Swarovski Birthstones and Necklace Sixteen

Jewelry and birthstones go together like peanut butter and jelly, so it’s no wonder that crystal manufacturers like Swarovski make sure that they have a selection of birthstone colors in their product lines. Though I never use real gemstones in my designs, I enjoy being able to personalize gifts and custom work with such close imitations.

The Swarovksi birthstone chart uses crystal colors to replace traditional gems throughout the year. When I started making limited edition birthstone pendants, I worked out my own chart, using close matches in color and shape, with some lesser used birthstone colors as well. Here’s my modified crystal birthstone chart:

January: Garnet
February: Amethyst
March: Aquamarine
April: Diamond/Crystal
May: Emerald
June: Alexandrite or Pearl/White Pearl
July: Ruby
August: Peridot or Carnelian/Red Coral
September: Sapphire
October: Green Tourmaline or Opal/Rosaline Pearl
November: Topaz or Citrine
December: Tanzanite or Blue Topaz/Blue Zircon

I had always intended to start a family birthstone selection for my Mother Nature pendants, but never got around to it. Now that I have a new shop to fill up and fill out, I got started with a four stone pendant using winter birthstones.

Today’s necklace features crystal bicones in citrine, blue zircon, garnet and amethyst. The color combination seems odd, but they still somehow fit together. I really like the way the fringe turned out on this piece, it’s much more playful and visible than my original design.

My birthstone is garnet, and I find it a bit dull compared to some of the more vibrant stones. How I wish peridots where January’s birthstone!

What’s your favorite birthstone color?

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