Why is Birthstone Jewelry So Popular?
2 min read
Birthstone jewelry is the perfect way to celebrate your birth and the birth of your loved ones, especially your children. Popular for the last two centuries, birthstone jewelry has taken off in the past 50 years in a trend started in France and western Europe and spread to the United States. Note that although birthstone jewelry have been in the scene the last few hundred years, the idea of birthstones traces its origins back to ancient times. The first birthstones were thought to have originated from a breastplate with 12 gemstones each signifying a month of the year in biblical but in fact originated from the idea of astrology signs around 500 B.C during the Greek classical period.
The modern birthstone list has remained unchanged since 1912. In chronological order, the birthstones are Garnet for January, Amethyst for February, Aquamarine for March, White Spinel for April, Emerald for May, Alexandrite for June, Ruby for July, Peridot for August, Sapphire for September, Pink Tourmaline for October, Citrine for November, and Blue Zircon for December.
The most common types of birth stone jewelry are rings and necklaces in the form of pendants and charms with a chain. The rings are made with birthstones set into the crown or on the side. The necklaces are made with birthstones attached on top of the pendants or embedded into the pendants or charms. The birth stones are either natural ones or lab created ones. Lab created ones are also known as simulated birthstones or crystals and they are the most popular version today as evidenced by the commercial success of several Austrian crystal companies. Other popular forms are bracelets, earrings, lockets and watches. All types are personalized with the respective gemstones of your loved ones and some styles and designers will allow you to personalize with names and even birth dates. The most unique retailers have styles that are handcrafted which makes each piece a one-of-a-kind item!
It is estimated that birthstone jewelry will continue to rise in popularity as it appeals to not just the younger generation but also resurgence from the baby boom population as they become grandparents, they start accumulating these personalized jewelry with their grand children’s monthly gemstone and names. Today, this form of fashion jewelry is most popular in the United States followed by Canada, and then the United Kingdom. They are also growing in popularity in Eastern Europe and developing countries. A surprising growth area has been China as the younger generation is taking on this Western tradition and mixing it with the Chinese zodiac into an unique fusion. What is exciting is that all around the world this form of jewelry has produced and evolved into so many lines.
