Kendra Scott has popularized birthstone jewelry through its collection of pendant necklaces, offering a contemporary take on a tradition steeped in history and symbolism. These pendants feature a variety of gemstones, each associated with a specific month of the year. The collection provides accessible and stylish options for individuals seeking to connect with the personal significance of their birthstone, or to gift a meaningful piece of jewelry. This article will explore the Kendra Scott birthstone pendants, focusing on the gemstones featured, their presentation in the collection, and the broader context of birthstone traditions.
A Contemporary Approach to Birthstone Jewelry
Kendra Scott’s birthstone collection centers around pendant necklaces, designed for layering and personalization. The brand offers a range of metal finishes, including 14k gold plated brass, gold, and silver, allowing customers to choose a style that complements their existing jewelry. The pendants themselves feature a variety of gemstones, presented in a petite and minimalist style, suitable for everyday wear. The collection is positioned as an affordable luxury, with most necklaces priced under $50, making them accessible gifts for a wide range of occasions.
The brand’s marketing emphasizes the personal connection to birthstones, encouraging customers to select a stone based on their birth month. This approach aligns with the long-standing tradition of associating gemstones with specific months and their corresponding astrological signs. The collection includes options like amethyst, ruby, ivory pearl, London blue glass, and drusy, showcasing a diverse selection of materials.
Gemstone Variety in the Collection
The Kendra Scott birthstone collection features a selection of gemstones and materials, each representing a different month. While the provided sources do not detail the specific gemstone for every month, they highlight several key examples.
February is represented by amethyst, featured in the Riley pendant necklace. Ruby is associated with July, as seen in the Elisa Silver Pendant Necklace in Ruby Red. Ivory Mother-of-Pearl is used in several designs, including the Elle Gold Drop Earrings and Mini Elisa Gold Satellite Short Pendant Necklace. Peridot is featured in the Maisie 18k Gold Vermeil Pendant Necklace, representing August. London Blue Glass is offered as an alternative for December, showcased in the Elisa Gold Pendant Necklace. Drusy is also included, offering a textured and sparkling option.
The use of “glass” as a birthstone alternative, specifically London Blue Glass, indicates a broader approach to materials beyond traditional gemstones. This allows for greater affordability and design flexibility. The inclusion of materials like drusy also expands the aesthetic range of the collection, offering unique and visually interesting options.
Historical Context of Birthstone Traditions
While the Kendra Scott collection represents a modern interpretation, the concept of birthstones has a rich and complex history. The origins of associating gemstones with specific months can be traced back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The Old Testament’s breastplate of Aaron, adorned with twelve gemstones representing the tribes of Israel, is often cited as an early example of gemstone symbolism.
However, the standardization of birthstone lists as we know them today is a relatively recent development. Different cultures and historical periods have assigned different gemstones to each month. The modern birthstone list, widely accepted in the United States, was formalized by the National Association of Jewelers in 1912. This standardization aimed to create a consistent and marketable system for promoting gemstone sales.
The Kendra Scott collection taps into this historical tradition, offering a contemporary way to celebrate the personal significance of birthstones. By presenting these stones in stylish and affordable pendants, the brand makes the tradition accessible to a wider audience.
Care and Maintenance of Kendra Scott Jewelry
The provided sources offer guidance on caring for Kendra Scott jewelry, specifically regarding the plating and materials used. The jewelry is typically 14k gold or rhodium plated over brass. To protect the plating and prevent tarnishing, it is recommended to remove the jewelry when washing hands, swimming, exercising, cleaning, or applying personal body products. Contact with soaps, perfumes, lotions, makeup, and hair products should also be avoided.
Wearing rubber or metal safety backs with earrings is advised to prevent loss. The brand provides detailed care instructions on its website, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance to preserve the jewelry’s shine and longevity.
Return and Shipping Policies
Kendra Scott offers free return shipping for eligible items, providing a pre-paid, pre-addressed return shipping label with qualifying orders. However, certain items are considered final sale and are not eligible for return or exchange, including engraved pieces, purchases made with birthday discounts, gift cards, branded merchandise, custom pieces created at the Color Bar™, and permanently discounted items. Unworn, unused items must be returned within 30 days of receipt in their original packaging with tags attached.
Orders are typically processed within 3-5 business days for ground shipping. Expedited shipping orders placed before 12pm CST ship the same day, while those placed after 12pm or on the weekend ship the following business day. Customers can also request gift wrapping at checkout to receive their purchase in the brand’s signature yellow box.
Conclusion
The Kendra Scott birthstone pendant collection represents a modern and accessible approach to a tradition steeped in history and symbolism. By offering a variety of gemstones and materials in stylish and affordable designs, the brand allows individuals to connect with the personal significance of their birthstone. While the provided sources offer limited detail on the full range of gemstones included in the collection, they highlight the brand’s commitment to providing accessible and personalized jewelry options. The collection’s success lies in its ability to blend historical lore with contemporary design, appealing to a broad audience of gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry buyers.