If you're a Nineties baby, it's likely you remember the birthstone boom well: whether you wore a gemstone-studded necklace or a chunky ring, these personal pieces were, for many of us, our entry into the world of jewellery.
This year, birthstone bling is back, fuelled by our obsession with all things turn-of-the-century. This time, however, we're going a little more luxe, and Monica Vinader's elegant take on the Y2K mainstay is the one we all want.
This month, the brand has launched a line of birthstone necklaces, said to bring positive energy to their wearers (failing that, they'll definitely bring positive energy to your new-season wardrobe).
Each necklace is made from 18kt gold vermeil, which is thicker than traditional gold plating and so lasts much longer without tarnishing. (However, the brand also offers a five-year warranty on every piece, including free replating, repairs and even a direct replacement if your issue cannot be fixed. Not many jewellery brands offer this level of care, and it's something we love to see.)
FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE
To make your new necklace feel even more sentimental, these beautiful bezels come with complimentary engraving on the reverse side to create the perfect gift for a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion.
If you don’t know the birthstones like the back of your hand, or perhaps need a little refresher, we’ve found out what each pretty gem means for you. Unlike the zodiac calendar, birthstones align with your birth month, so we’ll kick off with January’s stone, red garnet, which represents commitment and trust. February is associated with amethyst that’s said to bring wisdom, and March comes with aquamarine to symbolise calm and happiness.
Monica Vinader January Birthstone Necklace
Monica Vinader February Birthstone Necklace
Monica Vinader March Birthstone Necklace
Monica Vinader April Birthstone Necklace
While each birthstone necklace is priced at £95, those born in April come with a £125 price tag due to the luxury of having diamond as your birthstone. (Great if someone else if gifting you, not so much if you're treating yourself). The round, brilliant-cut 0.015 carat lab-grown diamond represents eternal love, before May’s birthstone – the emerald – delivers wealth and abundance, thanks to its lustrous green colour. Those born in June enjoy the iridescent moonstone that’s poised for new beginnings, while July honours the radiant ruby, said to encourage motivation; and August is all about peridot, meant to enhance love and understanding.
Monica Vinader May Birthstone Necklace
Monica Vinader June Birthstone Necklace
Monica Vinader July Birthstone Necklace
Monica Vinader August Birthstone Necklace
September's stone is the blue sapphire that's believed to enhance loyalty, and October’s pink tourmaline is a stone of compassion, enhancing love and understanding. Meanwhile, November’s golden-yellow citrine is said to boost creativity and those born in December are represented by turquoise, which brings strength to the wearer.
Once you’ve secured your precious birthstone necklace, styling it is the fun part. We love a layered look, comprising a cascade of fine necklaces at varying lengths. The key is to choose minimal pieces in a matching finish, and ensure the other necklaces create a frame around the gemstone to reflect light from the centre. If you prefer a pared-back look, wear your necklace solo and complement the sparkling finish with a pair of your favourite hoops.
Monica Vinader September Birthstone Necklace
Monica Vinader October Birthstone Necklace
Monica Vinader November Birthstone Necklace
Monica Vinader December Birthstone Necklace
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
