Birthstone Meanings and Custom Jewelry Design

Including birthstones in a custom jewelry design is a thoughtful way to combine tradition and a personalized message in a gift for any occasion.  The American Gem Society website has a very informative guide to the history and lore of birthstones for every month, including alternative selections.  Although these are the most widely accepted modern American birthstone meanings, you can also find Hebrew, Tibetan, Ayurvedic, and Zodiacal birthstone listings.

Most commonly, people wear birthstone jewelry that corresponds with the month of their birth.  With custom jewelry by CustomMade artisans, however, you can carry birthstones as symbols of the people you hold most dear in arrangements that reflect those relationships. For people who appreciate the rich associations of birthstones, custom made jewelry can reflect the personality of the individual and explore the many possible significances of these gems.

Jeanette Walker of Walker Studios can include the birthstones of your family members in unique custom jewelry pieces that feature her signature hand-engraved family tree pattern of swirling leaves and branches, such as this family tree circle pendant in sterling silver.  A pendant of this type can accommodate up to twelve gems.  You can also commission family rings with the family tree and birthstone design.  Whatever piece you prefer, contact the artisan to discuss your personal design and birth months.

Family Tree Circle Pendant in Sterling Silver by Walker Studios at CustomMade.com

Families can be quite dynamic.  Your custom jewelry can reflect generations past, present, and future.  A “stylish and modern” grandmother contacted Tossy Garrett of Tossy Dawn Designs, LLC, because she wanted “a necklace to commemorate her present and future grandchildren but wanted something more personal than the big charm necklace companies offer.”  In this grandmother’s necklace, the name her grandchildren call her, “Mini,” is raised on the central bead.  The teddy bear charm with a blue topaz represents her boy grandchildren, the teddy bear charm with a pink tourmaline represents her girl grandchildren, and the star and heart charms show the names and birthdates of her grandchildren and feature their individual birthstones: sapphire, peridot, and emerald.  The charms and beads are outlined in 14K yellow gold to create a two-tone look and all slide onto a thick woven silver chain.  Tossy specializes in learning each customer’s story and incorporating personal elements into her designs, so if you have an idea for a custom jewelry design to commemorate your own growing family, contact her today.

Grandmother's Necklace by Tossy Dawn Designs, LLC, at CustomMade.com

Your family revolves around your home.  Why not add a touch of birthstone jewelry to your shared space? These bronze and brass custom stairway post caps by Cooperman Jewelry feature a family’s birthstones. Artisan Andy Cooperman designed these newels for a staircase leading to the upstairs bedrooms.  They signal, “the transition from formal to private spaces.”  Look carefully at the right and left piece.  Though dissimilar, “common elements establish reference points between the two.” For a one-of-a-kind museum quality piece for your family’s home, contact the artisan.

Custom Stairway Post Caps by Cooperman Jewelry at CustomMade.com

March has two birthstones: cool blue-green aquamarine and fiery green and red bloodstone.  Each has its associated lore and connotations.  A customer chose bloodstone for his brother’s birthday gift, and Anita DiPietro of Anita DiPietro Jewelry Designs created this bloodstone pendant.  Was it the look or the folkloric uses of bloodstone that made this the appropriate selection?  Whatever your reasons, Anita can create a stunning, contemporary piece “with an earthy, organic flair” for you.

Bloodstone Pendant by Anita DiPietro Designs at CustomMade.com

Tourmaline is an October birthstone, and since October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the artisans of Border City Jewellers have designed a pink tourmaline ring for an annual raffle to support breast cancer research. They report that “ticket sales raised double the value of the ring and all proceeds went to the Breast Cancer Foundation.”  If you have questions about the next raffle or want a theme ring designed around a particular month or birthstone, contact the artisans.

Pink Tourmaline Ring to Support Breast Cancer Research by Border City Jewellers at CustomMade.com

The world of birthstones is full of interesting stories, but a custom jewelry design featuring these gems will add your own story to the mix.  Find a CustomMade artisan in your area and add a unique, personal dimension to a traditional jewelry gift.