Kendra Scott Birthstone Jewelry: A Celebration of Color and Meaning

Kendra Scott has long been recognized for its elegant, wearable fine jewelry that blends contemporary design with meaningful craftsmanship. Among its most popular collections are those that incorporate birthstone gemstones, allowing wearers to celebrate personal milestones, birthdays, and individual style. The brand’s birthstone jewelry includes an array of bracelets and necklaces featuring gems such as Peridot, Amethyst, Citrine, and London Blue Glass, each with its own distinct color and symbolism. These pieces are crafted in both gold and silver finishes, and are often described as "illusion" pieces, a term used in the jewelry industry to denote a specific design aesthetic.

While the sources provided do not contain detailed gemological properties, historical origins, or metaphysical attributes of the stones themselves, they do offer insight into how these gemstones are used within Kendra Scott’s collections, their presentation as birthstone pieces, and the company’s return and customization policies. This article will explore the design philosophy, customization options, and customer experience associated with Kendra Scott’s birthstone jewelry, while also addressing the cultural and aesthetic significance of the gems featured in the brand’s collections.

History and Lore of Birthstones

The concept of birthstones is deeply rooted in history, with references to gemstones associated with specific months dating back to the 1st century. One of the earliest recorded sources is the High Priest’s Breastplate from the Book of Exodus, which lists twelve gemstones said to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. These were later interpreted as corresponding to the twelve months of the year. By the 14th century, this system had evolved into a more recognizable form, with the modern birthstone calendar taking shape in the 19th century and being popularized by the American National Association of Jewelers in 1912.

While the sources provided do not delve into the historical origins of the specific birthstones used in Kendra Scott’s collections, the inclusion of Peridot (August), Amethyst (February), and Citrine (November) in the brand’s birthstone jewelry aligns with this long-standing tradition. These gemstones have been cherished for centuries and continue to hold symbolic meaning in modern jewelry.

Peridot, with its vibrant green hue, has been associated with good fortune, healing, and renewal. It was once known as the "Evening Emerald" due to its luminous quality in candlelight.
Amethyst, a purple quartz, has long been linked to spirituality, calmness, and protection. It was believed to prevent drunkenness and promote clarity of thought.
Citrine, with its warm golden tones, is often seen as a stone of abundance, energy, and positivity. It has been used historically as a protective charm and a symbol of joy.

Though the sources do not provide in-depth historical accounts of these stones, the fact that Kendra Scott includes them as birthstone options suggests an understanding of and respect for the tradition. The brand’s selection of London Blue Glass as a birthstone-inspired option also reflects a modern twist, blending traditional symbolism with contemporary design.

Geological Formation and Sources

The sources provided do not include information on the geological formation, chemical composition, or specific mining locations of the gemstones featured in Kendra Scott’s collections. As such, it is not possible to provide a detailed gemological profile of the stones from these sources. However, it is worth noting that Peridot, Amethyst, and Citrine are naturally occurring gemstones formed through various geological processes.

Peridot is a silicate mineral that forms in the Earth’s mantle and is brought to the surface through volcanic activity. It is typically found in lava flows, volcanic islands, and meteorites.
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz that forms in geodes and rock cavities, often in regions with high heat and pressure.
Citrine is also a quartz variant, and it forms under similar conditions as amethyst. It is commonly found in pegmatite deposits and is sometimes produced by heat treatment of amethyst or smoky quartz.

The use of London Blue Glass as a gemstone alternative in the Kendra Scott collections is an interesting design choice. While not a natural gemstone, glass is often used in jewelry to mimic the appearance of more expensive or rare stones. London Blue Glass is a type of hand-blown colored glass that is known for its deep blue hue and iridescent finish, offering a luxurious and distinctive look without the cost of natural gemstones.

Though the sources do not specify the origins or production methods of the glass, its inclusion in the birthstone collections suggests that Kendra Scott views it as a symbolic and aesthetic counterpart to traditional birthstones.

Design and Customization Options

Kendra Scott’s birthstone jewelry is designed with versatility and personalization in mind. The Elaina Adjustable Chain Bracelet is a signature piece that allows wearers to customize the length to fit their style and comfort. This design is particularly appealing to those who appreciate both functionality and aesthetics in their jewelry.

Each bracelet is available in gold or silver finishes, and the gemstone is presented in an "illusion" setting, a design technique that enhances the visual depth and brilliance of the stone. While the term "illusion" is not defined in the sources, it is likely a reference to the visual effect created by the setting, which may involve the use of metal or light to make the gemstone appear larger or more vibrant.

The customization options offered by Kendra Scott reflect the brand’s commitment to personal expression. Customers can choose from a range of gemstone options, including:

Peridot (August)
Amethyst (February)
Citrine (November)
London Blue Glass (symbolic birthstone alternative)

These choices allow wearers to personalize their jewelry to reflect their individuality, while also participating in the time-honored tradition of birthstone symbolism.

Care and Cleaning of Birthstone Jewelry

Though the sources do not provide specific instructions on how to care for the gemstones themselves, Kendra Scott does include a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that outlines general care and return policies. According to the information provided:

Kendra Scott offers free return shipping for eligible items, with a 30-day return window for unworn, unused items.
Engraved pieces, custom items, and permanently discounted merchandise are considered Final Sale and are not eligible for return or exchange.

While this information does not directly address gemstone care, it does suggest that the brand prioritizes customer satisfaction and quality control. For natural gemstones like peridot, amethyst, and citrine, general care guidelines would typically include:

Avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals or abrasive substances
Storing the jewelry in a soft pouch or jewelry box to prevent scratches
Cleaning with a soft cloth or a mild soap solution and a soft brush

For glass gemstones like London Blue Glass, care would be similar, though extra caution should be taken to avoid chipping or cracking due to the brittle nature of glass.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

The inclusion of birthstone gemstones in jewelry has long held cultural and symbolic significance across many societies. Though the sources do not provide detailed information on the spiritual or metaphysical properties of the stones used in Kendra Scott’s collections, the very act of wearing a birthstone is often seen as a way to honor personal identity, celebrate milestones, or invoke positive energies.

Peridot is believed to promote healing, renewal, and inner peace, making it a popular choice for those seeking emotional balance.
Amethyst is associated with spirituality, wisdom, and protection, often worn to enhance clarity of thought and emotional stability.
Citrine is considered a stone of abundance and prosperity, and is often used to attract positive energy and success.

While these beliefs are not verified in the sources provided, they are widely accepted in metaphysical and holistic practices, and their inclusion in the brand’s collections suggests that Kendra Scott may be tapping into these widespread cultural associations.

Conclusion

Kendra Scott’s birthstone jewelry offers a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate personal identity and style. Through the use of gemstones like peridot, amethyst, and citrine, as well as glass alternatives like London Blue Glass, the brand blends traditional symbolism with contemporary design. The customizable and adjustable nature of the Elaina Chain Bracelet allows for a personalized fit, while the illusion setting enhances the visual appeal of the gemstone.

While the sources do not provide in-depth gemological information, they do offer a clear picture of how these gemstones are presented and marketed within the brand’s collections. The emphasis on personalization, quality, and customer satisfaction is evident in both the product descriptions and return policies. For those interested in birthstone jewelry that is both stylish and meaningful, Kendra Scott offers a thoughtfully curated selection that honors both individuality and tradition.