The tradition of birthstones, which assigns specific gems to each month of the year, has evolved significantly over time. Once reserved for ceremonial and high-status jewelry, birthstones are now accessible to a broad audience through modern retail. Claire’s, a global brand renowned for fashion jewelry and piercing services, has capitalized on this trend by offering 3mm birthstone stud kits. These kits, set in 14kt white gold, present a contemporary and affordable entry point into birthstone jewelry for seven specific months: April, July, March, September, December, October, and June. This article explores the gemstones offered within these kits—cubic zirconia, ruby crystal, light sapphire crystal, sapphire crystal, blue zircon crystal, pink ice cubic zirconia, and tanzanite crystal—detailing their associations, the materials used, and the context of their presentation within Claire’s product line. The focus is on the gemological and commercial information explicitly provided by the sources, which emphasize the convenience, accessibility, and contemporary appeal of these birthstone offerings.
The Claire’s 3mm birthstone studs are designed as a complete package for ear piercing. Each kit includes a pair of 3mm round stud earrings set in 14kt white gold with a 4-prong setting, alongside an aftercare solution. The ear care solutions are described as “safe, effective & pH balanced,” with a standard solution for a 6-week healing period and a “Rapid After Care Cleanser” for faster healing—3 weeks for standard piercings and 8 weeks for cartilage piercings. This integration of jewelry and aftercare positions the kits as a convenient and accessible option for first-time and repeat piercing customers. The studs are sold in two price tiers: $70.99 for studs with the standard Ear Care Solution and $80.99 for studs with the Rapid After Care Cleanser. Piercing at Claire’s is advertised as free with the purchase of a starter kit, with additional charges for cartilage and nose piercings.
The gemstones themselves are presented in the product descriptions as “crystals” or specific materials like cubic zirconia. The sources do not provide detailed gemological data such as hardness, refractive index, or chemical composition for these specific stones. Instead, the information is primarily commercial, focusing on color, association with birth months, and the materials used in the setting. The following sections will delve into the specific gemstones offered for each month, their presented characteristics, and the broader context of Claire’s as a retailer.
Birthstone Associations and Availability
Claire’s offers birthstone studs for seven months of the year, each corresponding to a specific gemstone or crystal. The selection is not comprehensive for all twelve months but provides a curated range. April is represented by cubic zirconia, July by ruby crystal, March by light sapphire crystal, September by sapphire crystal, December by blue zircon crystal, October by pink ice cubic zirconia, and June by tanzanite crystal. These kits provide an accessible entry point into the world of birthstone jewelry, allowing individuals to easily acquire a piece associated with their birth month. The studs are consistently described as being 3mm in diameter and set in 14kt white gold, offering a balance of durability and aesthetic appeal.
The availability of these kits is noted to be subject to store selection, with the product descriptions stating that they “may not be available in select stores.” This reflects a common retail strategy for fashion jewelry, where specific items may have limited distribution. The emphasis on free piercing with kit purchase and the inclusion of aftercare solutions further enhances the value proposition, providing a complete package for a new or additional piercing.
Material Composition and Setting
All the kits feature a 3mm round stud setting, secured with a 4-prong setting in 14kt white gold. The use of 14kt white gold is emphasized as providing “strength, quality, and durability.” The studs are designed for ear piercing and are sold as part of a kit that includes either Claire's Ear Care Solution (for a 6-week healing period) or Claire's Rapid After Care Cleanser (for a 3-week healing period for standard piercings, or 8 weeks for cartilage piercings). The materials used – 14kt gold and the various crystal/zirconia materials – are intended to provide a balance between affordability and quality for the consumer.
The 4-prong setting is a classic choice for small round stones, offering security while allowing light to enter the gemstone from multiple angles. The 3mm size is a popular choice for stud earrings, as it is noticeable yet subtle enough for everyday wear. The 14kt white gold setting is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin, which is an important consideration for new piercings.
Gemstone Specifics
Each birthstone offering has unique characteristics, as detailed in the product descriptions. While the sources do not provide detailed gemological information about the origin or specific properties of each gemstone, they highlight the convenience and accessibility of these offerings for consumers seeking a stylish and meaningful piece of jewelry.
April: Cubic Zirconia
Representing April, the cubic zirconia stud is presented as a durable and glamorous option. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone often used as a diamond simulant. In the context of Claire’s kits, it is presented without further qualification, serving as the birthstone for April. The “pink ice cubic zirconia” for October is a variation, suggesting a specific cut or treatment to achieve a pink hue. The “ice” designation likely refers to the brilliance and clarity of the stone.
July: Ruby Crystal
The July birthstone is a ruby crystal. While the source does not specify whether this is a natural ruby or a synthetic version, it is described as a “ruby crystal.” Rubies are traditionally associated with passion, energy, and vitality. In the commercial context of Claire’s, the ruby crystal offers the classic red color associated with the July birthstone in an affordable form.
March: Light Sapphire Crystal
March is represented by a light sapphire crystal. This suggests a blue or possibly a paler blue stone, distinct from the deeper blue of the September sapphire. Sapphires are traditionally associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. The “light” designation may indicate a specific shade or clarity.
September: Sapphire Crystal
September’s birthstone is a sapphire crystal, presented in a deeper blue. Sapphires are one of the traditional birthstones for September, known for their rich blue color. The Claire’s offering provides this classic gemstone in a small, accessible stud format.
December: Blue Zircon Crystal
For December, the birthstone is a blue zircon crystal. Zircon is a natural gemstone that can occur in various colors, with blue being a popular variety. The sources do not provide information on whether this is natural or synthetic, but it is presented as a blue zircon crystal. Blue zircon is known for its brilliance and fire.
