James Avery Artisan Jewelry offers a collection of rings centered around the concept of commemorating loved ones, particularly mothers, through birthstones. These rings, primarily crafted in sterling silver or 14K gold, feature a variety of gemstones representing each month of the year. The “Cherished Birthstone Ring” is a key component of this offering, alongside other designs like initial rings and heart-themed pieces, all intended to symbolize gratitude and love. This article will detail the available gemstones, materials, and design features of these rings, as presented by James Avery.
History and Lore
While James Avery’s birthstone rings represent a modern approach to personalized jewelry, the tradition of associating gemstones with specific months has ancient roots. The provided sources mention the garnet, tracing its use back to 3100 B.C. in the Nile Delta, where Egyptians crafted it into beads and jewelry. Legend states it was believed to illuminate the night and was even used by Noah as a lamp on his ark. The name “garnet” itself originates from the ancient Greek word for pomegranate seed, reflecting the gem’s color. This historical connection highlights the enduring human fascination with gemstones and their perceived properties. However, the sources primarily focus on the contemporary application of birthstones within the James Avery collection, rather than a comprehensive historical overview of birthstone lore.
Gemstone Selection and Properties
James Avery’s “Cherished Birthstone Ring” is available with twelve different gemstones, one for each month. These include: Garnet, Amethyst, Lab-Created Aqua Spinel, Lab-Created White Sapphire, Lab-Created Emerald, Lab-Created Alexandrite, Lab-Created Ruby, Peridot, Lab-Created Blue Sapphire, Lab-Created Pink Sapphire, Citrine, and Blue Topaz.
The sources provide specific details for a few of these gemstones:
- Garnet: Generally found in red-violet to red-brown color ranges, sourced mainly from the east Coast of Africa, with smaller deposits in the United States and the Czech Republic. Garnet ranks 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
- Amethyst, Blue Topaz, and Citrine: These stones are heated to enhance their color. The sources caution against exposing them to direct sunlight or extreme heat.
- Mother-of-Pearl: While not a traditional birthstone in this collection, it is featured in other James Avery designs. It’s an organic gemstone, originating from mollusks, with a translucent quality and multi-colored effect. It ranks 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness and requires careful handling to avoid damage from heat, chemicals, and rough wear.
- Onyx: Also featured in other James Avery jewelry, onyx is formed by color-enhancing chalcedony, a variety of quartz. It is primarily black, but blue and other colors are sometimes used. It is mined in Brazil, Uruguay, and California, and ranks 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
- Lepidolite: Ranging from deep purple to pale pink, lepidolite is a mica mineral with a glimmering effect. It is mined in various locations including Brazil, Japan, Madagascar, Russia, Sweden, Australia, and the United States. It is stabilized with wax and should be protected from harsh chemicals, high temperatures, and strong pressure. It ranks 2.5 to 4 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.
The sources indicate that some of the stones offered are lab-created, specifically Aqua Spinel, White Sapphire, Emerald, Alexandrite, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, and Pink Sapphire. This suggests a commitment to providing a wider range of options while potentially offering a more affordable price point.
The following table summarizes the available gemstones and their corresponding Mohs hardness, as provided in the sources:
| Gemstone | Mohs Hardness |
|---|---|
| Garnet | 7 - 7.5 |
| Mother-of-Pearl | 2.5 - 4.5 |
| Onyx | 6.5 - 7 |
| Lepidolite | 2.5 - 4 |
Materials and Craftsmanship
James Avery’s birthstone rings are crafted from either sterling silver (.925) or 14K gold. The company emphasizes its commitment to quality craftsmanship, having been in operation since 1954 and crafting jewelry in Texas. The rings are available in whole and half sizes from 4 to 10. Some designs, like the “Delicate Forged Rings,” are not available for resizing, while others, including the “Cherished Birthstone Ring,” offer this service. The rings vary in width, from 1/16 inches for the “Delicate Forged Rings” to 1/4 inches for the “Cherished Birthstone Ring” and “Script Initial Ring.”
Design Options and Complementary Pieces
The “Cherished Birthstone Ring” is part of a larger collection designed to celebrate mothers and family connections. Complementary pieces include the “Tiny Hearts Ring,” the “Petite Heart of Gold Dangle Ring,” and the “Script Initial Ring.” The “Lots of Love Ring” is also presented as a suitable addition. These rings can be mixed and matched to create a personalized stack, reflecting individual style and sentiment. The “Script Initial Ring” can be engraved, adding another layer of personalization.
Care and Maintenance
The sources provide specific care instructions for Mother-of-Pearl, advising to avoid heat, chemicals, perfumes, and perspiration, and to store it separately from other items. For Lepidolite, it is advised to avoid harsh chemicals, high temperatures, and strong pressure. While specific care instructions are not provided for all gemstones, the varying Mohs hardness values suggest different levels of durability. Generally, gemstones with higher hardness ratings (like Garnet) are more resistant to scratching and abrasion than those with lower ratings (like Mother-of-Pearl and Lepidolite). Regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap is recommended for all James Avery jewelry.
Symbolism and Personalization
The primary symbolism associated with these rings is the representation of family bonds and cherished memories. The use of birthstones adds a personal touch, allowing the wearer to commemorate the birth months of loved ones. The engraving option on the “Script Initial Ring” further enhances this personalization. The overall design philosophy emphasizes creating pieces that are not merely accessories but tangible reflections of unique stories and sentiments.
Conclusion
James Avery’s “Cherished Birthstone Rings” and accompanying designs offer a meaningful way to celebrate family and loved ones. The collection combines traditional symbolism with modern craftsmanship, providing a range of options for personalization and style. The use of both natural and lab-created gemstones, along with the choice of sterling silver or 14K gold, caters to a variety of preferences and budgets. While the provided sources offer a focused view on the James Avery collection, they highlight the enduring appeal of birthstone jewelry and its ability to evoke personal connections and cherished memories.