The concept of birthstones—gemstones traditionally associated with each month of the year—has a rich and evolving history. While ancient traditions linked specific stones to zodiac signs and months, the modern standardized list was largely solidified in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers (NAJ), with subsequent updates. Within this framework, certain gemstones, like sapphire and aquamarine, hold prominent positions as birthstones for September and March, respectively. The provided materials focus on a specific commercial brand, Avena Birthstones, which offers jewelry featuring these gemstones. This article will explore the characteristics of sapphire and aquamarine, their status as birthstones, and the specific context of their use in Avena Birthstones rings, as derived exclusively from the supplied sources.
The sources present a commercial snapshot of a modern jewelry brand, Avena Birthstones, which specializes in birthstone rings. The company's offerings are characterized by the use of lab-created gemstones set in sterling silver. A notable example is a ring described as featuring blue sapphires and aquamarines encrusted around a single pink sapphire on a braided .925 sterling silver band. This product was part of a limited edition collection. The sources confirm that all stones used by Avena are lab-created. The brand emphasizes luxury and quality, offering a lifetime warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee. The e-commerce store, hosted on Shopify, was registered in February 2023. While the sources provide detailed product descriptions and company policies, they do not offer historical lore, geological formation details, or metaphysical beliefs related to sapphire or aquamarine. Therefore, this article will focus on the gemological properties of these stones as understood in the broader gemological community, while strictly adhering to the product-specific information found in the sources for the brand's context.
Sapphire and Aquamarine: Gemstones of Distinction
In the realm of gemology, sapphire and aquamarine are both members of the beryl family, distinguished primarily by their color-causing trace elements. Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is the blue variety of corundum (aluminum oxide), with its color typically derived from traces of iron and titanium. Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is the blue to blue-green variety of beryl (beryl aluminum silicate), with its color attributed to traces of iron within its crystal structure.
The sources provided do not delve into the gemological properties of sapphire and aquamarine. However, to provide a comprehensive understanding for the reader, it is essential to note the standard properties recognized by the gemological community. Sapphire possesses a Mohs hardness of 9, making it exceptionally durable and resistant to scratching, second only to diamond among naturally occurring gems. Aquamarine is also quite durable, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, and it has good toughness, though it can be susceptible to chipping if struck with sufficient force. Both gemstones are prized for their clarity and vitreous luster. Their chemical compositions are distinct: sapphire is Al₂O₃, while aquamarine is Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈.
The sources for this article are limited to commercial listings and merchant information for Avena Birthstones. These materials do not contain information on the historical origins, traditional lore, or metaphysical beliefs associated with sapphire and aquamarine. Consequently, any discussion of these aspects would be speculative and not supported by the provided data. The focus must remain on the product information and the general gemological properties that are universally acknowledged, while clearly distinguishing between the brand-specific data and general gemological knowledge.
The Avena Birthstones Brand and Product Focus
The provided sources offer a window into the operations and product philosophy of Avena Birthstones. The brand positions itself as a provider of "Premium Quality Birthstone Rings" and "luxury birthstones to suit every month." The company's website is avenajewelry.com, and it operates as an e-commerce store hosted on the Shopify platform, registered under the account avenabirthstones.myshopify.com. The store was established in February 2023, indicating it is a relatively new entrant into the online jewelry market.
A key aspect of Avena Birthstones' product line is its material composition. All of the company's jewelry is made from .925 sterling silver, a standard and high-quality silver alloy containing 92.5% pure silver. This is explicitly stated in the product descriptions. The sources provide an example of a specific ring: a size 8 ring from a limited edition collection, featuring blue sapphires and aquamarines encrusted around a single pink sapphire. This design suggests a multi-gemstone approach, even within a single birthstone-themed piece, offering a blend of colors. The pink sapphire in this context is likely also lab-created, consistent with the brand's policy of using lab-created stones for all its jewelry.
The brand's commitment to quality is underscored by its customer service policies. The sources mention a lifetime warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee, which are significant selling points for online jewelry retailers. These policies aim to build consumer trust and address potential concerns about purchasing fine jewelry through an e-commerce platform. The company provides contact information via email at [email protected] for customer inquiries.
The product listings also highlight the presentation of the jewelry. One source mentions a "light box" for the packaging, which is a box that lights up when opened to enhance the sparkle of the gems. This detail indicates that the brand focuses on the visual appeal and presentation of its products, aiming to create a luxurious unboxing experience for the customer.
The Significance of Lab-Created Gemstones
A defining characteristic of Avena Birthstones' products, as stated in the sources, is that "All of the stones threw avena are lab created." This is a crucial point for gemstone enthusiasts and buyers to understand. Lab-created (or synthetic) gemstones are grown in controlled laboratory environments using processes that replicate the natural geological conditions under which these minerals form. They possess the same chemical composition, physical properties, and optical characteristics as their natural counterparts.
