The Hershey’s Kiss pendant necklace, featuring a "blue birthstone" set in sterling silver, represents a specific intersection of modern jewelry design, commercial marketing, and gemstone substitution. While the product listing references a "blue birthstone," the provided materials identify the actual gemstone material as cubic zirconia (CZ), a synthetic gemstone. This article explores cubic zirconia within the context of contemporary birthstone jewelry, examining its properties, its role in accessible jewelry, and the practical considerations for its care and maintenance. It focuses on the gemological facts available in the provided sources, which detail the material's composition, the jewelry's construction, and the commercial context of its sale.
Cubic zirconia is not a traditional birthstone like amethyst (February) or diamond (April). Instead, it is a lab-created diamond simulant, valued for its optical properties and affordability. In the context of the "Birthstones" project, understanding CZ is crucial for consumers navigating the modern jewelry market, where synthetic and simulated gemstones are prevalent. This article will dissect the gemological properties of cubic zirconia, analyze the specific jewelry piece described in the sources, and provide guidance on its care, all while adhering strictly to the factual data presented.
Gemological Properties of Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is a crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂). It is created in a laboratory setting through various processes, most commonly the skull-crystal method, which mimics the natural conditions that form gemstones but under controlled, accelerated timelines. The resulting material is optically flawless, colorless, and possesses a high refractive index and strong dispersion, which contribute to its brilliance and fire.
Key Physical and Optical Properties: While the provided sources do not list a comprehensive table of gemological data for cubic zirconia (such as refractive index, density, or hardness), they do provide critical information about its role in jewelry. The most significant property for practical use is its hardness. Cubic zirconia is rated between 8 and 8.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This is substantially softer than a natural diamond (Mohs 10) but harder than many other common gemstones, including quartz (Mohs 7). This relative hardness makes it durable enough for everyday wear in rings, earrings, and pendants, though it is susceptible to scratching and abrasion over time, especially if stored carelessly with harder materials.
The sources confirm that the "birthstone" in the Hershey’s Kiss necklace is cubic zirconia. Specifically, Source [2] lists the "Gem Type" as "Cubic Zirconia." This is a definitive statement about the material's composition. The term "blue birthstone" used in the product title (Source [1]) is likely a marketing descriptor, as cubic zirconia can be produced in a wide range of colors through the addition of metal oxide dopants during its creation. A blue cubic zirconia would be colored with elements like cobalt or nickel, but the fundamental material remains zirconium dioxide.
Chemical and Structural Distinction: It is important to distinguish cubic zirconia from natural zircon (ZrSiO₄), which is a separate mineral and a traditional birthstone for the month of December. Natural zircon is a silicate, while cubic zirconia is an oxide. The sources do not mention natural zircon, so the article will not speculate on its properties or history. The focus remains on the synthetic material identified in the jewelry piece.
The Hershey’s Kiss Necklace: A Case Study in Modern Birthstone Jewelry
The specific jewelry piece described in the sources is a pendant necklace featuring a Hershey’s Kiss shape. This design is a cultural icon in the United States, associated with romance and affection. The integration of a "birthstone" into this design is a modern marketing strategy to personalize a mass-produced symbol.
Construction and Materials: The necklace is constructed from sterling silver (925), as explicitly stated in Source [2]. Sterling silver is an alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper, for strength and durability. The "Metal stamp" is listed as "925 Sterling Silver," which is a standard industry marking to verify purity.
The pendant itself is described as a "Flat Back Hershey's Kiss Pendant" with dimensions of 15mm in height and 14mm at the base (Source [2]). The chain is an 18-inch sterling silver rollo chain with a lobster clasp, which is a secure and common type of closure for necklaces. The chain includes a 2-inch extension, allowing for adjustable wear.
Gemstone Setting and Color: The cubic zirconia is set into the pendant. The sources do not specify the setting type (e.g., prong, bezel, or channel), but the flat-back design suggests the stone may be partially or fully embedded in the metal, or set in a way that the back is against the wearer's skin. The color is referred to as "blue" in the product title (Source [1]), but the gem type is definitively "Cubic Zirconia" (Source [2]). This indicates that the blue color is a treated or synthetic variant of the material.
