For centuries, the December birthstone has been a subject of rich tradition and evolving symbolism. While historical records point to a trio of established gems—Turquoise, Zircon, and the more recently added Tanzanite—the world of modern jewelry design often introduces fresh interpretations. The jewelry brand Kendra Scott has embraced this evolution by offering a "Blue Violet Crystal" as a featured December birthstone option, presenting a contemporary alternative to the classics. This article explores Kendra Scott's approach to birthstone jewelry, focusing on the design, accessibility, and cultural positioning of their December offerings, while critically examining the available information on the gemological nature of their signature crystal.
It is important to note from the outset that the provided sources are primarily marketing materials and product descriptions from the Kendra Scott brand and affiliated retailers. As such, they offer extensive detail on the brand's philosophy, product design, and consumer appeal but provide minimal gemological or historical data on the December birthstone itself. The information presented here is drawn exclusively from these materials, which focus on aesthetic and commercial aspects rather than scientific analysis. For gemological properties of traditional December stones, readers would need to consult authoritative gemological institutions, as these details are not contained within the provided sources.
The Kendra Scott Brand: A Foundation of Natural Stones and Philanthropy
To understand the context of the Blue Violet Crystal necklace, one must first appreciate the brand behind it. Kendra Scott, founded in 2002, has grown from a small Austin, Texas-based operation into a prominent name in fashion jewelry. The company’s success is attributed to founder Kendra Scott’s ability to integrate natural stones with custom-designed shapes, creating pieces that are both distinctive and accessible. The brand’s core identity is built upon three pillars: Family, Fashion, and Philanthropy.
This philanthropic commitment is a significant and well-documented aspect of the brand’s operations. According to the provided materials, Kendra Scott has demonstrated a strong dedication to social responsibility, having donated $1 million and 50,000 pieces of jewelry to over 1,000 local and national organizations in a single year. This emphasis on giving back is woven into the brand’s narrative, appealing to consumers who value corporate responsibility alongside product quality. The brand’s operational base in Austin, Texas, further underscores its American design roots and its connection to a region known for its appreciation of natural beauty and artisan craftsmanship.
The Birthstone Collection: Personalization and Accessibility
Kendra Scott’s approach to birthstones is centered on personalization, versatility, and affordability. The brand offers a dedicated collection of birthstone necklaces, with options for all twelve months. This collection is designed to provide a personal touch to everyday wear, encouraging customers to layer pieces for a customized look. A key selling point highlighted in the sources is the accessibility of these items; many necklaces in the collection are priced under $50, making them ideal for gifting or for those new to fine jewelry.
The design philosophy emphasizes versatility. The sources suggest styling these necklaces with matching bracelets or stud earrings to create a cohesive aesthetic. The classic pendant style is particularly noted for its ability to pair well with both delicate chains and statement pieces, allowing for integration into a wide range of personal styles and wardrobes. This focus on layering and combination reflects a broader trend in contemporary jewelry, where individual expression is prioritized over rigid, singular pieces.
The December Offering: The Blue Violet Crystal and Traditional Alternatives
Kendra Scott’s December birthstone necklace features a “Blue Violet Crystal.” The provided materials are clear that this is a modern interpretation, presented as a contemporary alternative to the more traditional December birthstones of Tanzanite, Zircon, and Turquoise. However, a critical limitation of the available sources is their lack of gemological detail. There is no information regarding the chemical composition, hardness, refractive index, or natural origin of this Blue Violet Crystal. The sources focus exclusively on its aesthetic appeal—its color and how it complements winter wardrobes and holiday ensembles—rather than its scientific characteristics.
The specific product mentioned is the Cailin pendant necklace, which incorporates the Blue Violet Crystal and is available in both silver and gold finishes. This piece is designated as a “Kendra’s Pick,” suggesting it is a favored design within the brand’s own lineup. The pendant dimensions (0.37 by 0.24 inches) and the adjustable 16-inch chain with a 3-inch extender provide a versatile fit for various necklines.
It is important to note that Kendra Scott’s offerings are not limited to the Blue Violet Crystal. The sources also reference other December-adjacent pieces. For instance, the Elisa Pendant Necklace is described in one context as featuring a “Light Green Mother of Pearl,” which is positioned as a versatile accessory for December outfits. Another product listing mentions an Elisa Birthstone Necklace with an “Iridescent Opalite.” Furthermore, a search result from Kendra Scott’s own website describes a collection featuring a “bold London Blue stone,” which may refer to London Blue Topaz, a traditional December stone, though the specific gemological identification is not confirmed in the text.
This variety in offerings indicates that Kendra Scott’s December collection is not monolithic; it includes both the signature Blue Violet Crystal and other stones that align with the winter color palette (e.g., blue, green, iridescent finishes). The buying guide included in the sources advises customers to consider traditional options like turquoise, tanzanite, and zircon, but also suggests choosing pieces with emerald tones or iridescent finishes that “echo winter light” if the exact traditional stone isn’t offered. This approach allows for flexibility and personal preference within the brand’s design framework.
