These charming angel ornaments, often crafted from pewter and adorned with colorful crystals representing each month’s birthstone, offer a delightful way to celebrate birthdays and bring a touch of personalized beauty to any setting. While the tradition of associating specific gemstones with each month has ancient roots, the modern iteration of birthstone angel ornaments blends this tradition with handcrafted artistry. These ornaments serve as both decorative pieces and meaningful gifts, embodying sentiments of friendship, love, health, and hope.
A History of Sentiment and Stone
The practice of linking gemstones to specific months is a tradition that stretches back centuries. The origins can be traced to the breastplate of Aaron, described in the Book of Exodus, which contained twelve gemstones representing the tribes of Israel. Over time, different cultures and civilizations developed their own associations between gemstones and the months of the year, often based on astrological beliefs or perceived healing properties.
The provided sources highlight several of these traditional associations. Garnet is linked to January, symbolizing friendship and trust. February’s birthstone, amethyst, was believed by ancient Greeks to protect against intoxication and promote mental balance. Aquamarine, the stone for March, has long been considered a symbol of youth, health, and hope. Diamonds, representing April, are universally associated with love. May is represented by the vibrant green emerald, a symbol of rebirth and love. June claims two birthstones: pearl and Alexandrite. July’s ruby is considered the “king of gems,” representing love, health, and wisdom.
The angel ornament itself adds another layer of symbolism. Angels are often seen as messengers of hope, protection, and guidance, making these ornaments particularly poignant gifts. The combination of the birthstone and the angelic figure creates a piece that is both personal and spiritually uplifting.
Crafting the Angel: Materials and Techniques
The angel ornaments described in the sources are primarily handcrafted, utilizing a variety of materials. Pewter is a prominent material, used to create the angel figures themselves. These ornaments are “handcrafted of real Pewter” and made in small towns, such as Easton, Maryland. The addition of a “sparkly colored birthstone jewel” adds a splash of color and personalization.
Many of the ornaments also incorporate crystal beads, specifically “genuine cut glass crystal beads,” as opposed to plastic. These beads are used to represent the birthstone color for each month. Kits are available for creating these ornaments at home, including all necessary materials such as beads, metal bead caps, wire, chain, and illustrated instructions in multiple languages (English, French, and Spanish). The creation process, while straightforward, requires patience and attention to detail to ensure a neat and polished final product. The ornaments typically measure around 2.25 inches in height.
Birthstones and Their Symbolic Colors
The sources provide a glimpse into the colors associated with each birthstone and the materials used to represent them in the angel ornaments.
- January: Garnet – a rainbow of colors, including fiery orange (Mandarin Garnet) and rich green (Tsavorite Garnet), but most commonly Pyrope Garnet.
- February: Amethyst – a spectacular purple, ranging from deep violet-red to lighter lilac.
- March: Aquamarine – a rich, blue hue.
- April: Diamond – typically clear, but can occur in various colors.
- May: Emerald – a rich, vivid green.
- June: Pearl and Alexandrite – Pearl is typically white or cream-colored, while Alexandrite changes color depending on the light source.
- July: Ruby – a vibrant red.
- September: Sapphire – a beautiful blue.
These colors are replicated in the crystal beads used to adorn the angel ornaments, allowing for a personalized touch that reflects the recipient’s birth month.
Display and Care
These angel ornaments are versatile decorative items. They can be hung on Christmas trees, displayed as suncatchers in windows, or used to adorn bedposts, mantles, or even rearview mirrors. The inclusion of a coordinating ribbon hanger or chain and hook facilitates easy display.
Given the materials used, proper care is essential to maintain the ornament’s beauty. Pewter can tarnish over time, so occasional polishing with a pewter cleaner is recommended. Crystal beads are relatively durable but should be handled with care to avoid scratches or chips. Avoid exposing the ornaments to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Safety Considerations
One source includes a Proposition 65 warning for California residents, indicating that the product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer. This warning relates to the presence of Thiourea and emphasizes the importance of keeping the ornament out of reach of children, avoiding contact with eyes, and ensuring adequate ventilation during use.
A Table of Birthstones and Associated Months
| Month | Birthstone | Color(s) | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Fiery orange, rich green, deep red | Friendship, trust |
| February | Amethyst | Purple (violet-red to lilac) | Balance, protection from intoxication |
| March | Aquamarine | Rich blue | Youth, health, hope |
| April | Diamond | Clear (various colors) | Love |
| May | Emerald | Vivid green | Rebirth, love |
| June | Pearl/Alexandrite | White/Cream, Color-changing | N/A |
| July | Ruby | Vibrant red | Love, health, wisdom |
| September | Sapphire | Blue | N/A |
Conclusion
Birthstone angel ornaments represent a charming fusion of tradition, artistry, and personal meaning. Rooted in the ancient practice of associating gemstones with the months of the year, these ornaments offer a beautiful and thoughtful way to celebrate birthdays and express affection. Crafted from materials like pewter and crystal, and adorned with the vibrant colors of each birthstone, they serve as both decorative pieces and cherished keepsakes. The combination of the angelic figure and the symbolic gemstone creates a gift that is both visually appealing and emotionally resonant.