The cross has served as a profound symbol of faith for centuries, representing sacrifice, hope, and spiritual connection. When combined with the personal significance of a birthstone—a gem traditionally associated with one's month of birth—the result is a piece of jewelry that carries deep emotional weight and individual meaning. James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a prominent name in the industry, offers a range of cross jewelry that masterfully blends these two powerful symbols. Their collection includes pendants, necklaces, and rings crafted from sterling silver and 14K gold, often featuring a specific birthstone set within the cross design. This article explores the intersection of gemstone personalization and spiritual symbolism, drawing from the available product and brand information to examine the materials, design philosophy, and the array of gemstone options that make these pieces distinctive.
James Avery's approach to cross jewelry is rooted in craftsmanship and intention. Each piece is described as "meticulously crafted by skilled artisans," emphasizing a commitment to quality and detail. The brand's cross collection is not monolithic; it encompasses a variety of styles, from standalone crosses to intricate chain designs and pendant combinations. This diversity ensures that individuals can find a piece that resonates with their personal style and spiritual expression. The incorporation of birthstones adds a layer of customization, transforming a universal symbol into a deeply personal talisman. The available sources detail a specific product, the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant, which serves as a prime example of this fusion. This pendant is offered in two metal options—sterling silver and 14K yellow gold—and is set with a round faceted birthstone or a diamond, providing a tangible link between the wearer's identity and their faith.
The Tradition of Birthstones in Jewelry
The practice of assigning specific gemstones to each month of the year is a long-standing tradition, though its modern standardization is relatively recent. While the provided sources do not delve into the historical origins of birthstones, they clearly demonstrate the commercial and symbolic integration of this concept into contemporary jewelry design. James Avery's offerings explicitly list twelve birthstones, aligning with the modern calendar. This selection allows customers to choose a stone that holds personal significance, whether for its traditional meaning, aesthetic appeal, or connection to a loved one.
The specific birthstones available in the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant are a curated mix of natural and lab-created gems. The list includes Garnet (January), Amethyst (February), lab-created Aqua Spinel, lab-created White Sapphire or Diamond (April), lab-created Emerald (May), lab-created Alexandrite (June), lab-created Ruby (July), Peridot (August), lab-created Blue Sapphire (September), lab-created Pink Sapphire, Citrine (November), and Blue Zircon (December). Notably, the April option includes both a lab-created White Sapphire and a Diamond, with the diamond specified as a full-cut stone with a total weight of 0.17 carats and a clarity grade of SI1. The use of lab-created gems for many of the colored stones is a significant detail, indicating a focus on consistency, availability, and potentially ethical sourcing, as lab-created stones share the same physical and chemical properties as their natural counterparts but are grown in controlled environments.
This range of options highlights a key aspect of modern birthstone jewelry: accessibility and choice. By offering lab-created alternatives to rarer natural stones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire, jewelers can provide vibrant, durable, and affordable pieces that maintain the symbolic value of the birthstone. For the consumer, this means the ability to select a cross pendant that not only reflects their birth month but also aligns with their budget and aesthetic preferences. The inclusion of a diamond as a premium option for April, or as an alternative to the birthstone, further underscores the versatility of the design, allowing for a classic, brilliant center stone that transcends the monthly association.
Design and Craftsmanship of the Avery Remembrance Cross
The Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant is a specific product that exemplifies James Avery's design philosophy. The pendant measures 7/8 inches in length, making it a noticeable yet wearable size suitable for daily wear. Its construction involves a cross setting that holds a 3.5mm round faceted birthstone, or the specified diamond. The choice of a round faceted cut for the birthstone is deliberate; faceting maximizes light return, enhancing the stone's brilliance and color, which is particularly important for the colored lab-created gems. The round shape is classic and universally flattering, ensuring the stone is the focal point.
