The practice of gifting jewelry adorned with birthstones has a long and cherished history, evolving from ancient beliefs in gemstone powers to modern expressions of affection and personalized style. Recently, a trend has emerged that builds upon this tradition: the double birthstone necklace, particularly popular as a mother’s necklace, allowing for the celebration of multiple loved ones. These necklaces, often featuring raw, organically shaped gemstones, offer a unique and deeply personal way to commemorate familial bonds. This article will explore the rise of these personalized pieces, the gemstones commonly used, and the significance behind choosing birthstones for such meaningful gifts.
The Rise of Personalized Gemstone Jewelry
The demand for personalized jewelry has steadily increased, driven by a desire for unique items that reflect individual stories and relationships. While traditional birthstone jewelry focuses on a single individual, the double (and sometimes multi-stone) birthstone necklace caters to a growing desire to represent multiple family members – often children – within a single piece. This trend is particularly evident in the popularity of “Earth Mother Necklaces” and pendants designed specifically for mothers, allowing them to carry a tangible representation of their loved ones close to their heart. Several businesses specialize in creating these custom pieces, offering a range of metal options, including copper, gold plate, rose gold plate, and fine silver. The handmade nature of many of these necklaces adds to their appeal, ensuring each piece is truly one-of-a-kind.
Gemstone Choices and Substitutions
The selection of birthstones for these necklaces is guided by the traditional birthstone chart, though some jewelers make specific choices based on quality and availability. For example, for July, pink tourmaline is often substituted for ruby, and for April, Herkimer diamond is used in place of diamond. This substitution is noted as being done for quality reasons, ensuring a visually appealing and accessible piece. The birthstones themselves are frequently presented in their raw, uncut, and unpolished form, embracing their natural charm and individuality. This approach contrasts with the highly polished and faceted gemstones typically seen in traditional jewelry, offering a more organic and earthy aesthetic. The size of the birthstones used in these necklaces is typically around 6mm in diameter.
A Historical Overview of Birthstones
While the modern concept of birthstones is relatively recent, the association of gemstones with specific months and their corresponding astrological signs dates back centuries. Ancient cultures believed that gemstones possessed healing properties and held symbolic meaning. Garnets, for instance, were thought to be protective stones, favored by warriors and royalty, and associated with vitality, love, and light. Amethysts, with their regal purple hue, were historically favored by the ruling class and later came to symbolize spirituality and mental clarity. Aquamarine, named for its seawater color, was believed to protect seafarers. Diamonds, prized for their clarity and beauty, have long been a status symbol.
The standardization of birthstone lists is a more modern development. The current, widely accepted chart, as presented in available resources, outlines the following correspondences:
| Month | Birthstone(s) |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Diamond |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Alexandrite, Pearl |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Tourmaline, Opal |
| November | Golden Topaz, Citrine, Topaz |
| December | Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli |
It’s important to note that some months have multiple associated birthstones, offering a wider range of choices for personalization.
Gemological Properties of Commonly Used Birthstones
The gemstones used in these personalized necklaces exhibit a diverse range of gemological properties. Garnet, the January birthstone, isn’t a single mineral but a group of silicate minerals with varying compositions. Its hardness is relatively high, making it suitable for everyday wear. Amethyst, the February birthstone, is a variety of quartz with a hardness of 7, offering excellent scratch resistance. Aquamarine, a member of the beryl family, is known for its beautiful blue to blue-green hues. Diamond, the April birthstone, is renowned for its exceptional hardness and brilliance. Emerald, the May birthstone, is a vibrant green beryl, though often contains inclusions. Ruby, the July birthstone, is a red variety of corundum, prized for its color and durability. Sapphire, the September birthstone, is another variety of corundum, available in a wide range of colors, though most commonly associated with blue. Topaz, associated with November, is a silicate mineral available in various colors, including golden and blue.
The choice to use raw, uncut gemstones impacts the visual appearance and durability of the necklace. While polished gemstones exhibit greater brilliance and are less susceptible to damage, raw stones offer a unique, natural aesthetic.
Symbolism and Meaning
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, birthstones carry significant symbolic meaning. As mentioned previously, garnets were historically associated with protection and vitality. Amethysts symbolize spirituality and mental clarity. Aquamarines represent courage and protection, particularly for those at sea. Diamonds are emblems of enduring love and commitment. The act of selecting birthstones for a mother’s necklace, therefore, becomes a deliberate expression of these symbolic meanings, tailored to the individuals being represented. The necklace itself transforms into a powerful talisman, embodying the love, connection, and protective sentiments of the giver.
Metal Choices and Care
The metal used to set the birthstones also contributes to the overall aesthetic and durability of the necklace. Copper, while affordable and possessing a warm glow, can darken over time and may require more frequent polishing. Gold plate and fine silver offer greater durability and lasting brilliance. Sterling silver is another popular choice, providing a classic and elegant look.
Care instructions vary depending on the metal used. Copper jewelry should be cleaned regularly to prevent tarnishing. Gold and silver jewelry can be cleaned with a soft cloth and mild soap. Given the raw nature of the gemstones, it’s advisable to avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which could damage their surface.
Regional Craftsmanship and Retail
Many of these personalized birthstone necklaces are handmade in specific regions, such as Bath, England, by family-run businesses established over a decade ago. This localized craftsmanship adds to the unique character of each piece. Retailers offer a range of shipping options, including express making and courier services, to accommodate customers in various locations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Import duties and taxes may apply depending on the destination country.
Conclusion
The double birthstone necklace, particularly as a mother’s necklace, represents a beautiful evolution of the traditional birthstone jewelry. It’s a personalized and meaningful gift that celebrates familial bonds and individual identities. The choice of gemstones, the metal used, and the craftsmanship involved all contribute to the unique character of each piece. By understanding the history, symbolism, and gemological properties of these stones, and appreciating the artistry behind their creation, we can fully appreciate the significance of these cherished keepsakes.