisdom: clear thinking and good judgement
• Calm: a soothing colour for busy minds
• Communication: linked with the throat chakra and honest words

These meanings come from tradition rather than science, so wear it because it feels right for you. For a deeper look, read our full guide to turquoise meaning and symbolism.

December spans two star signs, and this blue-green stone is a lovely match for both.

Sagittarius (22 November to 21 December)

• Adventurous, curious and freedom-loving
• The stone's link with safe travel suits a Sagittarius wanderer

Capricorn (22 December to 19 January)

• Grounded, determined and practical
• Its calming energy helps balance a hard-working Capricorn

Pairing a zodiac pendant with a birthstone piece is a thoughtful way to celebrate both. See our zodiac jewellery guide for ideas.

Because every stone has its own colour and veining, no two turquoise pieces look exactly the same.

Rings and Earrings

• Stacking rings: a small stone adds colour to silver bands
• Studs: an easy everyday way to wear blue-green
• Statement rings: larger stones suit a boho look

Necklaces and Bracelets

• A simple pendant layers well with fine chains
• Beaded bracelets show off the stone's natural texture

Sterling silver brings out the cool blue tones, while gold warms up greener stones. Love a relaxed look? Read our guide to boho gemstone jewellery.

Natural stones vary a lot, so it helps to know what you are looking at before you buy.

What to Look For

• Colour: sky blue is the classic shade, while greener tones feel earthy and warm
• Matrix: the brown or black veining comes from the host rock and gives each piece its character
• Finish: a smooth, even polish shows the colour at its best
• Setting: a bezel or claw setting protects the edges of a softer stone

Many stones on the market are stabilised, which means they are treated to make them harder and more colourfast. This is a common and accepted practice, and it helps everyday pieces last longer. Most of all, choose the colour you love, because that is what will make you reach for it again and again.

A December birthstone piece makes a meaningful birthday gift because it carries a message of protection and good luck.

• Studs or a ring for a December birthday
• A pendant for a friend starting a new adventure
• A bracelet for someone who could use some calm
• A Christmas gift that feels personal, not generic

Every Indie and Harper piece arrives gift-ready. For more ideas, read the meaning behind your birthstone.

Turquoise is a soft, porous stone, around 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, so it needs a little more care than harder gems.

• Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth after wearing
• Keep it away from perfume, lotion, sunscreen and cleaning products
• Remove it before swimming, showering or exercise
• Store it separately so harder stones cannot scratch it

Oils and chemicals can slowly change its colour, so put your jewellery on last. See our jewellery care guide for more tips.

Our turquoise jewellery includes rings, studs and pendants in 925 sterling silver and gold plated finishes, each with its own natural colour and matrix. Every piece arrives gift-ready.

Explore our turquoise jewellery and birthstone jewellery.