Birthstones are special gemstones associated with the month of a person's birth, each holding unique significance. For example, the emerald signifies the birth month of May, making it the birthstone for those born during this period.
January: Garnet
Garnet is typically deep red but can come in various colors.
January: Garnet
Garnet is typically deep red but can come in various colors.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz.
March: Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a blue or blue-green stone.
April: Diamond
Diamonds are typically clear or white, symbolizing eternal love.
May: Emerald
Emeralds are green gemstones, often associated with rebirth and fertility.
June: Pearl, Alexandrite, or Moonstone
Pearls are unique as they are organic gems. Alexandrite can change color, and moonstone has a unique adularescence.
July: Ruby
Rubies are red gemstones, symbolizing passion and love.
August: Peridot or Spinel
Peridot is a green gemstone, while spinel can come in various colors.
September: Sapphire
Sapphires are typically blue but can come in various colors except red (red sapphires are called rubies).
October: Opal or Tourmaline
Opals are known for their iridescence, and tourmalines can come in a variety of colors.
November: Topaz or Citrine
Topaz can come in various colors, while citrine is typically yellow to orange.
December: Turquoise, Zircon, or Tanzanite
Turquoise is blue-green, zircon can come in various colors, and tanzanite is typically blue or violet.
The Tradition of Birthstones
The tradition of designating specific gems as "birthstones for a specific month" originated in eighteenth-century Europe and later gained popularity in the United States. In 1912, the American National Retail Jewelerās Association, now known as Jewelers of America, established a standardized list of monthly birthstones. This list quickly became widely adopted by jewelers across the country, shaping the custom of birthstone jewelry that remains popular in the United States today.
Popularity of Birthstone Jewelry
The custom of wearing and gifting birthstone jewelry has deep roots globally. In the United States alone, consumers invest millions of dollars every month in these symbolic gems. Many children receive their first jewelry, often in the form of a birthstone ring, earrings, or pendant. Three-piece sets containing a birthstone ring, pendant, and pair of earrings are popular choices for birthday and graduation gifts. Additionally, some students choose their birthstone as the focal point for their high school or college class ring.
Motherās rings, engraved with the names of children or a special message, are a sentimental trend among mothers who wear rings, pendants, or pins adorned with their children's birthstones.
The Role of Birthstones in Jewelry Marketing
Birthstones play a pivotal role in the purchase and sale of jewelry. When a shopper struggles to find the perfect gift, the birthstone concept comes into play. A salesperson, upon learning the birthdate of the recipient, directs the shopper to a display of jewelry featuring the corresponding birthstone. This personalized touch not only facilitates a sale but also ensures a meaningful and tailored gift.
While birthstone jewelry resonates with many shoppers, recipients, and jewelers, it faces criticism as a marketing ploy. Some argue that it is merely an arbitrary assignment of gemstones to months, designed to boost jewelry sales. Despite the dissenting opinions, the joy derived from giving and receiving birthstone jewelry remains a prevalent sentiment.
Birthstone Engagement Rings
A rising trend in bridal jewelry is the emergence of "birthstone engagement rings." Couples seeking alternatives to traditional diamond rings find these personalized gemstone options logical, affordable, and attractive. However, for those born in April, where diamond is the birthstone, colored diamonds or lab-grown diamonds in various hues provide alternative choices for unique engagement rings.
Durable birthstones such as ruby (July), sapphire (September), aquamarine (March), alexandrite (June), and spinel (August) are suitable for engagement rings, boasting a Mohs hardness of 7.5 or higher.
Historical Roots of Birthstones
The practice of associating gemstones with specific months dates back over 2000 years. George Frederick Kunz, a mineralogist and gemologist, highlighted the connection between the high priest's breastplate stones and the months of the year. While the belief in the virtues of monthly stones traces back to ancient writings, the usage of these stones as natal stones gained prominence in eighteenth-century Poland.
Evolution of Today's Birthstone List
The standardization of the birthstone list in 1912 aimed to reduce confusion among different organizations and individuals. Despite multiple modifications since then, there are still several birthstone lists in use. Notable modifications include adding tourmaline as an August birthstone, introducing spinel as an October birthstone, and replacing lapis lazuli with zircon and later tanzanite for December.
Lab-Created and Simulant Birthstones
To address affordability concerns, some jewelry manufacturers incorporate lab-grown and imitation gems in commercial birthstone jewelry. These alternatives significantly reduce costs, enhance stone quality, and improve profit margins for sellers. Clear disclosure of the synthetic nature of these gems is crucial to align with customer preferences and federal guidelines. Violating these guidelines can lead to consequences outlined in the Guides for the Jewelry, Precious Metals, and Pewter Industries published by the Federal Trade Commission.
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