The April birthstone is traditionally recognized as the diamond, a gemstone celebrated for its brilliance, durability, and enduring symbolism. While the provided sources primarily focus on Swarovski crystal alternatives marketed as April birthstones, they consistently link both diamonds and their crystal counterparts to themes of strength, clarity, and positive relationships. This article will explore the significance of the April birthstone, encompassing both the traditional diamond and the readily available Swarovski crystal options, drawing exclusively from the provided materials.
History and Lore
The sources indicate a strong association between the April birthstone – whether diamond or crystal – and positive personal attributes. Specifically, the April birthstone is believed to provide the wearer with “better relationships and an increase in inner strength.” Furthermore, wearing the stone is “purported to bring other benefits such as balance, clarity and abundance.” The sources do not detail the historical origins of these beliefs, nor do they trace the evolution of the diamond’s association with the month of April. However, they establish a clear connection between the gemstone and desirable qualities, suggesting a long-held tradition of attributing metaphysical properties to it.
The marketing materials highlight the gift-giving potential of these birthstones, positioning them as ideal “Christmas present or secret Santa gift.” This suggests a contemporary role for the April birthstone as a token of affection and well-wishing, aligning with broader traditions of gemstone gifting.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not contain information regarding the geological formation of diamonds or the locations where they are mined. They also do not detail the manufacturing processes for Swarovski crystals. The focus remains solely on the finished jewelry pieces and their symbolic meaning.
Gemological Properties
The sources offer limited gemological information. They specify that the Swarovski crystal earrings have a diameter of 1.5cm x 0.3cm. The metal used in the earrings is described as “Brass with 18ct Gold Plated.” No information is provided regarding the cut, clarity, or carat weight of either the diamonds or the Swarovski crystals. The materials list includes terms like “minimal jewellery,” “gold hoops,” “emerald Swarovski crystal,” “garnet crystal hoops,” “clear crystal hoops earrings,” “silver hoops earrings,” “gold statement hoops earrings,” “minimal hoops earrings,” and “cz clear hoops earrings,” indicating a variety of styles and crystal colors available.
It is important to note that Swarovski crystals are not naturally occurring gemstones. They are a type of lead glass crystal manufactured by Swarovski AG, known for their precision cutting and brilliance. While visually appealing, they differ significantly in composition and hardness from natural diamonds.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As previously mentioned, the primary symbolic associations highlighted in the sources are strength, clarity, balance, and abundance. The April birthstone is presented as a facilitator of “better relationships,” suggesting a connection to love, harmony, and interpersonal connections. The phrase “shine brightly like a diamond” used in a blogger’s post further reinforces the association of the gemstone with brilliance, radiance, and positive energy.
The sources do not delve into the historical or cultural origins of these symbolic meanings. However, the consistent emphasis on positive attributes suggests a deeply ingrained belief in the gemstone’s power to influence the wearer’s life.
Care and Cleaning
The sources offer limited guidance on gemstone care. They state that the team “handcraft[s] each piece with great care and love” and offer a repair service within 30 days of purchase for any manufacturing defects. This implies a level of craftsmanship and a commitment to quality. However, no specific instructions are provided regarding cleaning methods or precautions to take when wearing the jewelry. Given the use of brass and gold plating, it is reasonable to assume that the jewelry should be protected from harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.
Marketing and Media Presence
The provided sources demonstrate the marketing efforts surrounding these birthstone jewelry pieces. Touchstone Crystal’s products were featured in Life & Style’s Mother’s Day gift guide (May 2016), In Touch Weekly’s April 7th, 2016 issue, and Life Style Weekly in April 2016. Dylan Dryer wore a Sand Dollar Pendant from Touchstone Crystal on the TODAY Show (December 30th, 2015). Blogger Laura Rossi-Totten featured the jewelry in a holiday blog post, and Audrey McClelland featured a Sea Glass Necklace on her blog, Mom Generations. Real Simple magazine featured Flip Side Earrings in March 2016. Additionally, jewelry created in support of ACS Making Strides against Breast Cancer was featured in RI Monthly (October 2015). This media coverage highlights the brand’s visibility and its association with popular publications and personalities.
Swarovski Crystal as an Alternative
The sources heavily feature Swarovski crystal as a viable and affordable alternative to diamonds for April birthstone jewelry. The description of the earrings as “Bright, affordable and the perfect Christmas present or secret Santa gift!” explicitly positions them as an accessible option. The use of terms like “Swarovski crystal Earrings” and the emphasis on their ability to “brings a pop of light” suggest that these crystals can provide a similar aesthetic appeal to diamonds at a lower price point.
Gift Presentation and Customer Service
The sources emphasize the importance of gift presentation and customer service. Each piece is “individually wrapped in a branded SYMBOLOGY gift box” and includes a SYMBOLOGY gift card. Customers can request a personalized gift note to be included with their purchase. The company also offers a repair service for manufacturing defects within 30 days of purchase, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
The April birthstone, traditionally the diamond, is presented in these sources as a symbol of strength, clarity, balance, and abundance. While the sources primarily showcase Swarovski crystal alternatives, they consistently link both materials to these positive attributes. The marketing materials highlight the accessibility and gift-giving potential of these birthstones, emphasizing their role as tokens of affection and well-wishing. The limited gemological information provided focuses on the physical dimensions of the earrings and the materials used in their construction. The sources also demonstrate the brand’s marketing efforts and its commitment to customer service. Overall, the April birthstone, in both its traditional and crystal forms, represents a celebration of inner strength, positive relationships, and enduring beauty.