How to Buy Birthstone Jewelry

Tips on buying birthstone jewelry

1. Begin your search by finding a certified, reputable jewelry dealer near you. Consult your yellow pages, and ask friends, family and co-workers for jeweler recommendations.
2. Know which birthstone you want to buy. If you're looking to purchase a birthstone for someone with a July birthday, find out what the birthstone for July is. Also know which color stone you’d like to buy. It’s that easy.
3. There are three different kinds of birthstones: natural, genuine, and synthetic. Natural birthstones come in the state they’re found in (minus cutting and some polishing). A genuine birthstone is the real McCoy—it contains all the chemical properties associated with the particular gem. Synthetic birthstones are—believe it or not—genuine stones too that are crafted in laboratories.
4. You should beware of imitation birthstones. While they can bear a striking resemblance to a synthetic birthstone, often times they’re crafted with glass and plastic. The reason it’s so important to find a trusted jewelry dealer is because he will be able to help you steer clear of imitation gemstones.
5. Treated birthstones often make lower-quality birthstones appear to be of a higher quality than they actually are. Talk to the jewelry dealer you consult and ask about whether or not the stone you’re looking at has been treated in any way.
6. Be sure you're aware of the various ins and outs of the jewelry store's policy on returning purchases. Also see if they offer cleaning services for the jewelry you're purchasing, or if they could recommend places for you to get your jewelry cleaned.

Caution

Beware of composite birthstone jewelry—this is jewelry that’s made primarily of big chunks of imitation stone. Once again, be sure you have a jewelry dealer you trust to help you avoid making the decision to purchase composite jewelry.

Where to Buy Birthstone Jewelry

While it's always best to shop for birthstone jewelry in person, there are a number of places on the Web that have stellar reputations for dealing in birthstone jewelry—

• Zales is probably best known for diamonds, it also has an amazing selection of birthstone jewelry available to purchase through its Web site. Peruse the birthstone jewelry section by jewelry and stone type, as well as price range, gender and metal color.

• Mondera Enter the gemstone jewelry section and shop for bracelets, pendants, earrings and rings. Click on the "birthstone jewelry" icon to find out which stone represents each month of the year!

• Blue Nile is another fine name in quality jewelry that sells birthstone jewelry. Simply type in the word "birthstone" in the search field on their home page for a look at their selection. Order online or through their toll-free number.