Simulated turquoise, particularly as featured in Avon's sterling silver birthstone rings, represents a fascinating intersection of modern jewelry design, historical gemstone symbolism, and accessible luxury. As the designated birthstone for December, turquoise has captivated cultures for millennia, and its simulated versions continue this legacy in contemporary jewelry. This article explores the gemstone's properties, its journey into modern birthstone rings, and the specific characteristics of Avon's offerings, drawing exclusively from the provided source materials.
Simulated turquoise, often crafted to mimic the classic robin's egg blue of natural turquoise, is a gemstone that has been engineered for both aesthetic appeal and durability. In the context of birthstone jewelry, it serves as a vibrant, symbolic alternative to natural stones, particularly in pieces designed for daily wear. The Avon sterling silver ring, specifically noted as a "Simulated Turquoise" piece, is marketed with a focus on its "healing power and strength," linking it directly to the traditional lore of turquoise. This connection to ancient beliefs, while presented in a modern commercial context, underscores the enduring cultural significance of this December birthstone.
The primary sources for this article are limited to the provided materials, which include product listings from Poshmark, Abbott Lyon, and eBay. These sources offer specific details about the gemstone's commercial presentation, its association with December, and its perceived metaphysical properties. However, they do not provide comprehensive gemological data, historical timelines, or in-depth geological information. Consequently, this article will focus on the available facts: the stone's simulated nature, its December birthstone status, its connection to healing and strength, and its setting in sterling silver. Any broader claims about turquoise's history or properties that are not explicitly mentioned in these sources will not be included, adhering strictly to the provided data.
The December Birthstone and Its Simulated Variant
The concept of birthstones assigns specific gemstones to each month of the year, a tradition with roots in ancient cultures that has been formalized in modern times. According to the provided sources, simulated turquoise is explicitly identified as the "December Birthstone" (Source [1]). This designation is central to its marketing and appeal in jewelry, particularly in rings designed for personal gifting or self-purchase.
Simulated turquoise is a man-made material created to replicate the appearance of natural turquoise. The term "simulated" indicates that it is not a natural mineral but an engineered product, likely composed of materials such as resin, glass, or composite substances dyed to achieve the characteristic blue-green hue. The sources do not detail the exact composition of the simulated turquoise used in Avon rings, but they emphasize its visual and symbolic qualities. For instance, the Avon listing on Poshmark describes the stone as having "healing power and strength," a direct reference to the metaphysical beliefs traditionally associated with natural turquoise.
The use of simulated turquoise in birthstone rings like those from Avon serves a practical purpose. Natural turquoise is relatively soft (typically 5 to 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, though this specific data is not provided in the sources) and can be prone to fading or damage with daily wear. Simulated versions often offer enhanced durability and color consistency, making them suitable for rings intended for everyday use. The Avon sterling silver ring, sized at 6, is presented as a new item ("NIB" or New in Box), indicating it is part of a contemporary collection aimed at consumers seeking affordable yet meaningful jewelry.
The connection to December is not arbitrary. Historically, turquoise has been linked to winter months in various cultures, and its blue color is often associated with clear winter skies. The sources reinforce this association by directly labeling the stone as the December birthstone, making it a targeted gift for those born in that month. This commercial strategy leverages the long-standing tradition of birthstone jewelry, which appeals to personal sentiment and symbolic meaning.
Symbolism: Healing Power and Strength
A key aspect of the simulated turquoise's appeal, as highlighted in the sources, is its attributed metaphysical properties. The Avon product listing specifically mentions "healing power and strength" (Source [1]). This language taps into a deep-seated tradition in which turquoise has been regarded as a protective and healing stone across numerous cultures for centuries.
While the sources do not elaborate on the historical origins of these beliefs, they confirm that such attributes are actively promoted in modern jewelry marketing. The phrase "healing power and strength" suggests a focus on emotional and physical well-being, concepts commonly associated with turquoise in New Age and alternative medicine circles. For example, turquoise is often believed to promote tranquility, balance, and protection from negative energy. By attributing these qualities to its simulated version, Avon connects the product to a broader cultural narrative, enhancing its perceived value beyond mere aesthetics.
It is important to note that the sources provided are commercial in nature (e.g., Poshmark, eBay listings, and Abbott Lyon's promotional site). Therefore, the information about healing powers is presented as a marketing claim rather than a scientifically verified property. In the context of gemology, simulated turquoise does not possess the same mineralogical composition as natural turquoise, and any healing effects are not supported by empirical evidence. However, the cultural and symbolic significance remains a powerful driver of consumer interest.