Gemological Properties: A Gap in the Provided Information
A significant finding from the provided sources is the complete absence of gemological data for the Blue Violet Crystal. The sources are marketing-focused and do not delve into the scientific properties that define a gemstone. For a professional gemologist or an enthusiast seeking detailed information, this is a critical gap. Traditional gemstones are evaluated based on the 4Cs (Color, Cut, Clarity, Carat), along with hardness (Mohs scale), specific gravity, refractive index, and chemical composition.
For example, if the Blue Violet Crystal were a type of glass or a synthetic material, its properties would differ vastly from a natural gemstone like Tanzanite (a variety of zoisite) or Zircon. Without this information, it is impossible to assess its durability, value, or authenticity from a gemological perspective. The sources only confirm its visual characteristic—a blue-violet hue—and its role as a decorative element in jewelry design. Any claims about its origin, rarity, or scientific classification would be speculative and unsupported by the provided materials.
Symbolism and Cultural Positioning
While the sources lack historical lore or metaphysical beliefs associated with the Blue Violet Crystal, they do present a clear cultural and symbolic narrative around the product. The necklace is framed as a token of personal connection and thoughtful gifting. Its affordability and accessibility make it a symbol of inclusive luxury, allowing individuals to own a piece of personalized jewelry without a significant financial investment.
The brand’s philanthropic mission also adds a layer of symbolic value. Purchasing from Kendra Scott is implicitly linked to supporting a company that gives back to communities, which can enhance the emotional value of the gift for socially conscious consumers. The December birthstone, in this context, becomes more than a gem; it is a piece of modern design that carries the brand’s values of family, fashion, and philanthropy.
The seasonal association is also strong. The sources repeatedly link the jewelry to winter wardrobes, holiday celebrations, and festive occasions. The blue and violet tones are described as complementing holiday dresses and adding a “moody” yet elegant touch to winter ensembles. This positions the December birthstone necklace not just as a personal birthstone item but as a versatile accessory for the entire holiday season.
Care and Maintenance Considerations
Given the lack of specific gemological data for the Blue Violet Crystal, providing precise care instructions is challenging. However, we can infer general guidelines based on the jewelry’s construction as described in the sources. The necklaces feature metal chains (sterling silver, gold-plated brass, or 14k gold-plated vermeil) and pendant settings. The clasp is typically a lobster clasp with an adjustable closure.
For general jewelry care, it is advisable to: * Avoid exposing the piece to harsh chemicals, such as perfumes, lotions, or cleaning agents, which can damage metal finishes and any surface treatments on the crystal. * Store the necklace separately in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box to prevent scratches from other items. * Clean the metal and stone gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam, as the settings or the crystal itself could be susceptible to damage, especially if it is a softer material like glass or a composite. * Remove the necklace before swimming, showering, or engaging in physical activities to prevent exposure to chlorine, saltwater, or impact.
Without knowledge of the crystal’s hardness or cleavage, these are precautionary measures. For traditional December stones, specific care would differ; for example, Zircon is relatively hard but can be brittle, while Turquoise is porous and sensitive to chemicals. The lack of this information for the Blue Violet Crystal underscores the importance of consulting the retailer for any specific care instructions, though the provided sources do not offer such details.
Consumer Experience and Purchasing
The sources provide considerable detail on the purchasing and customer service experience, which is a hallmark of the brand’s consumer-focused approach. Kendra Scott offers free return shipping for eligible items purchased online, with a pre-paid return label included. This policy reduces the risk for online shoppers. However, certain items are marked as “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.
For a standard, non-engraved birthstone necklace like the Cailin pendant, the return policy is generally favorable. Unworn, unused items in their original packaging with tags attached can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of receipt. This 30-day window provides a reasonable period for the recipient to evaluate the piece.
To enhance the gifting experience, customers can add a complimentary gift box at checkout. Furthermore, the brand partners with Sezzle to offer a payment plan, 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, aligning with the brand’s philosophy of inclusive fashion.
Conclusion
The Kendra Scott Blue Violet Crystal necklace represents a modern, design-driven interpretation of the December birthstone. It is a product that prioritizes aesthetic appeal, personal significance, and accessibility over traditional gemological depth. The provided sources successfully illustrate the brand’s strong identity, its commitment to philanthropy, and its strategy for offering versatile, affordable birthstone jewelry. The Blue Violet Crystal is positioned as a contemporary alternative, capturing the cool, moody hues associated with the winter month.
However, for the gemologist or the enthusiast seeking scientific detail, the sources leave a significant void. There is no information on the crystal’s composition, hardness, or origin, making it impossible to classify or evaluate from a gemological standpoint. The article’s insights are therefore limited to the commercial and design context of the product. The Kendra Scott December collection, with its variety of blue, violet, and iridescent stones, serves as a testament to how modern jewelry brands can reinterpret birthstone traditions, creating new symbols of personal identity and seasonal celebration. For those interested in the traditional gemological properties of December stones like Tanzanite, Zircon, or Turquoise, consultation with authoritative gemological institutions remains essential.