The month of December is traditionally associated with a trio of distinguished gemstones: Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. Each carries a unique history and a spectrum of color, from the vivid blues of Tanzanite to the fiery brilliance of Zircon and the earthy tranquility of Turquoise. However, in the contemporary jewelry landscape, a new interpretation has emerged, offering a distinct alternative for those born in the final month of the year. Kendra Scott, a prominent jewelry brand founded in Austin, Texas, has curated a specific "Blue Violet Crystal" as its featured December birthstone option. This choice reflects a modern, accessible approach to birthstone jewelry, prioritizing aesthetic appeal, emotional connection, and affordability over traditional gemological specificity. While the sources provided focus primarily on the brand's product line and marketing narrative, they offer a clear window into how a modern jewelry house reinterprets a classic concept for today's consumer.
The Kendra Scott brand, established in 2002, has built its identity on the use of natural stones and custom-designed shapes, coupled with a strong emphasis on values of Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy. This ethos is evident in their birthstone collection, which aims to provide stylish and personalized jewelry at an accessible price point, with many pieces priced under $50. The December offering, particularly the Elisa and Cailin necklaces featuring the "Blue Violet Crystal" or "London Blue Clear Glass," is presented as a moody, bold, and versatile choice for layering and gifting. This article will explore the context of this modern December birthstone, the brand's philosophy, the specific products available, and the practical considerations for purchasers, drawing exclusively from the provided sources. While the sources do not offer detailed gemological data or historical lore for this specific crystal, they provide a comprehensive view of its place within a modern jewelry collection.
The Kendra Scott Brand: Philosophy and Philanthropy
To understand the significance of the "Blue Violet Crystal" as a December birthstone, one must first understand the brand that champions it. Kendra Scott, the founder, established her company in 2002, and it has since grown into a major force in the fashion jewelry industry. The brand's core identity is rooted in the founder's ability to utilize natural stones and create custom-designed shapes, a practice that lends a unique character to each piece. Operating from its headquarters in Austin, Texas, Kendra Scott Jewelry is built upon three pillars: Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy.
The philanthropic aspect is not merely a marketing slogan but a demonstrated commitment. According to the provided materials, in the past year alone, Kendra Scott has donated $1 million and 50,000 pieces of jewelry to over 1,000 local and national organizations. This significant charitable activity is a core element of the brand’s identity and is often highlighted in its marketing. This commitment to social responsibility creates a narrative that extends beyond the physical product, imbuing the jewelry with a sense of purpose and community connection. For a consumer, purchasing a piece of Kendra Scott jewelry, including a December birthstone necklace, is therefore not just an acquisition of a decorative object but a potential participation in a cycle of giving.
This brand ethos directly influences the design and presentation of their birthstone collection. The collection is framed as a celebration of personal connection, designed to add a personal touch to any outfit. The availability of twelve different stones, each corresponding to a birth month, allows for individual expression and makes the pieces ideal for gifting. The brand encourages layering these necklaces with other pieces to create a personalized look, a styling tip that enhances their versatility and appeal. The "Blue Violet Crystal" for December fits seamlessly into this narrative, offering a distinct color and symbolism for those born in that month.
The December Birthstone Collection: A Modern Interpretation
Kendra Scott’s December birthstone collection is a clear example of how the brand interprets traditional concepts through a contemporary lens. While the traditional December birthstones—Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise—each have well-documented histories and gemological properties, Kendra Scott opts for a different approach. The brand features a “Blue Violet Crystal” for December, a stone whose exact composition is not specified in the provided sources. This lack of specification is a key characteristic of the offering; the focus is not on the mineral's scientific identity but on its visual and symbolic role within the jewelry piece.
The sources indicate that this Blue Violet Crystal is presented as a contemporary alternative to the more traditional December birthstones. It is featured prominently in several necklace styles, most notably the Elisa pendant necklace and the Cailin pendant necklace. The Elisa Necklace, for instance, is available in both gold (14k Gold Plated Over Brass) and rhodium (Silver Plated over Brass) finishes, and for the month of December, it is paired with "London Blue Clear Glass." This specific description—"London Blue Clear Glass"—appears in the product listing for the Elisa necklace, while other sources refer to it more generally as a "Blue Violet Crystal." This discrepancy suggests that the exact material may vary slightly between product lines or that the terminology is used interchangeably for marketing purposes. Regardless of the specific nomenclature, the visual is consistent: a bold, moody blue stone with violet undertones.
The Cailin pendant necklace is also highlighted as featuring the Blue Violet Crystal and is designated as a “Kendra’s Pick,” suggesting it is a favored design within the brand. This necklace is available in both silver and gold finishes, further emphasizing the versatility and accessibility of the design. The choice to use a crystal or glass instead of a traditional gemstone like Tanzanite or Zircon is significant. It allows for consistent color, clarity, and affordability, which are key considerations for a brand that positions many of its necklaces under the $50 price point. This makes the December birthstone jewelry an accessible luxury, suitable for a wide range of consumers, from teenagers to adults, and for various occasions.