The use of lab-created sapphires and aquamarines offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a more affordable option for consumers who desire the beauty and durability of these gemstones without the high cost associated with large, high-quality natural specimens. Secondly, lab-created gems are often more environmentally and ethically sustainable, as they do not involve mining. Thirdly, they can offer superior clarity and color consistency, as the growth conditions can be precisely controlled.
For the birthstone market, lab-created stones make these symbolic gems accessible to a wider audience. A person born in September can own a beautiful blue sapphire ring, and someone born in March can enjoy an aquamarine piece, without the significant financial outlay that natural stones of similar appearance would require. Avena Birthstones leverages this technology to fulfill its mission of providing "luxury birthstones" at a more accessible price point, as evidenced by the listed prices in the sources (e.g., $45 and $89.99 for rings).
Gemological Properties of Sapphire and Aquamarine
While the sources do not provide gemological data for the stones used by Avena, a general overview of these properties is essential for a comprehensive article on birthstones. The following information is standard gemological knowledge and is presented to give context to the products described.
Sapphire (Corundum Family) * Chemical Formula: Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide) * Crystal System: Trigonal * Hardness (Mohs Scale): 9 * Refractive Index: 1.762 - 1.770 * Specific Gravity: 3.99 - 4.00 * Luster: Vitreous * Transparency: Transparent to translucent * Color: Blue (from trace elements like iron and titanium), but corundum occurs in every color except red (which is ruby).
Aquamarine (Beryl Family) * Chemical Formula: Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ (Beryllium Aluminum Silicate) * Crystal System: Hexagonal * Hardness (Mohs Scale): 7.5 - 8 * Refractive Index: 1.567 - 1.590 * Specific Gravity: 2.68 - 2.71 * Luster: Vitreous * Transparency: Transparent * Color: Blue to blue-green (from traces of iron).
The durability of both stones makes them excellent choices for rings, which are subject to daily wear. Sapphire's exceptional hardness makes it highly resistant to scratching, ideal for an engagement or everyday ring. Aquamarine, while slightly softer, is still very durable and can be worn regularly with proper care. The sources indicate that Avena Birthstones sets these stones in sterling silver, a metal with a hardness of about 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale. This means the metal will scratch and wear over time, but it will not damage the gemstones themselves. The braided band design mentioned in the source could help in securing the stones and adding to the ring's durability.
Care and Cleaning for Avena Birthstones Rings
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of any piece of jewelry. The sources do not provide specific care instructions for Avena Birthstones rings, but based on the materials used—.925 sterling silver and lab-created sapphire/aquamarine—general guidelines can be inferred.
Cleaning: Both sapphire and aquamarine can be safely cleaned with warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft brush (like a toothbrush). It is important to avoid harsh chemicals, such as chlorine in swimming pools or bleach, which can damage the sterling silver and potentially affect the gemstones' luster. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for sapphire but should be used with caution for aquamarine, as it can have inclusions that might be affected by the vibrations. Steam cleaners should be avoided for aquamarine due to its potential for inclusions and the risk of thermal shock. For the sterling silver band, a standard silver polishing cloth can be used to remove tarnish.
Storage: To prevent scratching, it is best to store the ring separately from other jewelry. A soft pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box is ideal. Keeping the ring away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures is also advisable, though both sapphire and aquamarine are stable under normal conditions.
Wear and Tear: While sapphire and aquamarine are durable, they are not indestructible. A hard blow against a hard surface can cause chipping or cracking, especially in aquamarine. It is recommended to remove rings during activities that could expose them to impact, such as heavy manual work, sports, or gardening. The sterling silver band may bend or scratch over time, but this can be professionally repaired by a jeweler.
Given the lifetime warranty offered by Avena Birthstones, customers may have recourse for certain types of damage or manufacturing defects, though the specific terms are not detailed in the sources.
Conclusion
The provided sources paint a picture of a modern jewelry brand, Avena Birthstones, that leverages lab-created gemstones and sterling silver to offer affordable birthstone jewelry. The brand's focus is on product quality, customer service guarantees, and an attractive presentation. While the sources do not contain historical, geological, or metaphysical information about sapphire and aquamarine, they clearly establish the commercial context for these gemstones as they are presented to consumers today.
For gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry buyers, understanding the distinction between natural and lab-created stones is key. Avena Birthstones' use of lab-created sapphires and aquamarines provides an accessible entry point into the world of these beautiful birthstones. The specific ring described—a multi-gemstone design in a sterling silver braided band—exemplifies a modern interpretation of birthstone jewelry, blending the symbolic significance of the stones with contemporary design and manufacturing techniques. As with any fine jewelry, proper care and an understanding of the materials will ensure that these pieces retain their beauty for years to come.