These attractive earrings represent a contemporary approach to celebrating birthstones, utilizing Austrian crystal discs set in sterling silver plating. Designed and manufactured in the United States by Baked Beads, these earrings offer an accessible and stylish way to connect with the tradition of wearing one’s birthstone. While the historical depth surrounding the stones themselves is not detailed within the available sources, the earrings represent a continuation of the practice of associating gemstones with specific months, a custom with roots stretching back centuries. This article will explore the available information regarding these birthstone earrings, the materials used in their creation, and the broader context of birthstone jewelry.
A Contemporary Collection
Baked Beads offers a collection of twelve earrings, each featuring a different Austrian crystal disc corresponding to a month of the year. The earrings are presented on gift cards, facilitating easy display and gifting, and are designed and made in America. The diameter of each earring is approximately ¼ inch, and the accompanying card measures 2 ¼ inches in length and 1 ¾ inches in width. This attention to presentation suggests a focus on the retail experience and the earrings’ suitability as gifts. The company’s origins, as described in one source, began with a founder’s artistic pursuits and evolved into a thriving fashion jewelry business through travel, self-teaching, and ultimately, wholesale trade shows. This narrative highlights a commitment to handmade quality and American craftsmanship.
The Twelve Birthstones Represented
The collection encompasses the traditional twelve birthstones, allowing customers to select the stone associated with their birth month. The pairings are as follows:
- Garnet – January
- Amethyst – February
- Aquamarine – March
- Crystal – April
- Emerald – May
- Light Amethyst – June
- Ruby – July
- Peridot – August
- Sapphire – September
- Rose – October
- Topaz – November
- Blue Zircon – December
This list adheres to a commonly recognized birthstone chart, though variations in birthstone assignments exist across different cultures and historical periods. The inclusion of “Crystal” for April and “Rose” for October suggests a specific interpretation of the traditional list, potentially referencing rose quartz.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The earrings are crafted using Austrian crystal, a widely recognized and respected material in the costume jewelry industry. The setting is plated in sterling silver, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish. The “Made in USA” designation is prominently featured, emphasizing the earrings’ domestic origin and potentially appealing to consumers who prioritize supporting American businesses. The company’s history, beginning with handmade earrings sold directly from the founder, suggests a continued emphasis on craftsmanship, even as the business has scaled.
Beyond Birthstones: Powerstones and Healing Stones
Baked Beads also offers a line of “Powerstone” earrings, which utilize different gemstones believed to possess specific properties. These include Black Onyx (Strength), Green Adventurine (Opportunity), Carnelian (Creativity), Pearl (Loyalty), Sodalite (Intuition), Rose Quartz (Love), Blue Lace Agate (Balance), Amethyst (Healing), Turquoise (Kindness), Garnet (Passion), Tiger’s Eye (Resilience), and Abalone (Protection). This expansion beyond traditional birthstones demonstrates an engagement with the broader market for gemstone jewelry and the associated beliefs in the metaphysical properties of stones. These beliefs, while not scientifically substantiated, are a significant driver of demand for certain gemstones.
Gemstone Lore and Historical Context (Limited by Sources)
While the provided sources do not delve deeply into the historical lore surrounding each birthstone, they allude to a rich tradition. One source briefly mentions the scarab beetle, a sacred symbol in ancient Egypt often carved into stones, and references the rose cut, a diamond cut popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. These references hint at the long history of humans attributing meaning and significance to gemstones. The mention of “stabilized stones” – gemstones impregnated with plastic to improve appearance and durability – speaks to the ongoing efforts to enhance and preserve the beauty of natural materials.
Additional Gemstone Jewelry Offered
Beyond the birthstone and powerstone earrings, Baked Beads appears to offer a diverse range of gemstone jewelry, including bracelets, rings, and pendants. Materials used include natural Rose Quartz, Black Obsidian, Agate, Amethyst, and Clear Quartz. The variety of offerings suggests a broad appeal to customers interested in both traditional and contemporary gemstone designs. The mention of “seed pearls” – small, round pearls less than 2mm in diameter – indicates an awareness of historical jewelry styles.
Gemstone Terminology
One source provides a brief glossary of gemstone-related terms, including:
- Fluorescence: The emission of light from a stone under ultraviolet light.
- Girdle: The widest perimeter of a stone.
- Glyptography: The art of engraving stones.
- Hallmark: A mark indicating the purity of precious metals.
- Rose Cut: A diamond cut with a flat base and triangular facets.
- Roulz: An alloy of copper, nickel, and silver.
- Ruthenium: A precious platinum metal.
- Satin Finish: A semi-glossy metal finish.
- Schiller: A lustrous iridescent reflection in certain minerals.
- Spring Ring: A common clasp for necklaces and bracelets.
This glossary demonstrates a level of gemological knowledge within the company and provides helpful information for customers interested in learning more about gemstones and jewelry construction.
Care and Cleaning (Inferred)
While the sources do not explicitly provide care instructions, the use of sterling silver plating suggests that the earrings should be protected from harsh chemicals and excessive moisture. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth can help maintain their shine. Given the use of Austrian crystal, avoiding abrasive cleaners is recommended to prevent scratching.
Table of Birthstones and Corresponding Months
| Month | Birthstone |
|---|---|
| January | Garnet |
| February | Amethyst |
| March | Aquamarine |
| April | Crystal |
| May | Emerald |
| June | Light Amethyst |
| July | Ruby |
| August | Peridot |
| September | Sapphire |
| October | Rose |
| November | Topaz |
| December | Blue Zircon |
Conclusion
The Baked Beads birthstone crystal earrings represent a modern and accessible interpretation of a long-standing tradition. Crafted in the USA with Austrian crystal and sterling silver plating, these earrings offer a stylish way to celebrate one’s birth month or to gift a meaningful piece of jewelry. While the provided sources offer limited historical context, they highlight the company’s commitment to craftsmanship, American manufacturing, and a diverse range of gemstone jewelry options. The inclusion of “powerstone” earrings demonstrates an awareness of the growing interest in the metaphysical properties of gemstones, further expanding the appeal of their product line.