Kendra Scott, the jewelry brand founded in 2002, has established a significant presence in the contemporary jewelry market by integrating natural stones into accessible, stylish designs. A key component of their offerings is the dedicated birthstone collection, which includes a distinctive option for the month of December. While traditional December birthstones are Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise, Kendra Scott features necklaces incorporating a "Blue Violet Crystal" or a "London Blue Clear Glass" as a December birthstone option. This article will explore the available information regarding Kendra Scott's December birthstone jewelry, the brand's ethos, and the context of modern birthstone offerings as presented in the provided sources. It is important to note that the provided sources primarily focus on Kendra Scott’s product line and do not offer extensive gemological or historical details about December birthstones beyond their association with the month.
Kendra Scott: A Brand Built on Natural Stones and Philanthropy
Kendra Scott, founded in 2002, has established itself as a prominent jewelry designer and businesswoman. The company’s success is rooted in the founder’s ability to utilize natural stones and custom-designed shapes in her creations. The brand operates out of Austin, Texas, and emphasizes values of Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy. In the past year, Kendra Scott has donated $1 million and 50,000 pieces of jewelry to over 1,000 local and national organizations, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility. This philanthropic focus is a core element of the brand’s identity, positioning it as a socially conscious choice for consumers.
The brand’s approach to jewelry design centers on creating pieces that are both fashionable and meaningful. By incorporating birthstones into their collections, Kendra Scott taps into a long-standing tradition of personalized jewelry, offering customers a way to connect with their birth month through a tangible, wearable object. The birthstone necklaces are designed to be versatile, allowing for layering with other pieces to create a personalized look that reflects the wearer's individual style.
Birthstone Necklaces: A Celebration of Personal Connection
Kendra Scott offers a dedicated collection of birthstone necklaces, designed to add a personal touch to any outfit. These necklaces are available in twelve different stones, corresponding to each birth month, and are offered in multiple metal finishes. The collection aims to provide accessible and stylish birthstone jewelry, with many necklaces priced under $50, making them ideal gifts. The brand encourages layering these necklaces with other pieces to create a personalized look.
The birthstone collection includes various styles, such as the Elisa Necklace, Ellie Earrings, and Elaina Bracelet. The metals used are 14k Gold Plated over Brass and Rhodium (Silver Plated over Brass). For December, the specific birthstone used is identified in different sources with slightly varying terminology. One source lists the December option as "London Blue Clear Glass," while another refers to it as a "Blue Violet Crystal." This discrepancy in naming suggests that the stone may be a colored glass or a crystal with a blue-violet hue, rather than a traditional natural gemstone. The sources do not specify the exact composition of this crystal or glass, nor do they detail its gemological properties. It is presented as a contemporary alternative to the more traditional December birthstones.
The Cailin pendant necklace, which incorporates the Blue Violet Crystal, is available in both silver and gold finishes. The brand highlights the Cailin necklace as a “Kendra’s Pick,” suggesting it is a favored design. The price point of under $50 for many of the necklaces makes them accessible to a wide range of consumers. The option to add a complimentary gift box further enhances the gifting experience. The brand’s marketing materials consistently highlight the emotional connection associated with birthstone jewelry, emphasizing its role in celebrating birthdays and personal milestones.
The Blue Violet Crystal: A Modern December Offering
Kendra Scott’s December birthstone necklace features a “Blue Violet Crystal” or a “London Blue Clear Glass.” The sources do not specify the exact composition of this crystal, nor do they detail its gemological properties. It is presented as a contemporary alternative to the more traditional December birthstones. The Cailin pendant necklace is available in both silver and gold finishes, incorporating this Blue Violet Crystal.
The December birthstone jewelry is described as featuring a "bold London Blue stone" that is "moody blue." The collection is marketed as perfect for creating personalized gifts for friends or loved ones with a December birthday. The necklaces are described as "absolutely stunning when layered with other dainty necklaces." This emphasis on layering and combining pieces reflects a broader trend in jewelry styling, allowing for individual expression and customization. The Elisa Gold Pendant Necklace in Ivory Mother-of-Pearl is also highlighted as a popular style, though for a different month.
The specific product listing for the Elisa Necklace in December describes the stone as "London Blue Clear Glass." This terminology is more precise than "Blue Violet Crystal" and suggests that the stone may indeed be a form of colored glass. Glass, while not a gemstone in the traditional mineralogical sense, has been used in jewelry for centuries and can be cut and polished to resemble gemstones. The use of "Clear Glass" may indicate that the stone is transparent or translucent, with a deep blue color.
