Birthstone rings represent a deeply personal and sentimental form of jewelry, increasingly popular as “push presents” for new mothers and cherished gifts for loved ones. The practice of associating specific gemstones with each month of the year has a rich history, evolving from ancient traditions to a standardized list established in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers. Today, both traditional and modern birthstone lists offer a diverse range of options for creating meaningful and beautiful jewelry. This article will explore the history of birthstone lists, the significance of birthstone rings, popular styles, and specific gemstones mentioned within the provided sources, focusing on their use in contemporary jewelry design.
A History of Birthstone Standardization
Prior to the 20th century, birthstone associations were often regional and varied considerably. Different cultures and even different jewelers maintained their own lists. It wasn’t until 1912 that a concerted effort was made to create a standardized, official list of birthstones. This standardization, while simplifying the process for jewelers and consumers, resulted in some months having multiple assigned gemstones – one to four, in some cases. The original “traditional” list has since been updated to a “modern” list, offering alternative gemstones for certain months. The choice between the traditional and modern lists ultimately comes down to personal preference, allowing individuals to select the gems that resonate most with them.
The traditional birthstone list includes garnet for January, amethyst for February, bloodstone for March, diamond for April, emerald for May, pearl for June, ruby for July, sardonyx for August, sapphire for September, opal for October, topaz for November, and turquoise or lapis lazuli for December. The modern list offers some variations, including aquamarine for March, alexandrite and pearl for June, peridot or spinel for August, tourmaline for October, and blue zircon, blue topaz, turquoise, or tanzanite for December.
The Rise of the Push Present
The tradition of giving a “push present” – a gift given to a new mother after childbirth – has gained significant popularity in recent years. Gemstone jewelry, particularly birthstone rings, has emerged as a favored choice for this occasion. These rings serve as a tangible symbol of love, appreciation, and the celebration of new life. Birthstone rings for mothers often feature the birthstones of their children, representing the unbreakable bond between parent and child. The rings can be designed in various styles, including eternity bands, stackable rings, and three-stone rings, each offering a unique aesthetic and symbolic meaning.
Popular Styles of Birthstone Rings for Mothers
Several distinct styles of birthstone rings are particularly well-suited for commemorating motherhood. Eternity birthstone bands, characterized by a continuous circle of gemstones, symbolize never-ending love and commitment. These bands can be crafted with a single birthstone repeated around the entire circumference or with multiple birthstones representing each child. Stackable birthstone rings are another popular option, offering versatility and the ability to be worn alongside wedding and other rings. These rings are typically thin and delicate, featuring one or two small gemstones. Three-stone birthstone rings provide a classic and elegant design, allowing for the incorporation of three different gemstones, perhaps representing the mother, father, and child, or the birthstones of multiple children.
Featured Gemstones and Their Significance
The provided sources highlight several specific gemstones commonly used in birthstone rings.
Peridot: The Vibrant Green of August
Peridot, the traditional August birthstone, is known for its vibrant, uniquely green hue. It is found in volcanic rock and its value is often determined by the lightness of its color, with lighter shades generally being more prized. Warmer metal settings, such as yellow gold or rose gold, are often recommended to enhance the yellow undertones present in many peridot stones.
Spinel: An Alternative for August
While peridot is the traditional August birthstone, spinel is recognized as a modern alternative. Spinel occurs in a wide variety of colors, including red, blue, and pink, offering a broader range of aesthetic choices.
Sapphire: The Sophisticated September Stone
Sapphire, the birthstone for September, is renowned for its rich blue color. However, sapphires also occur in other hues. The gem is often set in white gold or platinum to accentuate its cool tones and create a sleek, sophisticated look. Sapphire rings are also traditionally given as gifts for 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries, adding to their symbolic significance.
Opal: The Magical October Gem
Opal, the birthstone for October, is celebrated for its magical, shimmering appearance. The subtle, rainbow-like play of color within the opal is complemented by a variety of metal settings, including rose gold, sterling silver, and white gold. Diamond accents are frequently incorporated into opal rings to enhance their sparkle and brilliance.
Garnet: The January Gemstone
Garnet, the birthstone for January, is a classic and versatile gemstone. It is known for its deep red color, though garnets can also occur in other shades.
Amethyst: The February Gemstone
Amethyst, the birthstone for February, is a purple variety of quartz. It is relatively common and widely available.
Diamond: The April Gemstone
Diamond, the birthstone for April, is renowned for its brilliance, hardness, and timeless beauty.
Emerald: The May Gemstone
Emerald, the birthstone for May, is a green variety of beryl. It is a highly prized gemstone known for its vibrant color.
Ruby: The July Gemstone
Ruby, the birthstone for July, is a red variety of corundum. It is known for its intense color and durability.
Topaz and Citrine: The November Options
November offers two birthstone options: golden topaz and citrine. Both gemstones are known for their warm, golden hues.
Turquoise and Tanzanite: The December Choices
December presents a selection of birthstones, including turquoise, blue zircon, blue topaz, and tanzanite. Tanzanite is considered the rarest of these, found exclusively in one location.
Considerations for Rarity and Value
The rarity of a birthstone can significantly impact its value. February’s amethyst is considered relatively common, while December’s tanzanite is notably rare, found only in a limited geographical area. While natural blue topaz is rare, much of the blue topaz available on the market has been treated to enhance its color, making it more accessible.
Conclusion
Birthstone rings represent a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate life’s milestones, particularly the arrival of a new child. The tradition of gifting birthstone jewelry has evolved over centuries, from ancient beliefs to the standardized lists of the modern era. Whether choosing a classic eternity band, a versatile stackable ring, or a timeless three-stone design, the selection of a birthstone ring is a deeply personal process. The gemstones themselves – peridot, sapphire, opal, and others – each possess unique characteristics and symbolic significance, making them cherished heirlooms for generations to come. The increasing popularity of push presents and the enduring appeal of birthstone jewelry ensure that these rings will continue to be treasured symbols of love, family, and lasting commitment.