The ASTRA collection, originating from New Zealand, centers around personalized jewelry designed to commemorate significant life events and relationships. While not traditionally recognized as a classic birthstone, Turquoise features prominently within the ASTRA brand’s offerings, specifically within their “Ultimate Sagittarius Zodiac Bracelet.” Pearls are also a key component of their designs, notably in the “9ct astra double pearl ring.” This article will explore the use of Turquoise and Pearls within the ASTRA brand, their associated symbolism, and the brand’s emergence within the jewelry market.
The ASTRA Brand and its Philosophy
ASTRA Jewellery has rapidly gained recognition, winning the Emerging Jewellery Brand of the Year accolade and participating in industry discussions regarding the silver jewelry market. The brand distinguishes itself through a focus on storytelling, offering pieces designed to represent personal narratives – anniversaries, birthdays, friendships, and familial bonds. The ASTRA Family & Friend Story Collection, Birthday Story collection, and Anniversary Story collection all exemplify this approach. Each piece is intended to be a tangible representation of cherished memories and relationships. The brand’s success is evidenced by its rapid expansion, opening 80 accounts within six weeks of entering the UK market.
Turquoise: A Guiding Stone for Sagittarius
The “Ultimate Sagittarius Zodiac Bracelet” from the ASTRA Collection incorporates Turquoise as a key gemstone. This bracelet is presented as a talisman of exploration, wisdom, and optimism, aligning with the adventurous spirit often associated with the Sagittarius zodiac sign. Turquoise is described as a “timeless traveler’s stone,” offering protection, harmony, and balance. Within the ASTRA context, it serves as a “guiding sky” for those born under Sagittarius. The bracelet utilizes 8mm ethically sourced Turquoise beads, hand-strung on a durable stretch cord, positioning the jewelry as both a fashion accessory and a spiritual tool.
Pearls: Symbols of Elegance and Connection
The “9ct astra double pearl ring” showcases Pearls, approximately 4mm in diameter, as a central design element. Pearls, while not explicitly linked to a specific birth month within the provided sources, are presented as part of ASTRA’s broader design aesthetic. The ring is a product of JAN LOGAN’s design and production, emphasizing the craftsmanship and quality of the piece. Pearls have long been associated with purity, innocence, and elegance, and their inclusion in the ASTRA collection contributes to the brand’s overall theme of celebrating meaningful connections.
Gemological Properties – Turquoise
While the provided sources do not detail the full gemological properties of Turquoise, they establish its importance within the ASTRA brand’s offerings. Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, with a chemical formula of CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O. It is known for its opaque nature and varying shades of blue, often with matrix patterns. The hardness of Turquoise typically ranges from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching. This information, however, is not present in the provided sources.
Gemological Properties – Pearls
Similarly, the sources do not provide a comprehensive gemological profile of Pearls. Pearls are organic gemstones formed within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk. They are composed of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. Pearl quality is assessed based on luster, nacre, shape, size, and surface perfection. The sources only specify the approximate diameter of the pearls used in the ASTRA ring (4mm).
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The ASTRA brand imbues Turquoise with specific symbolic meaning for Sagittarius individuals: clarity of voice, truth, and calm communication. It is presented as a stone that soothes fiery energy and facilitates the expression of truth with compassion. Turquoise is also broadly recognized as a protective stone, offering harmony and balance, aligning with the adventurous nature of Sagittarius. Pearls, while not explicitly assigned a specific meaning within the provided sources, traditionally symbolize purity, innocence, and new beginnings. They are often associated with femininity and grace.
Care and Cleaning
The ASTRA materials provide basic care instructions for their jewelry. It is recommended to cleanse the beads gently and regularly using a soft, dry cloth. Harsh chemicals and prolonged exposure to water should be avoided, particularly for porous materials. Gemstone beads can be cleaned with a lightly dampened cloth, followed by immediate drying. These instructions are particularly relevant for the Turquoise and Pearl pieces, given their relative softness and potential sensitivity to chemicals.
ASTRA’s Market Positioning and Recognition
ASTRA Jewellery has successfully positioned itself as a brand focused on personalized storytelling through jewelry. The brand’s participation in industry events, such as the CMJ’s Dragons Den contest, and its recognition by publications like Professional Jeweller, demonstrate its growing influence within the jewelry market. The brand’s ability to open a significant number of retail accounts in a short period highlights its commercial potential. ASTRA’s offerings extend beyond traditional jewelry categories, encompassing gifts for various occasions – birthdays, anniversaries, friendships, and protection charms.
Ring Sizing Information
The provided materials include a detailed international ring size chart for the “9ct astra double pearl ring,” offering conversions between circumference (mm), diameter (mm), Australian/UK/European sizes, US sizes, Asian sizes, and Swiss sizes. This chart facilitates accurate ring sizing for customers purchasing online or remotely. The chart spans sizes from F (44.2mm circumference) to Z+1 (69.7mm circumference), providing a comprehensive range of options.
Warranty and Shipping Information
ASTRA Jewellery offers a 30-day return policy for unused, non-customized items. Orders are typically processed within 2-3 business days, with delivery times varying based on location. Customized products may require 7-10 business days for processing before shipping. All purchases come with a six-month warranty, providing customers with assurance regarding the quality and durability of their jewelry. Gift wrapping is also offered, presented in JAN LOGAN’s signature packaging with a personalized note.
Conclusion
ASTRA Jewellery distinguishes itself through its commitment to personalized storytelling and the use of meaningful gemstones like Turquoise and Pearls. While not traditional birthstones in the conventional sense, these gems are strategically incorporated into the ASTRA collection to represent specific zodiac signs (Turquoise for Sagittarius) and to symbolize broader themes of connection, purity, and elegance (Pearls). The brand’s rapid growth and industry recognition demonstrate its successful market positioning and its ability to resonate with consumers seeking jewelry that holds personal significance. The focus on ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship further enhances ASTRA’s appeal.