Product Details and Styling Versatility
The provided sources offer detailed information about the specific products within the December birthstone collection, focusing on the Elisa and Cailin necklaces. The Elisa Necklace is part of a broader "Elisa Necklace Birthstone Collection" that also includes matching Ellie Earrings and an Elaina Bracelet, allowing for a coordinated set. For December, the Elisa necklace features "London Blue Clear Glass" set in either a gold or rhodium finish. The metal specifications are clear: gold is 14k Gold Plated Over Brass, and rhodium is Silver Plated over Brass. This information is crucial for potential buyers to understand the material composition and care requirements of the jewelry.
The Cailin necklace, another key piece, incorporates the Blue Violet Crystal and is also available in silver and gold finishes. The brand’s marketing emphasizes the emotional connection associated with birthstone jewelry, highlighting its role in celebrating birthdays and personal milestones. The price point, often under $50, combined with the option to add a complimentary gift box at checkout, further enhances the gifting experience. This strategic positioning makes the December birthstone necklace an ideal present for friends, family, or oneself, marking a special occasion with a personalized and meaningful token.
Styling is a major component of the Kendra Scott brand message. The sources repeatedly suggest styling the birthstone necklaces with matching bracelets or stud earrings to create a cohesive look. The "classic pendant necklace style" is presented as suitable for pairing with chains or statement pieces, reflecting a broader trend in jewelry styling that allows for individual expression and customization. The Elisa Gold Pendant Necklace in Ivory Mother-of-Pearl is also highlighted as a popular style, indicating that the brand’s design philosophy extends across its entire birthstone range. For the December necklace, its bold blue-violet hue is positioned as a stunning element for layering with other dainty necklaces, creating a personalized and trendy aesthetic. This emphasis on layering and combining pieces is a significant part of the brand’s appeal, allowing wearers to adapt their jewelry to different outfits and occasions.
Purchasing, Returns, and Consumer Considerations
For any potential buyer, understanding the purchasing process and return policy is essential. Kendra Scott provides a clear and customer-friendly framework for transactions. The brand offers free return shipping for eligible items purchased on their website, a policy that is consistently outlined across the provided sources. A pre-paid return label is included with qualifying orders, simplifying the return process. However, it is important to note that certain items are considered “Final Sale” and are not eligible for return or exchange. These include engraved pieces, purchases made with birthday discounts, gift cards, branded merchandise, custom Color Bar creations, and permanently discounted items.
To be eligible for a full refund, items must be unworn, unused, and returned in their original packaging with tags attached within 30 days of receipt. This policy is designed to protect both the consumer and the brand, ensuring that returned merchandise is in a resalable condition. The transparency of this policy, as presented in the sources, builds trust with customers. Furthermore, the brand offers the option to add a complimentary gift box at checkout, which enhances the gifting experience without additional cost. For those who prefer to manage their budget, Kendra Scott also provides a payment plan through Sezzle, allowing customers to split their purchase into four interest-free payments over six weeks. This financial flexibility makes the jewelry more accessible to a broader audience.
The sources do not provide information on the durability, hardness, or specific care instructions for the Blue Violet Crystal or the London Blue Clear Glass. However, given that these materials are likely glass or crystal (as opposed to a mineral with a specific Mohs hardness), they would require careful handling to avoid scratches or chips. The metal components (brass with gold or rhodium plating) would also need care to maintain their finish, avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals, perfumes, and moisture. While the sources lack this gemological detail, the overall brand emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction suggests that the products are designed for regular wear with appropriate care.
The Limitations of the Source Material
It is critical to acknowledge the limitations of the information provided in the sources. The sources are primarily marketing materials, product listings, and brand-focused articles. They do not delve into the gemological properties of the Blue Violet Crystal, such as its chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or geographic origin. There is no information regarding how the stone is formed, where it is mined, or its historical or metaphysical significance beyond its association with the month of December.
The sources focus exclusively on the aesthetic appeal and symbolic value of the stone as a representation of the December birth month, rather than its scientific characteristics. This lack of detailed gemological information is a significant limitation for a reader seeking a comprehensive understanding of the birthstone itself. For instance, traditional December birthstones like Tanzanite (a variety of zoisite) or Zircon (a zirconium silicate) have well-documented properties, but the Blue Violet Crystal used by Kendra Scott is not identified with such specificity. The term "crystal" in a jewelry context can refer to various materials, including lead glass (like Swarovski crystals) or other synthetic compounds, but the sources do not clarify this.
Therefore, this article is necessarily confined to discussing the Kendra Scott brand's interpretation and presentation of the December birthstone. It does not provide gemological analysis of the stone itself, as such data is absent from the provided materials. The information presented is derived solely from the brand's own descriptions and the associated product listings.
Conclusion
Kendra Scott’s "Blue Violet Crystal" or "London Blue Clear Glass" represents a modern, accessible, and stylish interpretation of the December birthstone. Rooted in a brand philosophy that values fashion, family, and philanthropy, this jewelry offering prioritizes emotional connection, affordability, and versatile styling over traditional gemological specificity. The provided sources detail the product range, including the Elisa and Cailin necklaces, their metal finishes, and the brand's customer-friendly purchasing policies. While the sources lack information on the stone's geological formation, historical lore, or physical properties, they effectively communicate its role within a contemporary jewelry collection designed for gifting and personal expression. For the December-born individual seeking a piece of jewelry that is both fashionable and meaningful, Kendra Scott’s offering provides a compelling option, albeit one that is defined more by its brand narrative and aesthetic appeal than by the scientific attributes of the gemstone itself.