Turquoise: December’s Birthstone of Protection, Wisdom & Good Fortune

Few gemstones carry the timeless beauty, spiritual depth, and rich history of turquoise. Revered for millennia, this striking blue-to-green stone is one of the world’s most ancient gems, treasured by cultures from Ancient Egypt to Native America. Known as the birthstone for December, turquoise embodies meanings of wisdom, protection, and enduring friendship—making it as meaningful today as it was thousands of years ago.

The History of Turquoise

Turquoise has been cherished for over 7,000 years, with some of the earliest mines found in Sinai, Egypt, dating back to 3000 BCE. Ancient Egyptians carved turquoise into amulets, jewellery, and even the burial mask of Tutankhamen.

In Persia (modern-day Iran), turquoise was considered a stone of heaven and was worn as a talisman for protection against misfortune. Persian turquoise, with its sky-blue hue, remains some of the most prized in the world.

Across the ocean, Native American tribes such as the Navajo, Pueblo, and Apache also held turquoise in the highest regard. It was believed to connect the earth and sky, bring rain, and protect warriors. Turquoise was often set in silver, a tradition that continues in Southwestern jewellery today.

Symbolism & Meanings of Turquoise

• Protection: Turquoise has long been known as a protective stone, believed to guard against accidents, negative energy, and ill fortune.
• Friendship & Love: Often called the “stone of friendship,” turquoise is said to strengthen bonds, encourage honest communication, and inspire loyalty.
• Wisdom & Truth: Many cultures saw turquoise as a stone of insight, granting clarity of thought and truthful expression.
• Healing & Balance: Spiritually, turquoise is thought to balance emotions, soothe stress, and promote inner calm.
• Luck & Prosperity: Turquoise is often carried as a good luck charm, believed to attract wealth and success.

Turquoise in Jewellery

Turquoise is instantly recognizable for its vivid sky-blue to greenish tones, often accented with natural veins of brown, black, or gold matrix. Its unique colour pairs beautifully with both sterling silver and gold, making it a versatile gemstone for all styles.

Because turquoise is a softer gemstone, it is often stabilised to strengthen its durability for everyday wear. Whether polished into smooth cabochons or left in natural rugged textures, turquoise pieces are timeless treasures.

Turquoise as December’s Birthstone

As one of December’s official birthstones (alongside zircon and tanzanite), turquoise makes a meaningful gift for anyone born in this wintry month. It is believed to bring warmth, joy, and protection to its wearer—an uplifting contrast to the colder days of December.

Traditionally, turquoise jewellery is given as a token of friendship and love, making it the perfect birthday or holiday gift.

Why We Treasure Turquoise

At Twelve Silver Trees, we love turquoise for both its beauty and story. Each piece carries not just colour and charm, but also thousands of years of history, symbolism, and meaning. Whether you’re drawn to its protective powers, its calming energy, or simply its striking colour, turquoise is a gemstone that speaks across centuries.

✨ Elegant, meaningful, and timeless—turquoise is more than a gemstone. It’s a piece of history, a symbol of protection, and a perfect way to celebrate December.

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