The provided sources primarily detail the availability of ruby and other birthstone pendants and charms offered by Alex and Ani and Color Merchants, a diamond and gemstone jewelry supplier. While comprehensive gemological or historical information is absent, a focused article can be constructed around the contemporary presentation of ruby as a birthstone, its association with specific jewelry styles, and the retail context in which it is currently offered. This article will explore the ruby as represented within these sources, acknowledging the limitations of the available data.
Ruby as a Contemporary Birthstone
The sources consistently highlight ruby as the birthstone for July. This association is presented through the repeated listing of “July Birthstone Ruby Pendant Charm Sterling Silver” as a product offered by Alex and Ani. The consistent availability of this item, despite being frequently listed as “Sold out,” underscores the ruby’s established position as the traditional birthstone for those born in July. The presentation is primarily focused on jewelry – specifically, pendant charms crafted from sterling silver. This suggests a contemporary trend of birthstone jewelry being offered as accessible, fashionable accessories.
Retail Presentation and Price Point
The sources reveal a specific price point for ruby birthstone jewelry within the Alex and Ani product line: $22.00. This consistent pricing suggests a deliberate strategy to position these pieces as affordable and accessible. The “Sale price” is also consistently listed as $22.00, indicating that these items are frequently offered at a promotional rate, or that the listed price is a standard selling price. The availability of other birthstone pendants (Amethyst, Peridot, Emerald, Blue Zircon) at the same price point further reinforces this accessibility.
Color Merchants is presented as a leading supplier of diamond and gemstone jewelry with over 25 years of experience. They offer a range of collections, including birthstone pieces and a “Dashing Diamonds” line. The sources indicate that Color Merchants supplies jewelry through Glatz Jewelers, which received a 5-star rating from a customer. This suggests a focus on quality and customer satisfaction within the retail network.
Material and Style: Sterling Silver and Charm Jewelry
The dominant material used in the birthstone jewelry highlighted in the sources is sterling silver. This choice of metal aligns with the broader aesthetic of Alex and Ani, known for its silver-toned designs and charm-based jewelry. The “pendant charm” format is repeatedly emphasized, indicating a preference for pieces that can be easily added to bracelets or necklaces, allowing for personalization and layering. The inclusion of Rafaelian Gold and Swarovski® Crystals in some of the listed items (December Blue Zircon and May Emerald pieces) suggests a diversification of materials and design elements within the broader birthstone collection.
Expanding Beyond Ruby: Other Birthstone Offerings
While the query focused on ruby, the sources also provide information on other birthstone pendants available through Alex and Ani. These include:
- Amethyst (February): Offered as a “February Birthstone Amethyst Pendant Charm Sterling Silver” at $22.00.
- Peridot (August): Available as an “August Birthstone Peridot Pendant Charm Sterling Silver” also priced at $22.00.
- Emerald (May): Listed as a “May Emerald Birthstone Teardrop Charm Bangle With Swarovski® Crystals Rafaelian Gold” at $32.00.
- Blue Zircon (December): Offered as a “December Blue Zircon Birthstone Teardrop Charm Bangle With Swarovski® Crystals Rafaelian Gold” at $32.00.
- Rose Color (October): Available as an “October Birthstone Rose Color Pendant Charm Sterling Silver” at $22.00.
This broader range demonstrates a commitment to providing birthstone jewelry for all months of the year, catering to a diverse customer base. The variation in price ($22.00 vs. $32.00) may reflect differences in materials (the inclusion of Swarovski crystals and Rafaelian Gold) or design complexity (the “teardrop charm bangle” format).
Alternative Jewelry Styles
Beyond birthstone pendants, the sources also list other jewelry items from Alex and Ani, including:
- Thunder Primal Spirit Wrap: A Rafaelian Silver wrap bracelet priced at $98.00.
- Four Leaf Clover Pendant Charm: A 14kt Gold Plated emerald charm at $28.00.
- Cupcake Charm Bangle Bracelet: Priced at $28.00.
- Initial Charm Bangle/Bracelet: Available in Gold at $28.00.
These items demonstrate the breadth of Alex and Ani’s product line, extending beyond birthstone-specific jewelry to include a wider range of charms, bangles, and bracelets.
Payment Options and Retail Partnerships
The sources mention Sezzle as a payment option available through Color Merchants, allowing customers to split their purchases into four interest-free payments over six weeks. This indicates a focus on providing flexible payment solutions to enhance affordability and accessibility. The partnership between Color Merchants and Glatz Jewelers is also highlighted, suggesting a collaborative retail strategy.
Summary of Available Data
The provided sources offer a limited, yet focused, view of ruby and other birthstones within the context of contemporary jewelry retail. The data primarily centers on the availability, pricing, and material composition of birthstone pendants and charms offered by Alex and Ani and supplied through Color Merchants. While lacking in historical or gemological detail, the sources reveal a trend towards affordable, accessible birthstone jewelry presented in a fashionable, charm-based format. The emphasis on sterling silver and the inclusion of alternative materials like Swarovski crystals and Rafaelian Gold demonstrate a diversification of design elements within the birthstone collection.
The sources are insufficient to provide a comprehensive overview of ruby’s history, geological formation, or gemological properties. They primarily function as a snapshot of current retail offerings.
Conclusion
The available sources demonstrate that ruby, as the July birthstone, is actively marketed and sold as a contemporary jewelry item, primarily in the form of sterling silver pendant charms. The consistent pricing and accessibility through retailers like Alex and Ani and Color Merchants suggest a deliberate strategy to appeal to a broad audience. While the sources lack detailed gemological or historical information, they provide valuable insight into the current retail landscape of birthstone jewelry and the enduring appeal of the ruby as a symbol of July birthdays.