The practice of associating specific gemstones with each month of the year, known as birthstones, is a tradition that blends ancient history with modern personalization. While the official modern list was standardized by the American National Retail Jewelers Association in 1912, the concept dates back millennia, with roots in the Breastplate of Aaron described in the Book of Exodus. Today, birthstones serve as popular choices for personalized jewelry, offering a meaningful connection between the wearer and the natural world. This article explores the gemological properties, historical significance, and practical care of the twelve birthstones featured in the James Avery collection, as detailed in the provided materials.
The James Avery brand, a prominent American jewelry retailer, offers a curated selection of birthstones across its product lines, including pendants, charms, and rings. Their collection includes both natural gemstones and lab-created alternatives, providing a range of options for consumers. The following sections will delve into each of these twelve stones, examining their unique characteristics and the role they play in contemporary jewelry design. We will cover the gemological properties as presented in the sources, the historical and symbolic meanings where available, and practical advice for maintaining these precious materials.
Historical Context and the Modern Birthstone List
The tradition of birthstones is ancient, but the modern list is a relatively recent standardization. The American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America) created the list in 1912, with updates in 1952 and 2016 to include new stones like Tanzanite. This list is the most widely recognized in the United States. The James Avery collection aligns closely with this modern list, though with some notable variations, particularly in the use of lab-created gemstones for certain months to ensure color consistency and availability.
The concept of birthstones likely evolved from the twelve gemstones set in the Breastplate of Aaron, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over centuries, this religious symbolism merged with astrological beliefs, where each stone was associated with a zodiac sign. By the 18th century, the practice of wearing a specific stone for its corresponding month had become common in Eastern Europe, and it gradually spread to Western culture. The 1912 standardization aimed to create a consistent commercial guide for jewelers and consumers, though variations still exist in different cultures and countries.
In the context of James Avery, the birthstone collection is a key part of their personalized jewelry offerings. The stones are selected for their aesthetic qualities and durability, making them suitable for everyday wear. The use of lab-created alternatives for some stones, such as aqua spinel and white sapphire, reflects a modern approach to gemstone sourcing, offering consistent color and ethical considerations. This blend of tradition and innovation is central to the brand's appeal.
The Twelve Birthstones of the James Avery Collection
The James Avery collection features twelve distinct gemstones, each corresponding to a month of the year. The following sections provide an overview of each stone, focusing on the information available in the provided sources. For some stones, the sources provide detailed gemological data; for others, the information is more limited, focusing on their use in jewelry design.
January: Garnet
Garnet is the birthstone for January, known for its deep, rich red color. In the James Avery collection, garnet is featured in various pieces, including the Keepsake Heart Birthstone Charm and the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant. The pendant uses a 3.5mm round faceted garnet, set in sterling silver or 14K yellow gold. Garnet is a durable gemstone, making it suitable for jewelry that is worn daily. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is typically between 6.5 and 7.5, depending on the variety, which provides good resistance to scratching. The chemical composition of garnet is complex, but it generally consists of silicate minerals. The red color is due to the presence of iron and chromium. Historically, garnet has been used since the Bronze Age and was believed to protect travelers and ward off nightmares. In modern times, it symbolizes loyalty, trust, and friendship.
February: Amethyst
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a variety of quartz known for its distinctive purple hue. The James Avery collection includes amethyst in pieces like the Keepsake Heart Birthstone Charm and the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant. The pendant uses a 3.5mm round faceted amethyst. Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable for jewelry. Its chemical formula is SiO₂, the same as all quartz varieties, with the purple color resulting from iron impurities and natural irradiation. Historically, amethyst was considered a stone of royalty and spirituality, believed to prevent intoxication and promote clarity of mind. In the modern birthstone list, it represents peace, stability, and inner strength.
March: Lab-Created Aqua Spinel
For March, James Avery offers lab-created aqua spinel. This is a synthetic gemstone designed to mimic the color of natural aquamarine or blue spinel. The collection features it in the Keepsake Heart Birthstone Charm and as an option in the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant. As a lab-created stone, aqua spinel has a consistent color and clarity. While the specific hardness may vary, spinel generally has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable. The chemical composition of spinel is MgAl₂O₄. The use of lab-created stones for March reflects a practical approach to gemstone sourcing, ensuring a reliable supply of the desired blue color. Historically, aquamarine (a natural stone for March) was associated with sailors and the sea, believed to provide protection and good luck.
April: Lab-Created White Sapphire or Diamond
April's birthstone options in the James Avery collection are lab-created white sapphire or diamond. The Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant can be set with a diamond, specified as a .17ct full-cut diamond with SI1 clarity. Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, making them ideal for jewelry that will endure daily wear. The chemical composition of diamond is pure carbon. Diamonds have been prized for centuries for their brilliance and durability. The modern list includes diamond as April's birthstone, symbolizing eternal love and strength. The use of lab-created white sapphire provides a more affordable alternative, with a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale and a similar appearance to diamond when cut properly.
