Turquoise and tanzanite both beautiful hues of blue are the December birthstones. Turquoise is the traditional December birthstone, but tanzanite with its velvety bluish-violet color is the modern December birthstone. The two gems are a study in contrasts, turquoise, a  blue or blue-green opaque gem, is an ancient stone that dates back to the Pharaohs. It is found in the U.S. in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. It is often seen with “veins” of other colors. Persian turquoise is prized for its light pure color and large sizes. Tanzanite, a translucent stone, was discovered in the 1960s in Tanzania, the only place in the world where it is mined. Blue topaz with its hues of sky and water is an affordable alternative for a December birthstone. Choose from turquoise dangle earrings, turquoise pendants, turquoise rings, tanzanite jewelry, or blue topaz options.