Shopping Information When Buying Birthstone Jewelry From Mrs. Gottrocks Fine Jewelry and Gifts

Advice and information on jewelry, the jewelry industry, gemstones, and buying and selling jewelry.

Information about jewelry and advice about jewelry and gemstone information, information on diamonds, jewelry, jewelry cleaning, jewelry manufacturing and jewelry buying advice and jewelry selling information.

Mrs. Gottrocks Over The Counter Advice in its 7th Year! OVER THE COUNTER ADVICE™ FROM MRS. GOTTROCKS

INEXPENSIVE BIRTHSTONE JEWELRY, WHAT'S THE SCOOP?

It is common to find different jewelers promoting different natural gemstones as birthstone jewelry for a given month. Although there are commonalties and even "official" lists, it is perfectly okay if Jeweler A prefers to sell Yellow Topaz for November, while Jeweler B prefers to sell Citrine. They are both in the same color range and both have been associated with that month for a very long time. It is even acceptable for Jeweler C to suggest a Yellow Sapphire as an alternative, perhaps because the buyer is particularly hard on their jewelry and needs the hardness of sapphire. Variations are perfectly acceptable, so long as the buyer knows what they are buying.

However, you may come across a display of birthstone jewelry meant for buyers who do not want to spend a lot to get the look of high quality birthstone jewelry. Often it is made from Synthetic spinels, which come in many colors. Look very carefully, use your common sense (would a large natural ruby, sapphire or diamond cost $39.95?) and ask questions when you buy from a display like this, because sometimes it is actually a mix of natural stones and simulated stones hidden behind a display name like "Natural Gemstone Jewelry." Sure, they are all "natural gemstones," but is the March stone an aquamarine, or really a light blue zircon which costs considerably less?

Most people don't really care as long as the color is right, and they realize something must be up or the jewelry would be much more expensive. But if you are really keen for a yellow topaz and only a yellow topaz will do, ask before you buy! A good rule of thumb is if the item is not promoted by the NAME of the gemstone, i.e., "Genuine Aqua" or "Aquamarine", but instead is sold by the MONTH or off a generic display, ask the seller to clarify exactly what the stone is you are buying.

Our birthstone list is available if you would like to know which gemstone is the birthstone for each month. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.