In the contemporary landscape of personalized jewelry, the birthstone necklace occupies a unique position, blending individual significance with aesthetic appeal. While traditional gemological discourse focuses on the inherent properties of natural stones like diamonds, sapphires, or emeralds, the birthstone necklace available from brands like Things Remembered represents a distinct category of jewelry. These pieces often feature synthetic or simulated gemstones, such as cubic zirconia or colored glass, set within meticulously crafted pendants. The appeal lies not in geological rarity but in the emotional resonance of personalization—a name, a date, or a monogram paired with a stone representing a specific month. This article explores the characteristics, customization options, and market positioning of birthstone necklaces offered by Things Remembered, drawing exclusively from available source materials to provide an expert overview for enthusiasts and potential buyers.
Understanding the Things Remembered Brand and Its Jewelry Philosophy
Things Remembered establishes itself as a purveyor of personalized gifts, with jewelry serving as a primary category. The brand's core philosophy, as detailed in its own materials, revolves around transforming standard presents into "cherished keepsakes" through engraving and embroidery. This approach is applied to a wide array of special occasions, including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, and retirements. The company emphasizes that personalization transcends simple addition of a name or date; it is designed to "resonate deep sentimental values." This emotional framing is central to understanding their jewelry line, including birthstone necklaces. The brand's offerings are not positioned as high-end gemological investments but as accessible, meaningful tokens of sentiment. The materials suggest a focus on craftsmanship and design, with pieces described as "beautifully personalized" and "treasured for years to come." This context is crucial when evaluating their birthstone necklaces, as the value proposition is rooted in personal connection rather than mineralogical properties.
The Nature of "Birthstones" in Personalized Jewelry
When examining the specific "birthstone" necklaces offered by Things Remembered, it is essential to distinguish between natural gemstones and the materials typically used in this product category. The provided sources list specific items, such as the "Things Remembered .925 May Birthstone Bar Necklace" and the "Things Remembered .925 Birth Month Bar Necklace With CZ Heart April 16”." These listings indicate the use of materials like .925 sterling silver and cubic zirconia (CZ). Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone, a lab-created crystal that mimics the appearance of diamonds and other precious stones. For birthstones, it is often used in colors corresponding to traditional birthstone charts (e.g., emerald green for May, ruby red for July). The "CZ Heart" mentioned in the April necklace likely refers to a heart-shaped cubic zirconia, which is a common simulants for diamonds, the traditional birthstone for April. Similarly, the "May Birthstone Bar Necklace" would typically feature a green-colored cubic zirconia or glass, representing the emerald.
The sources do not provide detailed gemological data for these specific stones, such as hardness, refractive index, or chemical composition, as this is not the focus of the product listings. Instead, the listings emphasize the metal (.925 sterling silver), the design (bar necklace, heart), and the personalization element (birth month). This aligns with the brand's overall strategy of creating sentimental jewelry rather than gemological specimens. For a consumer, the "birthstone" in this context is a symbolic color choice rather than a natural mineral. The value is derived from the combination of the personal engraving (if applicable) and the thematic color associated with a birth month.
Customization and Design Elements
A defining feature of Things Remembered's jewelry, including their birthstone necklaces, is the extensive customization available. The sources reveal a variety of design templates that can be personalized. Common elements include:
- Engravable Components: Many necklaces feature pendants or bars that can be engraved with names, initials, dates, or short messages. The "Sterling Silver Script Initial Necklace" and "Things Remembered 16" Sterling Silver Monogrammed Necklace" are prime examples. This engraving transforms a generic piece into a unique identifier.
- Thematic Charms and Pendants: The brand offers a range of symbolic shapes. The "Heart Pendant Necklace," "Tree Pendant Necklace," "Cross Pendant," and "Infinity Necklace" are frequently listed. These shapes carry their own meanings (love, growth, faith, eternity) and can be paired with a birthstone color to create a layered narrative. For instance, a mother might receive a "Family Tree Necklace" with her children's birthstones represented by colored crystals.
- Material Choices: The primary metal used is .925 sterling silver, as evidenced by numerous listings (e.g., "Things Remembered Sterling Silver Necklace"). Some pieces are described as "14k Gold Plated" or "Gold inf," indicating a plated finish over a base metal. The use of Swarovski crystals is also noted, particularly in pieces like the "Initial 'C' pendant necklace .925 sterling silver with swarovski crystals." Swarovski crystals are another type of high-quality glass or lead crystal, valued for their precision cut and sparkle, often used as diamond simulants or colored accents.
- Chain Specifications: Necklaces come in various chain lengths, typically measured in inches (e.g., 16”, 18”, 20”). Adjustable chains are also available, as seen in the "Sterling Silver initial M engravable necklace adj… Size: 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 inches adjustable." This allows for a customizable fit, which is an important practical consideration for jewelry wearers.
The combination of these elements—a specific metal, a chosen charm or pendant, a birthstone color (often via cubic zirconia or glass), and personalized engraving—creates a highly individualized piece. The "Things Remembered .925 May Birthstone Bar Necklace" likely follows this model: a sterling silver bar pendant, potentially engraved with a name or date, featuring a green cubic zirconia or glass to represent the May birthstone (emerald).