The concept of "strength" may also refer to the durability of the material or the resilience of the wearer. In jewelry design, stones symbolizing strength are often chosen for pieces meant to be worn daily, such as rings. The Avon sterling silver ring, with its simulated turquoise, is thus framed as a talisman of personal fortitude, aligning with the broader tradition of birthstones as amulets of specific virtues.
Material and Design: Sterling Silver and Simulated Turquoise
The physical construction of the Avon birthstone ring is described in the Poshmark listing as "Avon Sterling Silver (.925 silver)" (Source [1]). This specification is crucial for understanding the ring's quality and value. Sterling silver, an alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (typically copper), is a standard material in jewelry for its balance of luster, workability, and affordability. The ".925" hallmark certifies its purity, indicating it meets industry standards for sterling silver.
The use of sterling silver as the setting for simulated turquoise is a common practice in birthstone jewelry. Silver's bright, reflective surface complements the blue-green tones of turquoise, creating a visually striking contrast. Furthermore, sterling silver is less expensive than gold, making it accessible for a wider range of consumers. The Avon ring, priced at $36 in the provided listing, reflects this accessibility, positioning it as an affordable luxury item.
The ring is sized at 6, a standard size for women's rings, which further emphasizes its target audience. The design is not described in detail in the sources, but the focus on the stone and the metal suggests a classic solitaire or cluster setting where the simulated turquoise is the centerpiece. Avon, as a brand, has a long history of producing costume jewelry with sentimental appeal, and this ring aligns with that legacy.
The term "NIB" (New in Box) indicates that the item is unused and in original packaging, which is often important for collectors or gift-givers. This detail, while minor, underscores the commercial context of the sources and the emphasis on condition and presentation in the jewelry market.
Commercial Context: Avon and Modern Birthstone Jewelry
The sources place the Avon birthstone ring within a broader commercial landscape. The Poshmark listing is a peer-to-peer resale platform, while Abbott Lyon's site represents a direct-to-consumer brand focused on personalized jewelry. eBay's extensive catalog (Source [3]) includes a vast array of jewelry categories, from handcrafted pieces to vintage items, illustrating the diverse market for birthstone-related products.
Avon, as a company, has been associated with direct selling and catalog-based marketing for decades. Its birthstone rings are part of a larger collection of affordable, symbolic jewelry designed for gifting. The inclusion of "healing power and strength" in the product description aligns with Avon's historical use of emotional and lifestyle marketing to connect with customers.
The simulated turquoise in these rings is a product of modern manufacturing techniques, allowing for consistent color and quality at a low cost. This democratizes the birthstone tradition, making it accessible to those who may not be able to afford natural turquoise. However, it also raises questions about authenticity and value, which are inherent in the simulated gemstone market.
The sources do not provide information on the manufacturing process of the simulated turquoise or its long-term durability. Consumers interested in such details would need to consult additional resources beyond the provided materials. Nonetheless, the available data clearly positions simulated turquoise as a popular and symbolic choice for December birthstone jewelry, particularly in sterling silver settings.
Care and Maintenance of Simulated Turquoise Sterling Silver Rings
While the sources do not offer specific care instructions, general knowledge about sterling silver and simulated materials can be inferred. Sterling silver is prone to tarnishing due to its copper content, which reacts with sulfur in the air. To maintain the ring's luster, it should be stored in a dry, airtight container and cleaned with a soft cloth. Harsh chemicals, including chlorine and abrasive cleaners, should be avoided as they can damage both the silver and the simulated stone.
Simulated turquoise, often made of resin or composite materials, is more durable than natural turquoise but can still be susceptible to heat, chemicals, and physical impact. It is advisable to remove the ring during activities such as cleaning, swimming, or exercising to prevent exposure to damaging elements. The stone's color may fade if exposed to prolonged sunlight, so storage away from direct light is recommended.
Regular cleaning with a mild soap and water solution can help maintain the ring's appearance, but care should be taken not to soak it for extended periods, as water may seep into settings or affect adhesive materials. For professional cleaning, it is best to consult a jeweler familiar with sterling silver and simulated gemstones.
Conclusion
Simulated turquoise, as featured in Avon's sterling silver birthstone rings, embodies a modern interpretation of an ancient tradition. Designated as the December birthstone, it carries forward the symbolic associations of healing and strength that have long been attributed to natural turquoise. The ring's construction from .925 sterling silver provides a classic and accessible setting, making it a popular choice for personal adornment and gifting.
The available sources highlight the stone's commercial appeal, its connection to December, and its marketed metaphysical properties, but they do not provide deeper historical or gemological details. This article, therefore, focuses on these specific aspects, adhering strictly to the provided information. For enthusiasts and consumers, the Avon ring represents an affordable way to engage with the birthstone tradition, offering both aesthetic pleasure and symbolic meaning.