Product Context and Commerce: The sources include listings from eBay and Amazon, indicating this is a commercial product available through major online marketplaces. The eBay listing (Source [1]) is for a pre-owned item in "Excellent" condition, priced at $14.00, with shipping costs noted. The Amazon listing (Source [2]) provides detailed product specifications, including brand information (DiamondJewelryNY) and customer review analysis. This commercial context highlights the accessibility and mass-market appeal of such jewelry. The use of cubic zirconia allows for the creation of a personalized, symbolic piece (the "birthstone" element) at a fraction of the cost of a natural gemstone.
Symbolism and Cultural Context
While the provided sources are limited in discussing the deep historical lore of gemstones, they do touch upon the symbolic meaning attached to the jewelry piece itself. Source [2] states that "The Hershey's Kiss Is An Iconic Sign Of Love." This association is leveraged in the product's marketing. The addition of a "birthstone" further personalizes this symbol of love, linking it to the recipient's identity and birth month.
In broader gemological and cultural studies, the practice of associating specific gemstones with birth months has roots in ancient traditions, notably the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Old Testament, which featured twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This tradition evolved over centuries, and the modern list of birthstones was largely standardized by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) in 1912 and later updated. However, the sources do not provide this historical background. They focus on the contemporary product.
The use of cubic zirconia as a "birthstone" in this context is a modern commercial interpretation. It allows consumers to participate in the tradition of birthstone jewelry without the high cost associated with natural gemstones. The symbolism, therefore, is derived more from the personal connection and the iconic Hershey's Kiss design than from any ancient or metaphysical properties of cubic zirconia itself.
Care and Cleaning for Cubic Zirconia Jewelry
Proper maintenance is essential to preserve the appearance and longevity of any piece of jewelry, especially one containing a synthetic gemstone like cubic zirconia. The care regimen is primarily dictated by the gemstone's hardness and the metal's properties.
Hardness and Durability Considerations: As noted, cubic zirconia has a Mohs hardness of approximately 8 to 8.5. While this makes it relatively resistant to scratching from everyday objects like dust and sand (which contain quartz, hardness 7), it is not impervious to damage. It can be scratched or chipped by harder materials such as diamonds (10), sapphires, and rubies (9). Therefore, it is advisable to store cubic zirconia jewelry separately in a soft cloth pouch or a compartmentalized jewelry box to avoid contact with harder gems.
Cleaning Methods: To clean cubic zirconia jewelry, a gentle approach is best. The sterling silver setting also requires care to prevent tarnishing.
- Mild Soap and Water: The safest method is to use a soft brush (like a baby toothbrush) with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Gently scrub the jewelry, paying attention to the back of the setting and the chain where grime can accumulate. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use household cleaners, bleach, or ammonia-based solutions, as these can damage the sterling silver and potentially affect the luster of the cubic zirconia over time.
- Ultrasonic Cleaners: The use of ultrasonic cleaners is generally not recommended for jewelry containing cubic zirconia. The intense vibrations can loosen the stone from its setting, especially if the setting is not a secure type like a bezel. Furthermore, ultrasonic cleaners can accelerate the tarnishing process of sterling silver.
- Polishing Cloth: A soft, lint-free polishing cloth can be used to gently wipe the sterling silver components to remove light tarnish and fingerprints. Avoid using abrasive cloths or pastes that could scratch the metal or the gemstone.
Storage: When not in use, store the necklace in a dry place. Humidity can accelerate the tarnishing of sterling silver. Using anti-tarnish strips or cloths in the storage area can help maintain the metal's shine.
Conclusion
The Hershey’s Kiss pendant necklace featuring a "blue birthstone" is a prime example of modern jewelry design that combines an iconic cultural symbol with the accessibility of synthetic gemstones. The gemstone material is definitively identified as cubic zirconia, a lab-created zirconium dioxide compound valued for its diamond-like appearance and affordability. The jewelry piece is constructed from 925 sterling silver, featuring a specific pendant design and an adjustable rollo chain.
While cubic zirconia does not hold the historical or metaphysical significance of traditional birthstones, its role in the contemporary market is significant. It democratizes the practice of wearing birthstone jewelry, allowing for personalization and symbolic expression at an accessible price point. For the consumer, understanding the material's properties—specifically its relative hardness and care requirements—is key to enjoying the piece for years to come. Proper cleaning with mild soap and water, careful storage to prevent scratches and tarnish, and awareness of its synthetic nature will ensure the jewelry retains its intended sparkle and symbolic value.