The August birthstone, as represented in available sources, is associated with charms crafted from sterling silver and featuring a spring green-colored crystal. These charms, often designed as infinity symbols or love hearts, are primarily utilized in personalized jewelry, particularly bracelets and necklaces. While the provided materials do not delve into the historical or geological origins of a specific gemstone, they offer insight into the contemporary presentation and material composition of August birthstone jewelry. This article will detail the characteristics of these charms, their materials, and their place within the current jewelry market.
Contemporary Representations of the August Birthstone
The available documentation focuses on the modern interpretation of the August birthstone as a charm intended for use with popular bracelet systems like Pandora, Tedora, and Trollbeads. These charms are designed to be versatile, compatible with various bracelet styles and necklace chains. The emphasis is on personalization and commemorating significant life moments. The “birthstone” designation appears to be applied to a style of charm rather than a traditionally recognized gemstone.
Material Composition: Sterling Silver and Crystals
The primary material used in the construction of these August birthstone charms is sterling silver (S925). This alloy, composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (typically copper), is a standard in jewelry making due to its durability, affordability, and attractive luster. The charms are explicitly stated to be nickel-free, addressing a common concern for individuals with metal sensitivities.
Accompanying the sterling silver is a “spring green” faceted crystal. The sources identify this crystal as a man-made material, specifically noting it is not a naturally occurring gemstone. The crystal is described as being faceted, enhancing its brilliance and light reflection. Further, the crystal is identified as a Cubic Zirconia.
Design and Style
The charms described exhibit a contemporary design aesthetic. A prominent motif is the infinity symbol, represented by a triple-knotted circle. This design element symbolizes eternity and enduring connection, aligning with the intention of the charm to capture “unforgettable moments.” Another style is a love heart shape. The spring green crystal is integrated into the design, often dangling from the charm to add movement and visual interest. The overall style is categorized as “Bijoux,” a French term encompassing fashionable jewelry and accessories.
Dimensions and Specifications
The data sheet provided details specific dimensions for the charm: a length of 11mm and a width of 9mm. These relatively small dimensions suggest the charm is designed to be part of a larger ensemble on a bracelet or necklace, rather than a statement piece on its own. The reference code for the charm is 763462C08.
Market and Retail Information
The sources indicate that these charms are readily available for purchase through online retailers like Coe and Costores and Mijnbedels.com. They are marketed as suitable gifts and as a means of personal expression. The charms are presented as a way to “add a drop of colour” to jewelry collections. The retail context emphasizes accessibility and the ability to customize jewelry with meaningful symbols.
Delivery and Returns
Information regarding delivery and returns is included, noting potential delays due to severe weather, strike action, or terrorism. The retailer offers a 14-day return policy for eligible products, providing customers with a degree of purchase security.
Summary of Gemological Properties (Based on Materials)
While the “August birthstone” in this context is not a traditional gemstone, we can summarize the properties of the materials used:
| Property | Sterling Silver (S925) | Cubic Zirconia |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Ag92.5, Cu7.5 | ZrO₂ |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 2.5 - 3 | 8.5 |
| Color | Silver-white | Spring Green |
| Luster | Metallic | Adamantine |
| Transparency | Opaque | Transparent |
| Specific Gravity | 10.49 | 5.6 - 6.0 |
Limitations of the Provided Sources
It is crucial to acknowledge the limited scope of the provided sources. They focus exclusively on commercially available charms and do not offer any historical, geological, or traditional gemological information about an August birthstone. The sources do not mention peridot, spinel, or sardonyx, which are commonly recognized as August birthstones in other contexts. The information presented here is specific to the charms described and should not be generalized to all August birthstones. The term "birthstone" appears to be used in a marketing context to categorize these charms rather than reflecting a long-standing gemological tradition.
Conclusion
The available information presents a contemporary interpretation of the August birthstone as a charm crafted from sterling silver and adorned with a spring green cubic zirconia crystal. These charms are designed for personalization and are compatible with popular bracelet systems. While lacking the historical depth of traditional birthstones, these charms represent a modern approach to birthstone jewelry, emphasizing style, affordability, and meaningful symbolism. The sources highlight the importance of material composition (sterling silver, nickel-free) and design elements (infinity symbol, faceted crystal) in appealing to contemporary consumers. The limited scope of the provided materials underscores the need for further research to understand the broader history and gemological significance of August birthstones.