cover image - blue topaz earrings, blue topaz necklace, blue topaz ring

Cool Blue Topaz: The December Birthstone

Shine through the winter with blue topaz, the December birthstone.

Celebrate the month of December with its icy blue birthstone. Though topaz comes in a range of colors, the blue variety is the wintry birthstone. From pale blue to a deep, sapphire-like azure, topaz’s tones are perfect for any December birthday or simply any cool-hued adorer.

December Birthstone: Blue topaz

What is Topaz?

Topaz is a silicate mineral that in its purest state is totally colorless. It’s the trace minerals that give it such a vibrant range of colors, from deep blue to pink, orange, and even purple. 

The index of refraction for topaz is somewhat low (around 1.62), meaning that their many facets sparkle less than gemstones with a higher rating. Topaz tends to look best in oblong cuts that complement its naturally-occurring columnar shape. For that reason, topaz often appears in jewelry in baguette-, pear-, and oval shapes. 

Topaz is an ideal jewelry stone thanks to its high rating on the Mohs Hardness Scale. It scores an 8, which is near the maximum solidity of 10 (a grade claimed by the rock-hard diamond). Practically, this means that topaz is quite impervious to daily wear in all situations. There’s no need to fret about scratching or chipping topaz; it will accompany you throughout your day, no worries.

One of the cooler characteristics of Topaz is its pleochroism: depending on the angle that light hits topaz’s facets, the gemstone may appear to vary in color. This gives blue topaz an incredible variety of aquatic shades.

The History of Topaz

In the past, the most famous variety of topaz was actually yellow. The Bible mentions topaz; although it probably referred to a different yellow stone, the name topaz went on to refer, generally, to any yellow semi-precious stone. Eventually, in the mid-1700’s, topaz started referring to the mineral we now know and love. 

The most popular type of topaz nowadays is the blue variety. Though blue topaz occurs naturally, the popularity of blue skyrocketed in the 1970’s when gem treatments were developed. Gemologists discovered that they could take colorless topaz, expose it to certain types of radiation, and then heat it up. The result was a gorgeous blue gemstone whose popularity immediately shot through the roof. 

Famous Topaz

By far the most famous topaz in existence is the Marbella Topaz, a whopping 8,225 carat faceted blue topaz currently owned by the Spanish government. Yep, that’s a comma – not a full stop. How big is 8,225 carats, you ask? Well, it’s akin to wearing a grapefruit on your finger. A bit heavy, but oh-so breathtaking.

Cate Blanchett has been known to sport blue topaz on the red carpet – a gemstone that perfectly highlights her icy blue eyes. By wearing her topaz jewelry as close to her eyes as possible in the form of earrings, she maximizes the blue-on-blue effect.

Kate Blanchett wearing blue topaz earrings
Kate Middleton wearing blue topaz hoop earrings

And onto another (C)Kate! Kate Middleton’s circular topaz and diamond earrings have made multiple high-profile appearances, and seem to be one of her favorite pieces. The cool tone highlights her green eyes, and the bright white jewelry metal pops against her paler skin.

How to wear topaz

Blue is a beautiful catch-all. If you love blue, topaz is for you, since it comes in every shade – from pale aquamarine to a dark sapphire, topaz has it all. 

Pale complexions: if you have a pale complexion, dark blue topaz will look stunning on you. Especially topaz set in white jewelry metal like white gold or platinum.

Dark complexions: complement your dark complexion by choosing an eye-popping pale topaz set in warm gold.

Blue & green eyes: Choose topaz in the same shade as your irises to make your baby blues (or green) really pop.

Outfit coordination: topaz looks lovely when paired with its complementary color, orange. Practically, this means you can increase topaz’s visual impact by wearing golden or amber-color fabrics alongside your gemstone.

December Birthstone Gifts:
Blue Topaz Rings

Blue topaz jewelry is perfect for December birthday gifts, 4th, and 19th wedding anniversary presents. Not only is it more affordable than other blue gemstones like sapphire, but it also features a unique variety of hues. And why blue topaz rings? They’re easy to wear, will stand up to anything you put them through, and will always be close at hand for you to admire.