May: Lab-Created Emerald
Emerald is the birthstone for May, and James Avery offers a lab-created version. This is featured in the Keepsake Heart Birthstone Charm and as an option in the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant. Emeralds are known for their vivid green color, which is due to trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. However, natural emeralds often have inclusions, which are accepted as part of their character. Lab-created emeralds offer a clearer, more consistent color. The hardness of emerald is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, but it has poor toughness due to its inclusions and cleavage planes, making it more prone to chipping. The chemical composition is Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆. Historically, emeralds have been cherished since ancient Egypt, associated with fertility and rebirth. In modern symbolism, they represent growth, patience, and harmony.
June: Lab-Created Alexandrite
Alexandrite is the birthstone for June, known for its remarkable color-change property, appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light. James Avery offers a lab-created version in their collection. This synthetic stone replicates the rare color change of natural alexandrite. The hardness of alexandrite, a variety of chrysoberyl, is 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it very durable. Its chemical formula is BeAl₂O₄. The natural stone was discovered in Russia in the 1830s and named after the future Tsar Alexander II. Its color change was said to represent the national colors of old Russia. In modern times, alexandrite symbolizes good fortune and joy. The lab-created version makes this unique stone more accessible for jewelry.
July: Lab-Created Ruby
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is a red variety of corundum. James Avery offers a lab-created ruby in their collection, featured in the Keepsake Heart Birthstone Charm and as an option in the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant. Lab-created rubies have the same chemical composition (Al₂O₃) and physical properties as natural rubies, with the red color coming from chromium impurities. Rubies have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them exceptionally durable for jewelry. Historically, rubies have been valued for centuries, often associated with power and passion. In many cultures, they were believed to protect the wearer and bring good fortune. The modern birthstone list for July is ruby, symbolizing vitality and love.
August: Peridot
Peridot is the birthstone for August, a gem-quality variety of olivine. The James Avery collection includes peridot in pieces like the Keepsake Heart Birthstone Charm and the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant. Peridot has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it moderately durable. Its chemical composition is (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄, with the green color due to iron content. Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color, though the shade can vary from yellow-green to olive. Historically, peridot was known as the "evening emerald" and was used in ancient Egyptian jewelry. It is believed to bring peace, good health, and restful sleep.
September: Lab-Created Blue Sapphire
Blue sapphire is the birthstone for September, a blue variety of corundum. James Avery offers a lab-created blue sapphire in their collection, featured in the Keepsake Heart Birthstone Charm and as an option in the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant. Lab-created sapphires have the same properties as natural sapphires, with the blue color coming from iron and titanium impurities. Sapphires have a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, making them very durable. The chemical composition is Al₂O₃. Historically, sapphires have been associated with wisdom, virtue, and divine favor. They were believed to protect against envy and harm. In modern symbolism, blue sapphire represents truth, sincerity, and faithfulness.
October: Lab-Created Pink Sapphire
For October, James Avery offers lab-created pink sapphire, a pink variety of corundum. This is featured in the Keepsake Heart Birthstone Charm and as an option in the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant. Pink sapphire has the same hardness (9 on the Mohs scale) and chemical composition (Al₂O₃) as other sapphires, with the pink color due to chromium impurities. While the traditional October birthstone is opal or tourmaline, pink sapphire provides a durable and vibrant alternative. Historically, sapphires have been prized for their beauty and durability. The pink variety symbolizes love, compassion, and emotional healing.
November: Citrine or Blue Zircon
November's birthstone options in the James Avery collection are citrine or blue zircon. Citrine is a yellow to orange variety of quartz, with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale and a chemical composition of SiO₂. Blue zircon is a gemstone that is typically heat-treated to achieve its blue color; it has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and a chemical composition of ZrSiO₄. Both stones are featured in the Keepsake Heart Birthstone Charm and as options in the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant. Citrine has been associated with prosperity and success, while zircon was historically believed to promote honor and purity. The modern birthstone for November is topaz or citrine, with blue zircon being a popular alternative.
December: Blue Zircon
Blue zircon is also listed as a birthstone for December in the James Avery collection. It is featured in the Keepsake Heart Birthstone Charm and as an option in the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant. As mentioned, blue zircon has a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale and a chemical composition of ZrSiO₄. The blue color is typically achieved through heat treatment. Historically, zircon was believed to have protective properties and to induce prosperity. In modern times, it symbolizes wisdom and honor. The traditional December birthstone is turquoise, but blue zircon offers a brilliant blue alternative.
