Birthstone jewelry is the perfect way to celebrate your birth date and the birth of your loved ones, especially your children and grandchildren. Popular for the last two centuries, birthstone jewelry have skyrocketed in popularity in the past five decades in a trend started in France and western Europe and subsequently fanned out to the rest of the world, especially the United States. Although birth stone jewelry have been a jewelry staple for the last three hundred years, the conception of birthstones traces its origins back to ancient times. Although many think the first birthstones originated from a breast plate with twelve gemstones each representing a month of the year in biblical terms, they are in fact originated from the idea of astrology signs around 500 B.C during the Greek classical period.

The modern birth stone list has remained the same since 1912. In chronological order, the birthstones are Garnet for January, Amethyst for February, Aquamarine for March, White Spinel for April, Emerald for May, Alexandrite for June, Ruby for July, Peridot for August, Sapphire for September, Pink Tourmaline for October, Citrine for November, and Blue Zircon for December. Note that there are substitutions for each month’s birth stone but these are the most popular choices to date.

Today there are both natural birthstones and simulated birthstones that are made of crystal or glass. The most famous are the Austrian crystals. Simulated stones can be just as attractive and they have the added advantage of being slightly more affordable and lighter in weight.

The most common types of birth stone jewelry are rings and necklaces in the form of pendants and charms with a chain. The rings are made with birthstones set into the crown or on the side. The necklaces are made with birthstones attached on top of the pendants or embedded into the pendants or charms. The birth stones are either natural ones or lab created ones. Lab created ones are also known as simulated birthstones or crystals and they are the most popular version today as evidenced by the commercial success of several Austrian crystal companies. Other popular forms are bracelets, earrings, lockets and watches. All types are personalized with the respective gemstones of your loved ones and some styles and designers will allow you to personalize with names and even birth dates. The most unique retailers have styles that are handcrafted which makes each piece a one-of-a-kind item!

It is estimated that birthstone jewelry will continue to rise in popularity as it appeals to not just the younger generation but also resurgence from the baby boom population as they become grandparents, they start accumulating these personalized jewelry with their grand children’s monthly gemstone and names. Today, this form of fashion jewelry is most popular in the United States followed by Canada, and then the United Kingdom. They are also growing in popularity in Eastern Europe and developing countries. A surprising growth area has been China as the younger generation is taking on this Western tradition and mixing it with the Chinese zodiac into an unique fusion. What is exciting is that all around the world this form of jewelry has produced and evolved into so many lines.

Author Bio: Kate is a mother of two and is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics. For more information on birthstone jewelry, I recommend you visit the website birthstonejewelry.com and choose from their huge selection of birthstone necklaces!

Category: Womens Interest
Keywords: birthstone jewelry, birthstone necklaces