The metal options—sterling silver and 14K yellow gold—provide distinct visual and practical characteristics. Sterling silver, an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (often copper), is prized for its bright, white luster and affordability. It is a popular choice for everyday jewelry but requires periodic polishing to maintain its shine, as it can tarnish over time. 14K yellow gold, an alloy of 58.3% gold with other metals like copper and silver, offers a warmer, richer tone and is highly durable and resistant to tarnish. The choice between these metals often comes down to personal preference and skin tone compatibility.
The product description notes that the pendant is "attachable," which likely refers to the ability to attach it to a chain or a specific James Avery charm holder, allowing for customization of the necklace length and style. This modularity is a hallmark of many modern jewelry lines, enabling wearers to build a personalized collection. The brand's broader cross jewelry collection, as described in the sources, includes a wide array of designs, from simple, elegant crosses to more intricate and ornate pieces. This ensures that the Remembrance Pendant is part of a larger cohesive collection, offering options for different occasions and style preferences.
Gemological Properties and Material Considerations
While the sources provide limited specific gemological data (such as hardness or refractive index), they do offer key details about the materials used. Understanding these properties is essential for evaluating the quality and durability of the jewelry.
Diamond (for April or as an alternative): - Weight: 0.17 total diamond weight (ctw). - Clarity: SI1 (Slightly Included 1). This clarity grade indicates that inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification but are typically not visible to the naked eye. It represents a good balance between quality and value. - Cut: Full-cut. This is the standard round brilliant cut with 57 or 58 facets, designed to optimize sparkle and fire. - Durability: Diamond is the hardest known natural material, rating 10 on the Mohs scale. This makes it exceptionally resistant to scratching and ideal for jewelry intended for daily wear.
Lab-Created Colored Gems (Aqua Spinel, White Sapphire, Emerald, Alexandrite, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire): - Nature: These stones are synthesized in laboratories using processes that replicate the conditions under which natural gems form. They possess identical chemical compositions, crystal structures, and physical properties to their natural counterparts. For example, lab-created ruby is chemically aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) with chromium impurities, just like natural ruby. - Properties: While specific hardness values are not provided in the sources, common lab-created gems used in jewelry have durable properties. For instance, sapphire and ruby (corundum family) have a Mohs hardness of 9, making them second only to diamond in scratch resistance. Emerald (beryl family) is softer, around 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, and can be more prone to chipping if struck, though its inclusions (jardin) are part of its character. - Advantages: Lab-created gems offer consistent color and clarity, are often more affordable, and are considered a more sustainable and ethical choice as they do not involve mining.
Natural Gems (Garnet, Amethyst, Peridot, Citrine, Blue Zircon): - Garnet: A group of silicate minerals. Common garnet (almandine) has a Mohs hardness of 7-7.5. - Amethyst: A purple variety of quartz (Mohs hardness 7). - Peridot: A variety of olivine (Mohs hardness 6.5-7). It is relatively durable but can be scratched by harder materials. - Citrine: A yellow variety of quartz (Mohs hardness 7). - Blue Zircon: A natural gemstone that is often heat-treated to enhance its blue color. It has a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7.5, making it suitable for jewelry but requiring care.
Metals: - Sterling Silver: An alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. It is softer than gold and can scratch or bend more easily. It requires cleaning to remove tarnish (a surface layer of silver sulfide). - 14K Gold: An alloy of 58.3% gold, with the remainder being metals like copper, silver, or palladium. It is durable, resistant to tarnish, and maintains its color well. It is harder than sterling silver and more suitable for settings that require longevity.
