What’s Your Origin Story?

Do you know your origin story? It’s that mix of qualities that makes you, well, you. From your genetic makeup to your ancestors’ DNA, from when you were born to where you were raised – all of your childhood experiences (and beyond) make you unique. Why not celebrate with birthstone jewelry that is as unique as the woman wearing it?

From Push Presents to the new BFF Necklace, traditional birthstone gifts to a multi-gemstone celebration of all the grandkids, my new Birthstone Origins collection shines a light on the beauty of mixing and matching gemstones.

Indulging in birthstone jewelry to celebrate the month you were born isn’t an ancient tradition to be avoided. I believe using the birthstones of your beloved family or friends to personalize a gift is a magical way to bring meaningful jewelry into your life (or the life of someone you love).

You might wonder: what encouraged me to dip my toe in the Birthstone Jewelry pond? Let’s start at the beginning.

NEVER SAY NEVER

I was not “suddenly inspired” to delve into the design of a birthstone collection, but through the years, I noticed that most birthstone jewelry is quite basic and lacks inspiring design. Designs seem to be variations of something you could purchase at any big chain, lacking originality and (dare I say?) creativity.

I had recently lost several people dear to me, and I was pondering how to keep them with me forever, more in the realm of memory pieces as opposed to the usual route of birthstones. I realized that if I was thinking this, others would feel the same way. That thought opened the door to an idea that became this collection.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

I knew the challenge would be to create something more bespoke than traditional. Where to begin? As with any new undertaking, I started with my traditional design process.

I usually begin by asking myself these questions:

1. What would I want to wear? As a designer, I’ve seen it all. What makes my collection different than most?

2. How can I make it unique but timeless? I don’t follow trends because trends come and go. I feel so much satisfaction when I hear my designs are timeless and appeal to all ages.

3. How can I design pieces that are beautiful, carry deep personal meaning, and convey sentimental value to the person who will ultimately own the piece?

Months of thought, research, design drafting, and planning went into creating this birthstone collection, which allows purchasers to create what they want. My designs allow individuals to buy a single birthstone or layer birthstones to create a multi-stone piece with personal memories attached.

You might wonder why the design process is so lengthy. When it comes to design, I am a stickler! (Ask my staff, they will verify.) The perfect size, shape, and weight of an earwire make a difference. The scale/relationship of the spacer to the individual stones….then there is the size and shape of the stones, how they relate to each other, and how you can plan “ahead” when each necklace is individual and bespoke. As a designer, I am beyond vigilant when it comes to perfecting the scale of gemstones, spacers, chain length, and clasp size. Every piece is important.

I am happy to say I believe I have done what I envisioned and hoped for, and I am very excited to share ORIGINS – Birthstones by Q Evon with the world. This project has allowed me to empower individuals to create pieces that are both stylish and deeply personal, serving as a reminder of milestones, loved ones, and individual identity.

ORIGIN OF BIRTHSTONES

The meaning of gemstones progressed from ancient religious symbolism to magical mysticism in the Middle Ages. Gemstones were once used for medicinal purposes, but today many consider them to have a more powerful influence over mood and mental health than physical healing.

French jeweler Jean Henri Prosper Pouget put together the earliest written list of birthstones in 1762, but the idea didn’t really gain much traction. Fast forward 130 years, and Tiffany and Co.’s gem expert gave the idea another spin, even publishing a book on the stones and the “sentiments and superstitions” associated with them. His book took Pouget’s idea a step further, listing the powers granted by wearing the right stone.

The trend took off, and birthstones became fashionable, romantic, and lucky. By 1897, birthstone rings were wildly popular, and men enjoyed birthstone dress studs, rings, watch fobs, and cuff buttons. By the 1920s, a trend for the “modern” bride was to incorporate her birthstone into her wedding jewelry. Gifts for bridesmaids and attendants were fashionable as well, with pendants and brooches including their own, or the bride’s, birthstone as a memento of the occasion.

ORIGINS BIRTHSTONES BY Q EVON JEWELRY

I’m excited about this new collection and thought it was time to share a few ideas that might excite you, too!

THE NEW BFF NECKLACE

You heard it here first: An ORIGINS piece is the new modern-day BFF necklace, and we’re here for it. Think of a Birthstone Necklace as the new Friendship Necklace.

How does this work? Glad you asked. With Q’s new ORIGINS Collection, it’s as simple as 1, 2, 3. Conference call your BFFs and get started!

Step 1: You each select your birthstone or your favorite stone color (no judgment here) as a symbol for your everlasting bond.
Step 2: Add to Cart
Step 3: Check out with PayPal, your credit card of choice, or use AfterPay to split your payments into 4 easy-to-pay (and interest-free) installments.

PUSH PRESENTS

There are many milestones for new parents. From sharing a pregnancy announcement to being showered by friends and family, parents-to-be will make so many memories during their pregnancy. The baby’s day of birth is the biggest milestone of all, which is why some choose to commemorate it with a push present.

What Is a Push Present?
A push present is given to a mother to celebrate the birth of her baby. It may be given on the day of birth, before or after.

Also called baby baubles and push gifts, these presents acknowledge the hard work that comes with months of carrying a child.

Push Present Etiquette

Since push presents are a relatively new trend, the etiquette surrounding them is still evolving. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Push presents are usually given to new moms by their partner or a close family member. This present is often given to the woman in the delivery room, but it’s perfectly acceptable to give the present before or after the birth as well. It is not expected to get a push present for dads, since this is a special acknowledgement of the mom’s important work in giving birth.

KIDS, GRANDKIDS, AND MORE

Celebrate each of your children or grandchildren with a birthstone collection, or give those special girls a birthstone of their own. This collection lends itself to individual stones or layered birthstones to create a memory gift for yourself or someone special. Go ahead, get creative and have fun designing your own birthstone piece!