The availability of birthstones in convenient, affordable jewelry has become increasingly accessible, particularly through retailers like Claire's. These 3mm studs, set in 14kt white gold, offer a contemporary take on traditional birthstone jewelry. This article details the gemstones offered within these kits – cubic zirconia, ruby, light sapphire, sapphire, blue zircon, pink ice cubic zirconia, and tanzanite – focusing on their association with specific months and the characteristics of the materials as presented in the product information.
Birthstone Associations and Availability
Claire's offers birthstone studs for seven months of the year, each corresponding to a specific gemstone or crystal. April is represented by cubic zirconia, July by ruby crystal, March by light sapphire crystal, September by sapphire crystal, December by blue zircon crystal, October by pink ice cubic zirconia, and June by tanzanite crystal. These kits provide an accessible entry point into the world of birthstone jewelry, allowing individuals to easily acquire a piece associated with their birth month. The studs are consistently described as being 3mm in diameter and set in 14kt white gold, offering a balance of durability and aesthetic appeal.
Material Composition and Setting
All the kits feature a 3mm round stud setting, secured with a 4-prong setting in 14kt white gold. The use of 14kt white gold is emphasized as providing “strength, quality, and durability.” The studs are designed for ear piercing and are sold as part of a kit that includes either Claire's Ear Care Solution (for a 6-week healing period) or Claire's Rapid After Care Cleanser (for a 3-week healing period for standard piercings, or 8 weeks for cartilage piercings). The materials used – 14kt gold and the various crystal/zirconia materials – are intended to provide a balance between affordability and quality for the consumer.
Gemstone Specifics
Each birthstone offering has unique characteristics, as detailed in the product descriptions.
April: Cubic Zirconia
Representing April, the cubic zirconia stud is presented as a durable and glamorous option. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone often used as a diamond simulant.
July: Ruby Crystal
The July birthstone is a ruby crystal. While the source does not specify whether this is a natural ruby or a synthetic version, it is described as a “ruby crystal.” Rubies are traditionally associated with passion, energy, and vitality.
March: Light Sapphire Crystal
March is represented by a light sapphire crystal. Similar to the ruby, the source does not indicate whether this is a natural or synthetic sapphire. Sapphires are known for their durability and association with wisdom and loyalty. The “light” designation suggests a paler shade of blue.
September: Sapphire Crystal
September’s offering is a sapphire crystal. Again, the source does not specify the origin of the sapphire. Sapphires are a variety of the mineral corundum and are renowned for their rich blue color, though they can occur in other colors as well.
December: Blue Zircon Crystal
The December birthstone is a blue zircon crystal. Zircon is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in a variety of colors. Blue zircon is a popular choice for jewelry due to its vibrant hue.
October: Pink Ice Cubic Zirconia
October is represented by a pink ice cubic zirconia. This suggests a specific cut or treatment applied to the cubic zirconia to achieve a pink hue. The “ice” designation likely refers to the brilliance and clarity of the stone.
June: Tanzanite Crystal
June’s birthstone is tanzanite crystal. Tanzanite is a relatively recent discovery, found only in Tanzania, and is known for its trichroism – displaying different colors depending on the viewing angle.
Care and Maintenance
The kits include Claire's Ear Care Solution, described as “safe, effective & pH balanced with a 6 week application time.” An upgrade option, Claire's Rapid After Care Cleanser, is available for faster healing (3 weeks for standard piercings, 8 weeks for cartilage piercings). While specific cleaning instructions for the gemstones themselves are not provided, the ear care solutions are designed to promote healthy healing of the piercing and prevent infection. Given the materials used (14kt gold and crystals/zirconia), general jewelry cleaning practices – avoiding harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners – would be advisable.
Purchasing and Availability
The product descriptions note that the kits “may not be available in select stores.” The kits are offered with two options: studs with Ear Care Solution for $70.99, or studs with Rapid After Care Cleanser for $80.99. Ear piercing at Claire's is advertised as free with the purchase of a starter kit, with an additional charge for cartilage and nose piercings. The emphasis on free piercing and readily available aftercare solutions positions these kits as a convenient and accessible option for first-time and repeat piercing customers.
Summary of Gemstone Properties
The following table summarizes the key information about each gemstone as presented in the provided sources:
| Birthstone Month | Gemstone | Material | Color | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | Cubic Zirconia | Cubic Zirconia | N/A | 4 Prong |
| July | Ruby Crystal | Ruby Crystal | Ruby | 4 Prong |
| March | Light Sapphire Crystal | Light Sapphire Crystal | Light Sapphire | 4 Prong |
| September | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire Crystal | Sapphire | 4 Prong |
| December | Blue Zircon Crystal | Blue Zircon Crystal | Blue Zircon | 4 Prong |
| October | Pink Ice Cubic Zirconia | Cubic Zirconia | Pink Ice | 4 Prong |
| June | Tanzanite Crystal | Tanzanite Crystal | Tanzanite | 4 Prong |
Conclusion
Claire's 3mm birthstone studs offer a contemporary and affordable way to celebrate birth months with gemstone jewelry. The kits combine the durability of 14kt white gold with the aesthetic appeal of various crystals and cubic zirconia, representing a range of colors and associations. While the sources do not provide detailed gemological information about the origin or specific properties of each gemstone, they highlight the convenience and accessibility of these offerings for consumers seeking a stylish and meaningful piece of jewelry. The inclusion of ear care solutions further enhances the value proposition, providing a complete package for a new or additional piercing.
Sources
- Claire's 14kt White Gold 3mm April Cubic Zirconia Studs
- Claire's 14kt White Gold 3mm July Crystal Ruby Studs
- Claire's 14kt White Gold 3mm March Crystal Light Sapphire Studs
- Claire's 14kt White Gold 3mm September Crystal Sapphire Studs
- Claire's 14kt White Gold 3mm December Crystal Blue Zircon Studs
- Claire's 14kt White Gold 3mm October Pink Ice Cubic Zirconia Studs
- Claire's 14kt White Gold 3mm June Crystal Tanzanite Studs