Monthly Birthstones

Birthstone jewelry was a thing for generations. Our newest generation is either unaware or uninterested or both - “not my thing “I’m often told. My generation ‘The Baby Boomers” (1946 to 1964) presenting or having a birthstone ring or pendant was a pretty big deal. It was according to the month you were born and there is a gemstone designated for that month. This is not to be confused with zodiac symbols that overlap months, that could be a topic for another time… “What’s your sign, man?” Take Aries “The Ram” for example, March 20 to April 19. Aries happens to be my sign and being hardheaded and brutally honest is certainly one of my traits.

Some of the birthstone designations for each month changed during the centuries and I could go on and bore you to tears on that subject, so I’m going to fast forward to this century and this month, June, which is the pearl, moonstone, and the alexandrite. Why three stones for June you ask (a few other months also)? The explanation I found was to give folks more affordable options. The gem alexandrite is quite expensive and the same for large natural or cultured pearls - moonstones are extremely affordable. I personally love the moonstone, though I rarely sell them, they resemble a milky crystal ball and the finer quality moonstones give off a strange neon blue glow.

The alexandrite is very expensive in large carat sizes and can even cost more than a fine diamond, due to its rarity. The finer gems have what is known as “The Alexandrite Effect” - depending on the light source the gem changes color from a bluish green to a purplish red; the effect is quite astonishing. The gem was first discovered in the Ural Mountains in Russia somewhere around the 1830’s and was declared the official gemstone of Imperial Russia. It has been discovered in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. For my money I prefer the Russian variety for its depth of color and color change intensity.

The pearl is one of the other options for June and the choices are immeasurable. Pearl jewelry has been popular for centuries and I can still remember my early years spent as a jeweler in the Jeweler’s Building in Boston, in the 1960’s and 70’s. Pearls were a hot commodity and I sold strands of pearls on a regular basis. When I moved my business to Marco in 1994, I expected the demand for pearls on this tropical island paradise to be out of bounds, you know, the beach, the sand, tropical breezes and swaying palm trees, every island woman will want buy pearls here! I kept all my connections from my suppliers up north hoping I’d make a killing, WRONG! I was sadly disappointed - the demand was next nil. In my nearly twenty-eight years here I have sold maybe three strands of pearls and a ring or two. Why no demand? Can’t give you an answer! There was a time around ten years ago that a single black Tahitian pearl drop pendant was the cat’s meow and I still do them now and then.

Today the fresh water pearl variety sell well nationwide (except here) because of their affordability. A strand of traditional cultured pearls can fetch several thousand dollars today. Amazingly in the 70’s that same strand was only around four or five hundred dollars. So, surprise ladies! That strand of cultured pearls Grandma gave you that you never wear could be worth thousands if they have not been abused and are in good condition.

Men’s birthstone jewelry was popular back in the good old days, only the pearl is not exactly the most manly of gemstone - black onyx, bloodstone, jade, and carnelian (an orange to dark brown semi-precious gemstone) were worn regularly back then. I cherish my Grandfather’s brown and white sardonyx ring with a Roman warrior’s head carved into it. My uncle Ernest handcrafted it for him in the 1930’s and Pa wore it every day until he presented it to me days before his passing.

Birthstone jewelry was a no brainer gift for decades and not just for sweet sixteen birthdays (remember those?) it was appropriate for Graduations, Holy Communion, Confirmations and Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s - even a gift a Godparent would give to his or hers Godchild. 

I know I’m talking about ancient history here; I feel very sentimental about such things. Birthstone jewelry was an everyday occurrence in my daily life working in a jewelry store, understanding the reason for the purchase, and assisting in picking out that perfect gift for that special someone. Then later meet the young recipients to whom it was being presented to, being introduced, and then watching them grow through the decades - they become lifetime customers. Soon the birthstone ring is replaced with a high school or college ring then a beautiful diamond engagement ring and then wedding rings. I see they are prospering and doing well and now raising a family. All of it makes being in the business for over half a century so worthwhile. A sentimental fool, I think not!

Richard Alan is a designer/goldsmith and owner of the Harbor Goldsmith, Marco Island’s go-to Jeweler since 1994. He welcomes your questions and comments about All That Glitters.

www.harborgoldsmith.com.