December Birthstone and Flower: Blue Topaz, Narcissus & Holly

The December birthstone and flower are blue topaz (with tanzanite, turquoise and zircon as fellow birthstones) and the narcissus — the elegant white 'paperwhite' bloom — with holly as December's cheerful second flower. Together, stone and flower give December two beautiful symbols: cool blue gems that echo a summer sky, and blooms traditionally associated with hope, renewal and good cheer. Here's what each one means, and how to turn them into a memorable December birthday gift.

December's Birthstones: Four Blues to Choose From

December is unusually rich in birthstones. Blue topaz (Mohs 8) is the most popular — a brilliant, durable stone in sky, Swiss and London blue shades. Tanzanite (Mohs 6–7) is the rarest, a violet-blue gem found only near the Merelani Hills in Tanzania and added to the official birthstone list in 2002. Turquoise is the traditional stone, treasured since ancient Egypt, and zircon — a natural gem, not cubic zirconia — includes crystals from Western Australia's Jack Hills that are the oldest known minerals on Earth.

December's Birth Flowers: Narcissus & Holly

The narcissus — usually the paperwhite variety, with clusters of small, fragrant white blooms — is December's primary birth flower. In the language of flowers it has traditionally symbolised hope, renewal and faithfulness: the promise that spring follows even the darkest month in the northern hemisphere. In Australia, of course, December narcissus blooms arrive with summer, which only adds to their charm.

Holly, December's second flower, is the festive evergreen with glossy leaves and bright red berries. In European folklore it was traditionally hung for protection and good fortune, and it remains a symbol of warmth and celebration. Both flower meanings come from tradition and belief rather than fact — but that's exactly what makes them lovely to gift.

Pairing Stone and Flower in a Gift

• Classic: a blue topaz necklace with a bunch of paperwhites — cool blue against crisp white.
• Rare and romantic: tanzanite jewellery with narcissus for a once-in-a-generation stone paired with a flower of new beginnings.
• Festive: blue topaz earrings wrapped with a sprig of holly for a December birthday that falls near the holidays.

Browse the full December birthstone jewellery collection to match a stone to your flower, or learn more in our blue topaz guide and our article on what the December birthstone is.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the December birthstone and flower?

December's birthstones are blue topaz, tanzanite, turquoise and zircon, and its birth flowers are the narcissus (paperwhite) and holly.

What does the narcissus symbolise?

In floral tradition, the narcissus represents hope, renewal and faithfulness — belief-based meanings that suit December's position at the turn of the year.

Which December birthstone should I pair with the flowers?

Blue topaz is the most popular and durable choice; tanzanite is the rare, romantic option. Both pair beautifully with white narcissus blooms.

About Irosk Australia

Irosk is an Australian jewellery brand specialising in handcrafted 925 sterling silver birthstone and gemstone jewellery. Founded by Ish and Lovneet in 2021 and based in Brisbane, Irosk creates timeless, meaningful pieces designed for gifting and everyday wear — each one crafted with care and accurately described so you always know exactly what you're getting. Your stone. Your story.