December Birthstone Gifts:
Blue Topaz Earrings

Topaz has a history of mind-strengthening powers. Well, at least according to a host of old European folklore. An English superstition states that topaz can cure insanity, while in the Middle Ages it was worn to protect against the evil eye and mind-weakening curses. If you agree with our predecessors, wearing blue topaz earrings close to your noggin will keep you up to speed.

December Birthstone Gifts:
Blue Topaz Necklaces

Statement pieces? Oh yes. Topaz’s relative affordability means that you can go big on the carat weight without going over budget. Plus, a blue topaz pendant completes any outfit with a vivid burst of color. Whether you give it as a present, or you adorn and adore yourself, topaz is a winning December purchase.

Check out our other birthstone guides

January Garnets * February Amethysts * March Aquamarines * April Diamonds * May Emeralds * June Pearls * July Rubies * August Peridots * September Sapphires * November Citrines * December Blue Topaz.

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Rachel Hoar

Rachel is an unabashed linguistics fanatic who can identify the ancient Greek root of any word. She promises not to spray you with Windex.

More Posts

fine jewelry including earrings, necklace and a tennis bracelet

Winter Jewelry Guide: Tips To Stay Warm & Sparkle

Read our winter jewelry guide for cool tips in time for the holiday season. 

Winter Jewelry Guide: Tips To Stay Warm & Sparkle

As the weather takes a cold turn and we start to cover up with gloves, scarves and sweaters, it’s the perfect time to lighten the mood by accessorizing with your favorite statement jewelry. Brrrace yourself, we’ve compiled a list of styling tips to make sure that you stay warm (and sparkle!) this winter. 

Go Long

Keeping warm in icy temperatures requires a bit of extra wardrobe work. With additional layers of clothing, it’s best to keep your jewelry simple. Stop your chains and necklaces from getting tangled with a single, elongated pendant. They’re long enough to fit over thicker clothing and offer a sparkly, solid glow.

Four Prong Basket Solitaire Pendant

14K White Gold Four Prong Basket Solitaire Lab Created Diamond Pendant

Emerald Cut Solitaire Pendant

14K Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Pendant

Pear-Shape Solitaire Pendant 

14K White Gold Pear Shape Diamond Solitaire Pendant

Glisten Up

Look extra cute when it’s extra cold with a pair of delicate studs. You’ll instantly brighten up any outfit and avoid dangly earrings getting caught in your scarf or turtlenecks. And small hoops? They’re perfect, not to mention chic.

Halo Diamond Earrings

14K White Gold Halo Lab Created Diamond Stud Earrings

Wire Basket Stud Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Six Prong Wire Basket Diamond Stud Earrings

Huggie Hoop Earrings

White Gold Huggie Hoop Earrings - Winter Jewelry Guide

Pretty Pearls

Pearls have always been a firm favorite for any season, and winter is no exception. They’re smooth, which means you won’t damage your winter clothing and are easy to accessorize. Plus, they seamlessly complement winter hues like black, navy and charcoal.

Cultured Pearl Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Freshwater Cultured Pearl And Textured Bead Bracelet

Pearl Bangle

18K Yellow Gold South Sea Cultured Pearl And Bezel Set Diamond Trio Bangle Bracelet

Keep It Basic

Ever snagged your favorite sweater while showing off your sparkler? Here’s an easy fix – flat rings. Not only are these safer for those delicate items of clothing, you’ll look equally dazzling. The cold weather is also the perfect opportunity to flaunt a ring with December’s wintery birthstone – blue topaz.

Pavė Rainbow Ring By Brevani

14K Yellow Gold Pave Rainbow Row Ring By Brevani

Infinity Blue Topaz Birthstone Ring

14K White Gold Infinity Blue Topaz Birthstone Ring

Ready for a sparkling winter? Check out the articles below to get more inspiration!

Engagement ring catches your eye? Share the love on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, in the comments below or visit JamesAllen.com!

Subscribe to our email list for access to secret sales, practical ring-buying tips, and $100 off your first purchase!

Jarred Maram

Jarred is a writer by day and unofficial office ping pong champion

More Posts