The world of personalized jewelry has seen a surge in popularity, and Local Eclectic has emerged as a prominent brand offering a diverse range of birthstone rings, necklaces, and charms. These pieces, designed in Chicago, Illinois, cater to those seeking sentimental and unique gifts, or simply a way to connect with their birth month’s associated gemstone. This article will explore the birthstone offerings from Local Eclectic, detailing the materials, available gemstones, care instructions, and the overall design philosophy behind these accessible and fashionable pieces.
History and Lore
While the provided sources do not delve into the ancient history or traditional lore surrounding birthstones, they highlight a modern interpretation of their significance – personalization and sentimental value. The emphasis is on gifting, particularly for occasions like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, suggesting a contemporary focus on the emotional connection to the gemstone rather than historical beliefs. The practice of gifting birthstones, as presented, is about acknowledging individuality and creating a lasting, meaningful present. The sources indicate a trend towards starting “new traditions” with these gifts, moving away from generic presents towards more thoughtful and personalized options.
Gemstone Selection and Availability
Local Eclectic’s “Family Gold” collection features rings crafted with natural and lab-created gemstones, one for each birthstone. The available gemstones, as listed in the sources, are: garnet (January), amethyst (February), aquamarine (March), white topaz (April), lab created emerald (May), moonstone (June), lab created ruby (July), peridot (August), lab created blue sapphire (September), Australian opal (October), citrine (November), and lab created tanzanite (December).
The “Shades of You” collection utilizes cubic zirconia, spinel, and simulated opal, offering an ombre effect representing each birth month. This collection provides a more affordable alternative to natural gemstones while still maintaining the personalized aspect of birthstone jewelry.
It’s important to note the distinction between natural and lab-created gemstones. The Family Gold collection explicitly states the use of both, with emerald, ruby, sapphire, and tanzanite being lab-created. This indicates a commitment to accessibility and potentially addresses cost considerations while still offering the aesthetic appeal of these popular gemstones.
Materials and Construction
Local Eclectic employs a variety of materials in their birthstone jewelry. The “Solid Gold Essential Baguette Birthstone Ring” is crafted from 9k solid yellow gold, with gemstones measuring 4 x 5 mm. The band width is 1 mm. This suggests a focus on durability and quality, utilizing solid gold as a base metal.
The “Shades of You Ombre Birthstone Ring” features a brass base with 14k yellow gold plating. The gemstones used are cubic zirconia, spinel, and simulated opal, measuring 3.5 x 2.2 mm. The band width is 1.2 mm. This construction method offers a more budget-friendly option, utilizing gold plating over a brass core.
The “Solid Gold Birth Flower” collection also utilizes 9k solid yellow gold, with natural gemstones measuring 1mm. The ring band width is 1.1 mm, while the necklace pendant is approximately 11.5 x 4.5 mm, suspended from a 15” chain with a 2” extender. This collection combines the personalization of birthstones with the added element of birth flowers, offering a unique and layered gifting option.
Care and Maintenance
The sources provide specific care instructions based on the materials used. Solid gold pieces can be cleaned with jewelry cleaner and a soft-bristled brush, or with mild dish-washing liquid and warm water. They recommend having the prongs tightened by a jeweler every 8-12 months to ensure the security of the gemstones. Surface scratches can be buffed out by a professional jeweler.
Gold-plated and gold vermeil jewelry require more delicate care. It is advised to avoid wearing these pieces while washing hands, showering, applying lotion, or engaging in strenuous activities. Cleaning should be done gently with a soft, dry 100% cotton or microfiber cloth. Jewelry cleaner should not be used on gold-plated jewelry.
These instructions highlight the importance of understanding the material composition of the jewelry to ensure its longevity and maintain its aesthetic appeal.
Design and Style
Local Eclectic’s design philosophy centers around on-trend and unique fashion jewelry, designed with the customer in mind. The brand offers both classic and contemporary styles, catering to a wide range of preferences. The “Essential Baguette Birthstone Ring” is described as inspired by a best-selling style, indicating a focus on popular designs. The “Birth Flower” collection adds a delicate and detailed floral element, appealing to those seeking a more feminine and intricate aesthetic.
The brand also offers customizable options, such as charm necklaces, allowing customers to create personalized pieces that reflect their individual style. The availability of both rings and necklaces in the same designs allows for coordinated sets, further enhancing the gifting experience.
Gifting and Presentation
The sources emphasize the suitability of Local Eclectic jewelry as gifts, particularly for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. The brand offers gift sets, such as the “Shades of You Ombre Birthstone Ring and Necklace Gift Set,” providing a convenient and bundled option. They also offer custom velvet ring boxes with the Local Eclectic logo, enhancing the presentation and adding a touch of luxury to the gifting experience. The sources suggest that the focus should be on finding a gift that speaks to the recipient’s personality and sense of self, rather than the monetary value.
Table of Gemstones and Corresponding Months
| Month | Gemstone (Family Gold) | Gemstone (Shades of You) |
|---|---|---|
| January | Garnet | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| February | Amethyst | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| March | Aquamarine | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| April | White Topaz | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| May | Lab Created Emerald | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| June | Moonstone | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| July | Lab Created Ruby | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| August | Peridot | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| September | Lab Created Blue Sapphire | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| October | Australian Opal | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| November | Citrine | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
| December | Lab Created Tanzanite | Cubic Zirconia, Spinel, Simulated Opal |
Conclusion
Local Eclectic offers a contemporary and accessible approach to birthstone jewelry. Their collections emphasize personalization, sentimental value, and on-trend designs. By utilizing both natural and lab-created gemstones, and offering a range of materials and styles, they cater to a diverse customer base. The brand’s focus on gifting and presentation further enhances the appeal of their birthstone pieces, making them a popular choice for those seeking meaningful and stylish jewelry. While the sources do not provide extensive historical or gemological detail, they clearly demonstrate Local Eclectic’s position as a modern purveyor of personalized gemstone adornments.