Gemological Considerations: Synthetic Stones and Material Properties
While the sources do not provide gemological reports for the specific stones used, we can infer their properties based on common industry practices for personalized jewelry. The stones are almost certainly synthetic or simulated, not natural gemstones.
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ): As a diamond simulant, CZ has a high refractive index and excellent fire, but it is softer than diamond, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 8-8.5. It is durable for everyday wear but can scratch over time. Its chemical composition is zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂), distinct from natural zircon. For birthstone applications, CZ is colored using metal oxides during the growth process.
- Colored Glass: Some lower-cost birthstone jewelry may use colored glass. Glass has a much lower hardness (Mohs 5-6) and is more prone to scratching and chipping. It lacks the brilliance and durability of CZ or natural stones.
- Swarovski Crystals: These are precision-cut lead glass crystals. They are known for their sparkle and consistency but share the same durability limitations as glass (Mohs 6-7). They are not gemstones but are valued for their aesthetic qualities in jewelry.
The metal, .925 sterling silver, is an alloy containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. It is a precious metal but is softer than gold and can tarnish over time. Sterling silver is a common choice for fashion and personalized jewelry due to its affordability and workability. The sources do not mention other gemological properties like specific gravity, refractive index, or pleochroism for the stones, as these are not relevant to the product's marketing or consumer decision-making in this category.
Symbolism and the Cultural Role of Birthstones
The use of birthstones in Things Remembered necklaces taps into a long-standing cultural tradition. While the sources do not detail the historical lore of specific birthstones (e.g., the alleged healing properties of emeralds or the royal associations of sapphires), the brand leverages the general symbolism of birthstones as markers of identity and personal significance. A birthstone represents the month of one's birth, a concept that has evolved from ancient traditions to modern jewelry. By incorporating a birthstone color into a personalized necklace, the piece becomes a dual symbol: it represents both the wearer's personal identity (via name or date) and a broader, cyclical connection to the natural world (via the birth month).
The brand's focus on occasions like birthdays makes the birthstone necklace a natural fit. A birthday gift that includes the recipient's birthstone color adds a layer of thoughtful consideration. The sources indicate that Things Remembered markets these pieces as ideal for such celebrations, emphasizing the "individual touch" that makes the gift "unforgettable." This aligns with the modern interpretation of birthstones, which is less about metaphysical beliefs and more about personal sentiment and aesthetic choice.
Care and Maintenance of Personalized Jewelry
Maintaining the appearance of a Things Remembered birthstone necklace requires attention to the materials involved. Based on the inferred properties of cubic zirconia, glass, and sterling silver, the following care guidelines are prudent, though not explicitly stated in the sources:
- Cleaning: For sterling silver and cubic zirconia, a mild soap solution and a soft brush can be used to remove oils and dirt. Harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided, as they can damage plated finishes (if present) and loosen settings. For glass stones, extra care is needed to prevent chipping.
- Storage: To prevent tarnishing of sterling silver, store the necklace in an anti-tarnish pouch or a sealed container with anti-tarnish strips. Keep it away from moisture, humidity, and direct sunlight.
- Wear: While durable for daily wear, it is advisable to remove the necklace before swimming, bathing, or engaging in strenuous activities to protect both the metal and the stones from chemicals and physical impact.
The longevity of the piece depends largely on the quality of the craftsmanship and the wearer's care habits. The sentimental value often outweighs concerns about material durability in this jewelry category.
Market Positioning and Consumer Appeal
Things Remembered's birthstone necklaces occupy a specific niche in the jewelry market. They are not positioned as luxury items but as affordable, personalized gifts. The price points observed in the sources (e.g., $25-$60 for many necklaces) place them in the accessible gift range. The appeal is multifaceted: the personalization makes the gift unique, the birthstone adds thematic relevance, and the use of sterling silver provides a precious metal base that feels substantial and valuable.
The brand's extensive catalog, featuring various designs (hearts, trees, crosses, infinity symbols, initials), allows consumers to choose a piece that aligns with the recipient's style and the occasion's significance. The inclusion of Swarovski crystals in some designs elevates the perceived quality and sparkle, offering a more premium option within the personalized jewelry segment.
Conclusion
The birthstone necklace from Things Remembered represents a modern evolution of the birthstone tradition, merging symbolic color with personal engraving. While the gemstones used are typically synthetic materials like cubic zirconia or glass, their value lies in the emotional resonance of the personalized design rather than geological rarity. The brand's focus on creating "cherished keepsakes" for occasions like birthdays is perfectly embodied in these pieces, which combine .925 sterling silver settings, customizable charms, and birthstone-colored accents. For the consumer, these necklaces offer an accessible way to honor personal milestones and relationships through jewelry that is both beautiful and deeply meaningful. The absence of detailed gemological data in the source materials underscores that the primary appeal is sentimental, not scientific, making these necklaces a distinct category within the broader world of birthstone jewelry.
Sources
- https://poshmark.com/brand/Things_Remembered-Women-Jewelry-Necklaces
- https://www.thingsremembered.com/