The following table summarizes the key gemstone options available in the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant, based on the provided sources.
| Birthstone (Month) | Type | Typical Color | Key Characteristics (from sources) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garnet (January) | Natural | Deep Red | Available as a birthstone option. |
| Amethyst (February) | Natural | Purple | Available as a birthstone option. |
| Aqua Spinel | Lab-Created | Light Blue to Blue-Green | Available as a birthstone option. |
| White Sapphire / Diamond | Lab-Created / Natural | Colorless / Brilliant White | April birthstone option; Diamond is 0.17ct, SI1 clarity, full-cut. |
| Emerald (May) | Lab-Created | Green | Available as a birthstone option. |
| Alexandrite (June) | Lab-Created | Color-changing (Green to Red) | Available as a birthstone option. |
| Ruby (July) | Lab-Created | Red | Available as a birthstone option. |
| Peridot (August) | Natural | Olive Green | Available as a birthstone option. |
| Blue Sapphire (September) | Lab-Created | Blue | Available as a birthstone option. |
| Pink Sapphire | Lab-Created | Pink | Available as a birthstone option. |
| Citrine (November) | Natural | Yellow to Orange | Available as a birthstone option. |
| Blue Zircon (December) | Natural | Blue | Available as a birthstone option. |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
While the primary function of the Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant is decorative and symbolic, the combination of the cross and birthstone layers it with rich meaning. The cross is universally recognized as a symbol of Christianity, representing the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For the wearer, it can signify personal faith, a connection to religious heritage, or simply an appreciation for its historical and aesthetic form.
Birthstones, on the other hand, carry a tapestry of historical and metaphysical associations. Although the sources do not specify the beliefs linked to each gem, the tradition is deep-rooted. For example, garnet is historically associated with protection and vitality, amethyst with clarity and calm, and emerald with rebirth and love. In modern contexts, many people choose birthstones for their personal significance—their own birth month, that of a loved one, or a month that holds special meaning. When set in a cross, the stone can be seen as a focal point for prayer or meditation, a tangible reminder of one's faith and identity.
James Avery's branding emphasizes that their cross jewelry is a "cherished symbol of faith, style and artistry." This triad of values speaks to the multifaceted role of the jewelry: it is an article of faith for the religious, a piece of stylish adornment for the fashion-conscious, and a work of art for the appreciator of craftsmanship. The personalization via birthstone amplifies this, making the piece uniquely tailored to the individual.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential to preserve the beauty and longevity of any piece of jewelry, and the specific materials in the Avery Remembrance Pendant dictate certain guidelines.
For the Gemstone: - Cleaning: The safest method for cleaning most gemstones is with warm water, a mild dish soap, and a soft brush. Avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners (especially for stones with inclusions or fractures, like emerald), and steam cleaners, which can damage certain gems. For the lab-created stones, the same care as their natural counterparts applies. - Durability Considerations: While diamond is extremely hard, other stones like peridot and emerald are softer and more prone to scratching. It is advisable to remove the pendant during activities that could cause impact or abrasion, such as gardening, heavy lifting, or sports.
For the Metal: - Sterling Silver: To prevent tarnish, store the pendant in a tarnish-resistant bag or a sealed container. Clean it with a soft polishing cloth designed for silver. Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals like chlorine (in pools) and sulfur (found in some cosmetics and rubber bands). - 14K Gold: Gold is resistant to tarnish but can still accumulate dirt and oils. Clean it with a soft cloth or a solution of warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
General Tips: - Store the pendant separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches. - Have the piece inspected periodically by a professional jeweler to check the security of the setting and the overall condition. - The "attachable" feature suggests the pendant may be worn on different chains. Ensure any chain used is compatible and strong enough to support the pendant's weight.
Conclusion
The Avery Remembrance Birthstone Cross Pendant from James Avery Artisan Jewelry represents a thoughtful convergence of spiritual symbolism and personal identity. By offering a range of twelve birthstones—both natural and lab-created—across two classic metal options, the design caters to a diverse audience seeking meaningful adornment. The pendant's specifications, such as its 7/8-inch length, 3.5mm stone size, and the detailed diamond option (0.17ct, SI1 clarity, full-cut), provide transparency and allow for informed selection. While the sources offer limited information on the historical or metaphysical lore of each birthstone, they clearly establish the piece's role as a customizable symbol of faith and style. Proper care, mindful of the specific material properties, will ensure this piece remains a cherished keepsake for years to come. For those drawn to the intersection of gemstone beauty and spiritual significance, this pendant offers a tangible, wearable expression of both.