The Alex and Ani brand offers a range of birthstone bangles, including options for December. These bangles feature an imitation birthstone—specifically, a blue zircon-colored stone—alongside decorative charms. While not crafted from genuine gemstones, these pieces provide an accessible and fashionable way to represent December birthdays. This article will detail the characteristics of these bangles, their materials, pricing, and customer perceptions, based on available information.
History and Brand Overview
Alex and Ani is a jewelry company known for its expandable wire bangles adorned with charms. The brand, founded in 2004, quickly gained popularity for its designs that incorporate symbolic meanings and personalized style. The company’s aesthetic blends bohemian and contemporary elements, appealing to a broad customer base. The brand’s offerings include a variety of charm bangles, necklaces, earrings, and rings, often incorporating birthstones as part of their collections.
The December birthstone bangle is part of a larger series of birthstone-themed jewelry offered by Alex and Ani. The brand’s approach to birthstones focuses on providing affordable and stylish representations rather than utilizing exclusively precious gemstones.
Materials and Construction
The Alex and Ani December birthstone bangle is constructed from a metal base and features an imitation birthstone. Sources indicate the stone is not plastic, but rather a stone or glass material designed to resemble blue zircon. The bangle itself has an expandable design, allowing it to fit a range of wrist sizes. It is adorned with three stamped charms in addition to the central birthstone. The materials used are often recycled, aligning with the brand’s commitment to sustainability. Some versions of the bangle incorporate Swarovski® Crystals, enhancing the visual appeal. The metal finish is available in Rafaelian Gold and Rafaelian Silver.
Gemological Considerations: Blue Zircon
While the Alex and Ani bangle utilizes an imitation blue zircon, it is worth noting the properties of the genuine gemstone. Zircon is a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) and occurs in a variety of colors, including colorless, brown, red, yellow, and blue. Blue zircon is a popular and attractive gemstone, often created through heat treatment of colorless zircon.
Genuine zircon possesses a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively durable but susceptible to scratching over time. It has a refractive index of 1.92 to 1.98, contributing to its brilliance. The specific gravity of zircon ranges from 3.9 to 4.7.
It is crucial to understand that the material used in the Alex and Ani bangle is an imitation and does not share the same gemological properties as natural zircon. The sources do not specify the composition of the imitation stone, but it is likely glass or a synthetic material designed to mimic the color and appearance of blue zircon.
Design and Aesthetics
The December birthstone bangle from Alex and Ani features a teardrop-shaped imitation birthstone as its focal point. This stone is complemented by three smaller, stamped charms. The charms are printed with clear designs, although the imprint on the curved stone dangle may appear slightly blurry. The overall aesthetic is delicate and feminine, suitable for everyday wear. The bangles are available in various finishes, including Rafaelian Gold and Rafaelian Silver, offering options to match different personal styles.
Pricing and Availability
Based on the provided sources, the Alex and Ani December birthstone bangle is typically priced between $28.00 and $38.00. However, many variations are currently sold out. The price may vary depending on the specific design, materials (e.g., inclusion of Swarovski® Crystals), and retailer. The bangles are available through the official Alex and Ani website, as well as through retailers like DesertCart and GiftologyAZ. Availability can fluctuate, with certain designs frequently listed as “sold out.”
Customer Perceptions
Customer reviews, as documented in the provided sources, offer mixed perspectives on the Alex and Ani birthstone bangles. Some customers express satisfaction with the value for money, noting that the bangles are giftable and arrive with appropriate packaging. Others acknowledge that the quality may not be as high as expected, but still find the pieces acceptable, particularly considering the price point. One customer noted the stone is not oversized and appears to be made of stone or glass, not plastic. Concerns regarding missing boxes in shipments have been raised, with some suggesting this is a cost-saving measure by the company. Overall, customer perceptions appear to be influenced by expectations relative to the price and brand positioning.
Care and Maintenance
Given that the Alex and Ani December birthstone bangle features an imitation stone and a metal base, specific care instructions are important. While the sources do not provide detailed cleaning guidelines, general recommendations for similar jewelry apply. Avoid exposing the bangle to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning agents or perfumes. Clean the metal components with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils. The imitation stone may be susceptible to scratching, so avoid abrasive cleaning methods. Store the bangle in a jewelry box or pouch to protect it from damage.
Table of Available December Birthstone Bangles (Based on Sources)
| Bangle Description | Price (USD) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| December Blue Zircon Teardrop Charm Bangle (Rafaelian Gold) | $32.00 | Sold Out |
| December Blue Zircon Teardrop Charm Bangle (Rafaelian Gold w/ Swarovski Crystals) | $32.00 | Sold Out |
Conclusion
The Alex and Ani December birthstone bangle offers a stylish and affordable way to celebrate a December birthday. While it does not feature a genuine gemstone, the imitation blue zircon provides a visually appealing representation of the traditional birthstone. The bangle’s expandable design, decorative charms, and range of finishes contribute to its versatility and appeal. Customer perceptions are generally positive, with many appreciating the value for money and aesthetic design. The brand’s commitment to recycled materials adds an element of sustainability. While availability can be limited, the Alex and Ani December birthstone bangle remains a popular choice for those seeking a fashionable and meaningful accessory.