The birthstone tradition offers a deeply personal connection to jewelry, linking each calendar month to a gemstone believed to hold special significance. While December is traditionally associated with stones such as tanzanite, zircon, and turquoise, the modern jewelry brand Kendra Scott has introduced a contemporary interpretation through its blue violet crystal necklaces. This article explores the available information regarding these pieces, focusing on their design, materials, place within the broader context of birthstone jewelry, and the specific characteristics of the December offering. The primary sources for this information are product descriptions and brand information from the Kendra Scott website and associated retailers. It is important to note that these sources provide limited gemological detail about the specific crystal used, focusing instead on design, accessibility, and brand philosophy.
Kendra Scott’s approach to birthstones is rooted in modern aesthetics and personalization. The brand’s collection is designed to be versatile, encouraging layering and the creation of unique combinations that reflect individual style. For December, the featured stone is a blue violet crystal, presented in a range of necklace styles that cater to contemporary tastes. The collection emphasizes affordability, with pieces often available under $50, making birthstone jewelry an accessible option for gifting and everyday wear. This modern take on an ancient tradition highlights the evolution of birthstone jewelry from purely symbolic or mystical items to fashionable, personal accessories.
A Modern Take on December’s Gemstones
Kendra Scott’s birthstone collection provides a modern approach to celebrating birthdays through jewelry. The brand offers a range of necklaces featuring stones associated with each month, presented in contemporary designs. For December, Kendra Scott features a blue violet crystal as a birthstone option. These necklaces are designed to be versatile, suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece. The emphasis is on personal style and creating unique combinations, aligning with the brand’s aesthetic.
The provided sources do not delve into the historical origins of December’s traditional birthstones. Instead, they position the blue violet crystal necklace as a contemporary alternative. Kendra Scott’s collection aims to make birthstone jewelry accessible and fashionable, offering pieces under $50. This affordability encourages gifting and allows individuals to easily incorporate birthstone jewelry into their everyday style. The collection includes a variety of styles and metal finishes, catering to diverse preferences. The brand’s philosophy, as indicated in one source, centers on “Family, Fashion & Philanthropy,” suggesting that the jewelry is part of a broader lifestyle brand rather than a gemological enterprise.
Style and Design of the Kendra Scott Collection
The Kendra Scott necklaces featuring the blue violet crystal are characterized by their minimalist and elegant designs. The Cailin pendant necklace, available in both silver and gold settings, showcases the crystal as its central element. The design is described as a “classic pendant necklace style” with a “petite” stone, making it ideal for everyday wear. The necklaces are intended to be paired with other jewelry, allowing for personalized layering. The brand also offers complimentary gift boxes, enhancing the gifting experience.
Another prominent style in the December collection is the Elisa Necklace. This piece is part of a broader collection that includes matching Ellie Earrings and Elaina Bracelet, allowing for coordinated sets. The Elisa Necklace is described as part of the “Birthstone Collection,” indicating a cohesive design language across the brand’s offerings. The sources highlight the versatility of these necklaces, noting they can be worn as a “statement piece” or layered with other dainty necklaces for a personalized look. The design philosophy focuses on creating timeless pieces that appeal to a wide audience, with a particular emphasis on the “moody blue” aesthetic of the December stone.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The necklaces are crafted using a combination of materials, including silver and gold plating. The Cailin necklace is available with either a silver or gold finish. The crystal itself is described as “blue violet,” suggesting a synthetic material designed to mimic the color associated with December birthstones. Kendra Scott utilizes brass as a base metal, overlaid with either gold plating or a silver finish. Specifically, the gold finish is described as “14k Gold Plated Over Brass,” and the silver finish is “Silver Plated over Brass.” The brand emphasizes the quality of its materials and craftsmanship, aiming to create pieces that are both stylish and durable.
It is important to note that the provided sources offer limited gemological information about the blue violet crystal used in the Kendra Scott necklaces. The sources do not specify the crystal’s chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or other scientific properties. The term “crystal” is broad and can refer to various materials, including synthetic gemstones, glass, or other crystalline substances. Without further information, it is difficult to determine the precise nature of the blue violet crystal used in these necklaces. The sources consistently describe the December stone as a “blue violet crystal” or “London Blue Clear Glass,” indicating it may be a type of colored glass or a synthetic crystal rather than a naturally occurring gemstone.
The December Birthstone: Color and Symbolism
Kendra Scott’s December birthstone offering is defined by its distinctive color. The sources describe it as “blue violet,” “London Blue,” and “moody blue.” This coloration is presented as an alternative to the traditional turquoise, zircon, or tanzanite. The brand’s December collection is specifically noted for featuring a “bold London Blue stone.” The color is a key part of the stone’s appeal, aligning with the brand’s emphasis on personal style and aesthetic preference.
While the sources do not provide specific metaphysical or historical symbolism for the Kendra Scott blue violet crystal, they do mention the general tradition of birthstones. One source notes that “the tradition of birthstones dates back centuries, with different cultures attributing specific meanings and powers to various gemstones.” However, the article immediately follows this by stating that the provided sources do not delve into these historical origins. Therefore, any specific symbolism for the Kendra Scott crystal is not provided in the available materials. The stone’s significance is framed within the context of modern personal expression rather than ancient lore. The brand’s focus is on the stone as a color and design element that represents a December birthday.
Purchasing, Policies, and Brand Context
Kendra Scott provides a straightforward purchasing experience through its website and authorized retailers. The brand offers free return shipping for eligible items, allowing customers to easily exchange or return purchases within 30 days of receipt. However, certain items are excluded from the return policy, including engraved pieces, Birthday Discount purchases, gift cards, Kendra Scott branded merchandise, custom pieces created at the Color Bar™, and permanently discounted or marked down merchandise. Customers are encouraged to review the full return policy on the website before making a purchase.
The brand’s background is provided in one of the sources. Kendra Scott, the founder, started the company in 2002. The source highlights her “innate ability to utilize natural stones and custom designed shapes.” This suggests an initial connection to natural gemstones, though the current December birthstone offering appears to be a synthetic or glass crystal. The company is based in Austin, Texas, and has a stated focus on “Family, Fashion & Philanthropy.” In the past 12 months mentioned in the source, the company donated $1 million and 50,000 pieces of jewelry while working with over 1,000 local and national organizations. This philanthropic angle is part of the brand’s identity, marketed under the tagline “What Matters to You, Matters to Us.”
Care and Maintenance
The provided sources do not offer specific care instructions for the blue violet crystal necklaces. However, general jewelry care principles can be inferred from the materials described. The necklaces are made with brass bases plated with gold or silver. Such plated jewelry should be protected from harsh chemicals, moisture, and abrasion to preserve the plating. The stone itself, if it is glass or a synthetic crystal, is relatively durable but can be scratched or chipped with impact. It is advisable to store the necklace separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching and to clean it gently with a soft, dry cloth. The sources do not mention any specific hardness or durability information for the crystal, so standard precautions for fashion jewelry are recommended.
Conclusion
Kendra Scott’s blue violet crystal necklaces offer a contemporary and accessible interpretation of December’s birthstone tradition. The necklaces are characterized by their minimalist designs, versatile styling options, and affordable price point. While the provided sources offer limited gemological detail, they highlight the brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction. The collection provides a modern and personalized way to celebrate birthdays through jewelry, appealing to a wide range of customers. The December birthstone, presented as a bold London Blue or blue violet crystal, serves as a stylish symbol for those born in the final month of the year, emphasizing personal expression over historical gemological properties.