Birthstone Angel Pins: A Symbol of Remembrance and Affection

These delicately crafted angel pins, adorned with birthstones, represent a charming intersection of sentimentality and gemstone appreciation. Primarily offered as memorial jewelry or gifts to celebrate birthdays, these pins feature a consistent design element: a gold-plated angel figure embellished with a birthstone-colored gem. The available sources detail the materials used, the symbolism associated with certain stones, and the overall purpose of these pins as tokens of remembrance and affection.

The pins are consistently described as featuring a gold-plated angel, often with a jeweled head, body, and wings. The wings specifically incorporate the color of the corresponding birthstone, while the head is frequently accented with a Genuine Austrian Crystal. The body of the angel is often embellished with a cabochon gemstone, such as peridot, or a cubic zirconia representing the birthstone color. Sizes vary slightly, with some measuring approximately 3/4 inches in height and others around .875 inches wide by .75 inches high. They are typically presented on a card with a poem or hangtag, ready for gifting. The backing is generally a military clutch style, ensuring secure attachment to clothing.

History and Lore

The concept of associating gemstones with specific months, and thus with birthdays, has ancient roots. While the provided sources do not detail the complete history of birthstones, one source references a history dating back to Roman times, specifically in relation to the August birthstone, Peridot. This suggests a long-standing tradition of attributing meaning and healing properties to gemstones. The pins themselves, however, are a more recent development, serving as a contemporary expression of this ancient practice.

The inclusion of an angel motif adds another layer of symbolism. Angels are widely recognized as symbols of protection, guidance, and remembrance. The combination of the birthstone and the angel creates a piece of jewelry that is both personally meaningful and spiritually comforting. The poem accompanying the pins reinforces this sentiment, invoking themes of angelic presence, peace, and protection. The pins are frequently marketed as a way to remember loved ones, suggesting a connection to grief and memorialization.

Gemstone Representation and Symbolism

The sources highlight the availability of angel pins representing all twelve months of the year, each featuring a different birthstone color. While the sources do not provide detailed gemological information about each stone, they do offer some insight into the symbolism associated with specific gems.

The August birthstone, Peridot, is specifically mentioned as being associated with healing relationship stress, lessening anger and jealousy, and slowing the aging process. It is also described as a stone that hallmarks abundance and prosperity. This suggests that Peridot is viewed as a stone with positive and restorative energies.

The sources list the availability of pins representing the following birthstones:

Garnet (January)
Amethyst (February)
Aquamarine (March)
Crystal (April)
Alexandrite (June)
Ruby (July)
Peridot (August)
Sapphire (September)
Rose Zircon (October)
Topaz (November)
Blue Zircon (December)

It is important to note that the "crystal" listed for April likely refers to Quartz, a common birthstone for that month. The use of cubic zirconia and Austrian crystals in the pins indicates that these are often used as affordable and visually appealing substitutes for the natural gemstones.

Materials and Craftsmanship

The angel pins are primarily constructed from gold-plated metal, providing a warm and lustrous finish. The gemstones used are either handset cabochons, as seen in the Peridot pin, or cubic zirconia, chosen for their color and brilliance. The use of Genuine Austrian Crystals for the angel’s head adds a touch of sparkle and sophistication.

The craftsmanship is described as “beautifully crafted,” with attention to detail in the design of the wings and the setting of the gemstones. The wings are often described as “modulated” and “reflective,” suggesting a textured surface that catches the light. The pins are individually packaged and presented on a card with a poem or hangtag, enhancing their appeal as gifts.

Purpose and Occasions

The primary purpose of these angel pins is as a sentimental gift or a personal reminder. They are frequently marketed as memorial jewelry, offering a tangible way to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away. The angel motif and the birthstone connection create a piece of jewelry that is both meaningful and comforting.

The pins are also suitable for a variety of other occasions, including:

Birthdays: As a gift representing the recipient’s birth month.
Sympathy Gifts: To offer condolences and support to those who are grieving.
Get Well Gifts: To provide encouragement and hope to someone who is ill.
Religious Gifts: As a symbol of faith and spiritual connection.
Small Tokens of Affection: To show someone you care.

The compact size and convenient packaging of the pins make them ideal for sending with a card or including in a gift basket.

Care and Maintenance

Due to the gold plating and the use of crystals and cubic zirconia, these angel pins require gentle care. Avoid exposing the pins to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning solutions or perfumes. To clean the pins, gently wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or polishing cloths, as these can damage the plating and the gemstones. Store the pins in a soft pouch or jewelry box to protect them from scratches and dust.

Market Value and Availability

The provided sources indicate a price range of $21.00 to $25.00 USD for the angel wings birthstone memorial lapel pins, with some on sale for $21.00 USD. Other birthstone angel pins are listed at $8.00 USD on sale for $6.79 USD. These pins are readily available for purchase online through various retailers, including funeral program sites, gift shops, and online marketplaces. Availability of specific birthstone colors may vary.

Summary of Gemstone Properties (Table)

While the sources do not provide comprehensive gemological data, the following table summarizes the birthstones mentioned and their general properties based on widely available information (not sourced from the provided materials, but included for context):

Birthstone	Month	Color(s)	Hardness (Mohs)	Chemical Composition
Garnet	January	Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Purple, Brown	6.5 - 7.5	Various silicate minerals
Amethyst	February	Purple	7	SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide)
Aquamarine	March	Blue, Blue-Green	7.5 - 8	Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ (Beryllium Aluminum Silicate)
Quartz (Crystal)	April	Clear, White, Rose, Amethyst, Citrine	7	SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide)
Alexandrite	June	Color-Changing (Green in daylight, Red in incandescent light)	8.5	BeAl₂O₄ (Beryllium Aluminum Oxide)
Ruby	July	Red	9	Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide)
Peridot	August	Olive Green	6.5 - 7	(Mg,Fe)₂SiO₄ (Magnesium Iron Silicate)
Sapphire	September	Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, White	9	Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide)
Rose Zircon	October	Pink	6.5 - 7.5	ZrSiO₄ (Zirconium Silicate)
Topaz	November	Yellow, Brown, Blue, Pink	8	Al₂SiO₄(OH,F)₂ (Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide Fluoride)
Blue Zircon	December	Blue	6.5 - 7.5	ZrSiO₄ (Zirconium Silicate)

Conclusion

Birthstone angel pins represent a thoughtful and sentimental way to express affection, offer comfort, and celebrate life’s milestones. Combining the ancient tradition of birthstone symbolism with the comforting imagery of angels, these pins serve as a tangible reminder of loved ones and the enduring power of hope and remembrance. While the provided sources offer limited gemological detail, they clearly demonstrate the enduring appeal of these charming and meaningful pieces of jewelry.