Gemological Properties and Durability
The durability of a gemstone is a critical factor in jewelry selection, as it determines how well the stone can withstand daily wear. The James Avery collection features stones with a range of hardness levels, from 6.5 to 10 on the Mohs scale. The following table summarizes the key properties of the birthstones used in the collection, based on the information provided in the sources and general gemological knowledge.
| Birthstone (Month) | Hardness (Mohs Scale) | Chemical Composition | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garnet (January) | 6.5 - 7.5 | Silicate minerals | Durable, deep red color |
| Amethyst (February) | 7 | SiO₂ | Purple quartz, good durability |
| Lab-Created Aqua Spinel (March) | ~8 (spinel) | MgAl₂O₄ (spinel) | Consistent blue color, very durable |
| Lab-Created White Sapphire (April) | 9 | Al₂O₃ | Diamond alternative, very hard |
| Diamond (April) | 10 | C | Hardest natural material, brilliant |
| Lab-Created Emerald (May) | 7.5 - 8 | Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ | Vivid green, prone to chipping |
| Lab-Created Alexandrite (June) | 8.5 | BeAl₂O₄ | Color-change property, very durable |
| Lab-Created Ruby (July) | 9 | Al₂O₃ | Red corundum, very hard |
| Peridot (August) | 6.5 - 7 | (Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ | Single-color green, moderate durability |
| Lab-Created Blue Sapphire (September) | 9 | Al₂O₃ | Blue corundum, very hard |
| Lab-Created Pink Sapphire (October) | 9 | Al₂O₃ | Pink corundum, very hard |
| Citrine (November) | 7 | SiO₂ | Yellow quartz, good durability |
| Blue Zircon (November/December) | 6.5 - 7.5 | ZrSiO₄ | Heat-treated for blue color, moderate durability |
This table illustrates the range of durability across the collection. Stones like diamond, sapphire, and ruby are exceptionally hard and suitable for rings and bracelets that receive frequent impact. Softer stones like peridot and garnet are better suited for pendants and earrings. The use of lab-created stones ensures consistent quality and color, which is important for matching in jewelry sets.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
While the provided sources focus primarily on the commercial use of these stones in jewelry, the historical and metaphysical symbolism of birthstones is a significant part of their appeal. Each stone carries centuries of cultural meaning, which adds to its value as a personalized gift.
Garnet, for example, has been associated with protection and vitality since ancient times. Amethyst was believed to have calming properties and was used by monks to aid meditation. The blue stones of March and September (aqua spinel and sapphire) are linked to the sky and sea, symbolizing tranquility and wisdom. Emeralds have long been connected to fertility and renewal, while alexandrite's color change is seen as a symbol of balance. Rubies represent passion and courage, peridot brings peace, and the yellow stones of November (citrine) are believed to attract prosperity. Zircon, one of the oldest minerals, was thought to promote honor and purity.
These beliefs, while not scientifically verified, contribute to the emotional value of birthstone jewelry. James Avery's collection taps into this tradition, offering stones that are not only beautiful but also rich in symbolic meaning. This combination of aesthetic appeal and personal significance makes birthstone jewelry a popular choice for gifts and self-purchase.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of birthstone jewelry. The hardness and cleavage of each stone dictate the appropriate cleaning methods. Based on the gemological properties outlined in the sources, here are general guidelines for caring for the birthstones in the James Avery collection.
- Hard Stones (Mohs 8-10): Diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and alexandrite can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for these stones, but caution is advised for stones with inclusions or fractures.
- Moderately Hard Stones (Mohs 7-7.5): Amethyst, citrine, and garnet can be cleaned with warm soapy water. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as some varieties may undergo color changes with heat. Ultrasonic cleaners may be too harsh for stones with inclusions.
- Softer Stones (Mohs 6.5-7): Peridot and blue zircon should be cleaned gently with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam, as these can cause damage or discoloration.
- Lab-Created Stones: Lab-created gemstones generally have the same care requirements as their natural counterparts. However, some lab-created stones may have different inclusions or treatments, so it is always best to follow the jeweler's recommendations.
For jewelry with multiple stones, such as the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant, which may combine different gemstones or include diamonds, it is advisable to use a gentle cleaning method suitable for the softest stone in the piece. Regular inspection for loose settings or damage is also recommended to prevent stone loss.
Conclusion
The James Avery birthstone collection offers a curated selection of twelve gemstones, each with its own unique properties and symbolism. From the deep red of garnet to the brilliant blue of lab-created sapphire, these stones provide a meaningful way to personalize jewelry. The use of lab-created alternatives for some stones ensures consistent quality and color, making them accessible and practical for everyday wear. Understanding the gemological properties, historical significance, and care requirements of each stone allows consumers to make informed choices and appreciate the enduring appeal of birthstone jewelry. Whether chosen for its beauty, symbolism, or personal connection, a birthstone remains a timeless and cherished adornment.