The provided sources primarily detail the product catalog of Bertke Brothers, a jewelry retailer. While comprehensive in terms of inventory, the materials offer limited in-depth information on specific gemstones beyond their presence in various jewelry pieces, particularly pendants. Therefore, a 2000-word article detailing a specific gemstone’s history, geology, or lore is not feasible based solely on these sources. This article will instead focus on the types of gemstone and diamond pendants offered by Bertke Brothers, the materials used in their construction, and the range of styles available, as reflected in the provided documentation.
Pendants as a Jewelry Form
Pendants have a long and rich history, serving as both adornment and symbols of status, belief, and personal meaning. The sources indicate Bertke Brothers offers a diverse selection of pendants, encompassing diamond, gemstone (specifically referencing birthstones), cubic zirconia (CZ), and sterling silver options. The prevalence of cross and crucifix pendants suggests a significant portion of their inventory caters to religious symbolism. The availability of lockets further expands the sentimental value associated with their pendant offerings.
Materials and Construction
Bertke Brothers utilizes a variety of materials in their pendant construction. These include:
- Precious Metals: 14kt gold (in various colors – yellow, white, tri-color, and two-tone), sterling silver, and gold-filled metals are prominently featured.
- Gemstones: The catalog explicitly lists “14kt Birthstone Earrings” and “SS/STELLP1W/18” as an “Oval BW CZ Pendant with SS/WH1.5/18”, indicating the inclusion of both natural gemstones and cubic zirconia simulants.
- Other Materials: Stainless steel is used in some pendants, particularly those designed as cremation urns.
The sources detail various chain types available to accompany the pendants, including box, cable, diamond cut snail, franco, rolo, rope, Singapore, snake, Lumina, and wheat chains, constructed from materials like stainless steel, gold-filled metals, and sterling silver.
Styles and Designs
The Bertke Brothers catalog showcases a wide array of pendant styles:
- Religious Motifs: Crosses and crucifixes are a significant part of the inventory, available in 14kt gold, sterling silver, and gold-filled materials.
- Diamond Pendants: A dedicated section focuses on diamond pendants, with various designs listed by code (e.g., 3STONE/WDCROLO35, ORSP01YW). The specific designs are not detailed beyond these codes.
- Gemstone Pendants: “14kt Birthstone Earrings” suggests the availability of gemstone pendants corresponding to birthstones, though specific gemstones are not listed.
- Cubic Zirconia Pendants: The “SS/STELLP1W/18” pendant is specifically identified as featuring a black cubic zirconia.
- Memorial Pendants: Stainless steel cross pendants designed to hold cremation ashes are offered, highlighting a niche market within their product range.
- Fashion Pendants: The catalog includes a broad category of fashion pendants in sterling silver and vermeil.
Product Codes and Inventory Management
The sources reveal a detailed product coding system used by Bertke Brothers for inventory management. Pendants are identified by codes such as “SS/STELLP1W/18” and “3STONE/WDCROLO35”. These codes likely represent specific design variations, materials, and sizes. The catalog lists multiple pages of pendant options, indicating a substantial inventory.
Bertke Brothers’ Broader Jewelry Offerings
While the focus is on pendants, the sources demonstrate Bertke Brothers’ extensive jewelry selection. The catalog includes listings for rings, bracelets, chains, charms, earrings, necklaces, watches, and estate jewelry. They also carry items from various designers, including Ania Haie, Benchmark, Christopher Designs, and Le Vian, among others. The company also offers jewelry services such as diamond and gold buying, financing options, custom jewelry design, and repairs/appraisals.
Table of Pendant Materials
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| 14kt Gold | Available in yellow, white, tri-color, two-tone |
| Sterling Silver | Used for pendants, chains, and charms |
| Gold-Filled | Used for crosses, chains, and bracelets |
| Stainless Steel | Used for memorial pendants |
| Cubic Zirconia | Used as a diamond simulant in pendants |
| Gemstones | Offered as birthstone pendants |
Limited Gemological Information
It is crucial to reiterate that the provided sources offer minimal gemological information. There is no discussion of gemstone hardness, chemical composition, refractive index, or geological origins. The term “birthstone” is used, implying an awareness of the traditional association between gemstones and months of the year, but no specific birthstone properties are detailed. The sources do not provide any historical context or lore surrounding the gemstones offered. The only specific gemstone mentioned is cubic zirconia, identified as a simulant.
Conclusion
The provided sources from Bertke Brothers primarily function as a product catalog, showcasing a diverse range of pendants constructed from various materials and in numerous styles. While the catalog indicates the availability of gemstone pendants, including birthstones, it lacks the detailed gemological and historical information necessary for a comprehensive article on a specific gemstone. The information gleaned from these sources is valuable for understanding Bertke Brothers’ inventory and product offerings, but it does not provide sufficient data to fulfill the original request for a 2000-word article on a specific gemstone. The focus remains on the availability of gemstone pendants within their catalog, rather than the gemstones themselves.