October: Pink Ice Cubic Zirconia
October’s birthstone is presented as pink ice cubic zirconia. This is a synthetic material, cubic zirconia, treated or cut to achieve a pink color and a specific “ice” brilliance. The traditional October birthstone is opal or tourmaline, but Claire’s offers this pink cubic zirconia as an alternative. The “ice” designation likely emphasizes its clarity and sparkle.
June: Tanzanite Crystal
June’s birthstone is tanzanite crystal. Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery, found only in Tanzania, and is known for its trichroism – displaying different colors depending on the viewing angle. The sources do not elaborate on this property but present it as a birthstone for June. Traditional June birthstones include pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite, but tanzanite has gained popularity as a modern alternative.
Care and Maintenance
The kits include Claire's Ear Care Solution, described as “safe, effective & pH balanced with a 6 week application time.” An upgrade option, Claire's Rapid After Care Cleanser, is available for faster healing (3 weeks for standard piercings, 8 weeks for cartilage piercings). While specific cleaning instructions for the gemstones themselves are not provided, the ear care solutions are designed to promote healthy healing of the piercing and prevent infection. Given the materials used (14kt gold and crystals/zirconia), general jewelry cleaning practices – avoiding harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners – would be advisable.
For the gemstones, particularly the cubic zirconia and crystal varieties, gentle cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap and water is recommended. Ultrasonic cleaners should be avoided, as they can potentially damage some stones or settings. The 14kt gold setting is durable but should be protected from harsh impacts to prevent bending or damage to the prongs.
Claire’s as a Retailer and Piercing Service
Claire’s is a global brand powerhouse for self-expression, creating exclusive, curated and fun fashionable jewelry and accessories, and offering world-leading piercing services. The company operates under the brand name Claire's. Since 1974, Claire’s has been the fun fashion destination for jewelry, cosmetics, accessories and ear piercing for tweens, teens and young girls between 3 and 18 years of age. Customers can shop at 2,300 Claire’s stores worldwide.
The piercing service is a key component of Claire’s business model. The process is described as follows: First, you’ll have a consultation with a Claire’s Piercing Specialist. They will walk you through the entire process and answer any questions you may have. Then, your Piercing Specialist will help you select your earrings, cleanse the piercing site, and mark the location of your piercing. Next, the Specialist will carefully line up the piercing instrument with the placement dot, compress the instrument fully, and pierce your ear. Finally, your Piercing Specialist will coach you on proper aftercare to prevent infection and other issues – and it’s time to enjoy your new piercing!
Claire’s offers free ear piercings at all of its locations with the purchase of an ear piercing kit. The total cost depends on which piercing kit you select, as Claire’s offers a range of options that include different earrings and aftercare solutions. Piercing kits start at $29.99 and increase in price depending on the style and material selected. Claire’s offers a variety of ear piercing options to fit your style. From traditional lobe piercings to cartilage, nose and auricle piercings, our highly trained staff will provide you with a piercing experience you'll love. Cartilage and nose piercings are available at select locations only. Our system safely & quickly pierces ears using a gentle, hand-pressured instrument and sterile, pre-sealed, hypoallergenic piercing earrings.
This comprehensive approach, combining jewelry sales with piercing services and aftercare, creates a one-stop shop for consumers. The birthstone kits are a natural extension of this model, offering a meaningful and personalized option for new piercings or additional jewelry.
Summary of Gemstone Properties
The following table summarizes the key information about each gemstone as presented in the provided sources. Note that detailed gemological properties are not provided; the information is based on commercial descriptions.
| Birthstone Month | Gemstone | Material | Color | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | Cubic Zirconia | Cubic Zirconia | N/A | 4 Prong |
| July | Ruby Crystal | Ruby Crystal | Ruby | 4 Prong |
| March | Light Sapphire Crystal | Light Sapphire Crystal | Light Sapphire | 4 Prong |
| September | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire | 4 Prong |
| December | Blue Zircon Crystal | Blue Zircon Crystal | Blue Zircon | 4 Prong |
| October | Pink Ice Cubic Zirconia | Cubic Zirconia | Pink Ice | 4 Prong |
| June | Tanzanite Crystal | Tanzanite Crystal | Tanzanite | 4 Prong |
This table reflects the commercial presentation of the gemstones. The "Material" column lists the specific name given in the product description, which may not align with strict gemological definitions (e.g., "crystal" is used as a material name). The "Color" column indicates the primary color association for the birthstone.
Conclusion
Claire's 3mm birthstone studs offer a contemporary and affordable way to celebrate birth months with gemstone jewelry. The kits combine the durability of 14kt white gold with the aesthetic appeal of various crystals and cubic zirconia, representing a range of colors and associations. The inclusion of ear care solutions and the integration with Claire's piercing services provide a complete and convenient package for consumers.
While the sources do not provide in-depth gemological data for the specific stones used, they highlight a modern approach to birthstone jewelry. The gemstones—cubic zirconia, ruby crystal, light sapphire crystal, sapphire crystal, blue zircon crystal, pink ice cubic zirconia, and tanzanite crystal—are presented as accessible symbols of personal significance. This approach reflects a broader trend in the jewelry market, where tradition is adapted to meet contemporary desires for affordability, convenience, and personal expression.
The information available underscores the role of retailers like Claire’s in democratizing access to birthstone jewelry. By offering these kits, Claire’s provides a tangible connection to the ancient tradition of birthstones, reimagined for a modern audience. The focus remains on the commercial and accessible nature of the offerings, with the gemstones serving as colorful, meaningful accents in everyday jewelry.