Gemological Properties and Limitations of Available Information
A critical limitation of the provided sources is the lack of detailed gemological information. The sources are primarily marketing materials and do not delve into the gemological properties of the Blue Violet Crystal or London Blue Clear Glass. There is no information regarding its chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or origin. The sources focus on the aesthetic appeal and symbolic value of the stone as a representation of the December birth month, rather than its scientific characteristics.
For the purpose of this article, it is important to clarify that without specific gemological data, the stone cannot be classified as a traditional gemstone. It is likely a manufactured material, such as colored glass or a synthetic crystal, chosen for its visual properties and affordability. This is a common practice in fashion jewelry, where the emphasis is on design and accessibility rather than on the intrinsic value of the materials.
If we were to compare this material to traditional December birthstones, we could note the following general properties (though these are not from the provided sources and are for illustrative purposes only): * Tanzanite: A variety of zoisite, discovered in Tanzania in the 1960s. It has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale and is known for its trichroism, showing blue, violet, and burgundy tones. * Zircon: A zirconium silicate, with a hardness of 7.5. It occurs in a variety of colors, including blue, and is one of the oldest minerals on Earth. * Turquoise: An opaque, blue-to-green mineral (a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum) with a hardness of 5 to 6. It has been prized for thousands of years.
The Kendra Scott December stone, by contrast, is not described with any such properties. Its value lies in its design and the brand's ethos, not in its gemological rarity or durability.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The provided sources do not discuss any metaphysical or symbolic beliefs associated with the Blue Violet Crystal or London Blue Clear Glass. The branding focuses on the personal connection and celebratory nature of birthstone jewelry, rather than on any historical or spiritual significance of the stone itself.
In contrast, traditional December birthstones are rich with symbolism: * Tanzanite is sometimes associated with transformation and intuition. * Zircon is believed to promote prosperity and honor. * Turquoise is considered a protective stone, often associated with healing and good fortune.
The Kendra Scott December stone, being a modern creation, does not carry this historical baggage. Its symbolism is derived from its function as a birthstone—a marker of personal identity and a token of affection for a December birthday. This aligns with the brand's emphasis on personal connection and gift-giving.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific care instructions for the Blue Violet Crystal or London Blue Clear Glass. However, general guidelines for jewelry with colored glass or crystal can be inferred. Glass, while relatively hard, can be scratched by materials harder than it (such as quartz or diamonds) and can be chipped or broken if struck against a hard surface. It is not as durable as most gemstones.
For cleaning, mild soap and warm water are typically safe for glass. Harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners should be avoided, as they may damage the stone or its setting. As the necklace is plated over brass, it is also important to avoid exposing it to moisture, chemicals, and abrasives that could wear away the plating. The sources do mention that the jewelry is made with 14k gold plating over brass and rhodium plating over brass, which are common finishes in fashion jewelry. To maintain the plating, it is advisable to remove the jewelry before swimming, showering, or applying lotions and perfumes.
Purchasing and Return Information
Kendra Scott provides free return shipping for eligible items purchased on their website. A pre-paid return label is included with qualifying orders. However, certain items are considered “Final Sale” and are not eligible for return or exchange, including engraved pieces, purchases made with birthday discounts, gift cards, branded merchandise, custom Color Bar creations, and permanently discounted items. Unworn, unused items in original packaging with tags attached can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of receipt. The brand also offers the option to add a complimentary gift box at checkout. Customers can also utilize a payment plan through Sezzle, splitting the purchase into four interest-free payments over six weeks.
The return policy is clearly outlined in multiple sources. Kendra Scott, LLC provides free return shipping for eligible items. Items must be unworn, unused, and returned in original packaging with tags within 30 days of receipt. Certain items, such as engraved pieces and final sale merchandise, are not eligible for return. This policy is consistent across the provided materials, ensuring transparency for customers.
Conclusion
The available sources provide a focused view of Kendra Scott’s birthstone necklace collection, particularly the Blue Violet Crystal or London Blue Clear Glass option for December. The brand has successfully positioned itself as a provider of stylish, affordable, and ethically conscious jewelry. While the sources lack detailed gemological information about the December stone itself, they effectively communicate the brand’s values and the appeal of its birthstone necklaces as personalized and meaningful gifts. The emphasis on natural stones (in other parts of the collection), philanthropy, and versatile design contributes to Kendra Scott’s success in the contemporary jewelry market. For consumers seeking a modern, accessible way to celebrate a December birthday, Kendra Scott’s offerings provide a compelling option, even if the material is not a traditional gemstone. The choice to use a colored glass or crystal reflects a pragmatic approach to design and pricing, prioritizing style and personal significance over gemological prestige.