The September birthstone, traditionally sapphire, is celebrated in a variety of charming designs by Alex and Ani, particularly their popular bangle collections. These bangles, often featuring Swarovski® Crystals, offer a contemporary take on a classic gemstone, blending style with symbolic meaning. This article will explore the details of these September birthstone bangles, encompassing their availability, materials, care, and the broader context of sapphire’s association with the month of September.
History and Lore
While the provided sources do not delve deeply into the historical lore of sapphires, they establish a connection to contemporary celebrations of birth months through the Alex and Ani brand. The brand’s focus on charms and bangles allows individuals to personalize their jewelry and connect with symbolic meanings. The September Sapphire Birthstone Teardrop Charm Bangle, as highlighted in the sources, provides a modern interpretation of a traditional birthstone, allowing wearers to carry a piece of their birth month’s symbolism with them. The sources do not provide information on the ancient history or traditional beliefs surrounding sapphires, but the very act of designating a gemstone for each month speaks to a long-standing human tradition of attributing meaning and power to these natural treasures.
Gemological Properties and Materials
The sources primarily focus on the materials used in the Alex and Ani bangles themselves, rather than the gemological properties of sapphire in its natural form. The September birthstone bangles are crafted with Swarovski® Crystals intended to mimic the appearance of sapphire. These crystals are set within bangles made from recycled brass. Alex and Ani offers several finishes for their bracelets, including Rafaelian Gold Finish, Rafaelian Silver Finish, Shiny Silver Finish, and Yellow Gold Finish. The Rafaelian Gold and Silver Finishes are nickel-free, while the Shiny Silver and Yellow Gold Finishes may contain nickel.
The expandable wire bangles are adjustable, ranging from two to three and a half inches in diameter, with an average circumference of seven and a half inches. The use of recycled brass underscores the brand’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. The aging process of the brass contributes to the unique beauty of each piece, while an anti-tarnish coating helps maintain its finish.
Design and Availability
Alex and Ani’s September birthstone bangles are available in a teardrop charm design, and in both Rafaelian Gold and Rafaelian Silver finishes. The sources indicate that, as of December 15, 2014, some Disney Alex and Ani bracelets became available in Shiny Silver and Yellow Gold finishes, though it is not specified if this included the September birthstone bangle.
These bangles are sold through various channels, including DisneyStore.com, the Shop Disney Parks app (for iOS and Android), and select retailers within Disney World and Disneyland Parks. Specific locations within the parks include Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure, Fortuosity Shop in Disneyland Park, Disney Vault 28 and World of Disney Store in the Downtown Disney District, Discovery Trading Company in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Bayview Gifts in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Keystone Clothiers in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Tren-D, World of Disney Store, and ALEX AND ANI in Disney Springs, as well as Mouse Gear and Heritage Manor Gifts in Epcot, and the Emporium in Magic Kingdom Park.
The brand also offers a variety of other charms and bangles inspired by Disney attractions and characters, allowing customers to create personalized stacks. While the sources discourage stacking multiple charms on a single bangle to maintain its aesthetic appeal, the wide range of designs encourages collecting and layering.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty and longevity of Alex and Ani jewelry. The sources recommend cleaning jewelry with mild soap, water, and a soft cloth, followed by rinsing and patting dry. Jewelry cleaner should not be used on Trend pieces, as it may be too harsh. For Precious pieces, a polishing cloth is recommended.
General care guidelines include storing each piece separately, applying beauty products before wearing jewelry to avoid damage from chemicals, and removing jewelry before swimming, bathing, or doing household chores. These precautions help protect the finish and prevent tarnishing.
Pricing and Purchasing
As of the time of publishing of the source materials, the birthstone bangles, character-inspired bangles, and enamel cloisonné bangles were priced at $31.95, $39.95, and $44.95 respectively. The sources indicate that the September birthstone bangles are priced at $32.00, but are frequently sold out. Customers can also take advantage of “Shop Now, Pay Later” options like Afterpay. Additional accessories, such as magnetic gift boxes, jewelry travel pouches, and polishing cloths, are available for purchase to enhance the gifting experience and maintain the jewelry’s condition.
Beyond the Bangle: Alex and Ani’s Broader Collection
Alex and Ani offers a diverse range of jewelry beyond birthstone bangles, including charm necklaces, rings, earrings, and cuff bracelets. The brand frequently collaborates with Disney, creating collections inspired by popular characters and attractions. Recent additions to their collection include pieces inspired by Beetlejuice, Polly Pocket, and a “Cosmic Cowgirl” theme. They also offer a line of Everyday Birthstone Pave Bolo Bracelets for September, October, November, December, January, and February. The brand’s commitment to design and collaboration ensures a constantly evolving selection of stylish and meaningful jewelry.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance (Limited by Sources)
The provided sources do not detail the traditional symbolism associated with sapphires. However, the act of designating sapphire as the September birthstone inherently imbues it with meaning. Sapphires are often associated with wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. The choice to represent September with sapphire suggests a connection to qualities of serenity, focus, and inner strength. The use of Swarovski® Crystals in the Alex and Ani bangles offers a contemporary interpretation of this symbolism, making it accessible and fashionable.
Table of Available Finishes
| Finish | Nickel-Free | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rafaelian Gold | Yes | Rich, eco-friendly matte gold finish |
| Rafaelian Silver | Yes | Rich, eco-friendly matte silver finish |
| Shiny Silver | No | Polished silver finish |
| Yellow Gold | No | Polished gold finish |
Conclusion
The Alex and Ani September birthstone bangle offers a stylish and symbolic way to celebrate the month of September. Crafted from recycled brass and adorned with Swarovski® Crystals, these bangles combine contemporary design with a nod to traditional birthstone lore. The brand’s commitment to eco-friendly materials and accessible pricing makes these pieces appealing to a wide audience. While the provided sources do not offer a comprehensive history of sapphires, they highlight the enduring appeal of birthstones and the power of jewelry to express personal meaning and connection. The availability of these bangles through Disney channels further enhances their appeal to Disney enthusiasts and collectors.