Gold & silver birthstone bracelets

Choosing birthstone bracelets

Birthstone bracelets make a personal gift because each month has its own stone, with garnet for January and turquoise for December. The catch is that plenty of birthstone jewellery uses coloured glass and thin plating that wears through within months. Look for a named stone, a stated metal and a brand that says where its pieces are made. Harfi makes most of the birthstone bracelets here, in sterling silver and gold vermeil, with dainty chains that sit well alone or in a stack.

Gold or silver: what the metal labels mean

A gold birthstone bracelet can mean several things, so check the label. Gold vermeil is a thick layer of gold over sterling silver, which lasts much longer than standard gold plating. A gold plated bracelet uses a thinner layer over a base metal and suits occasional wear. Solid gold costs more but never wears through. A silver birthstone bracelet in sterling silver is 92.5% silver, the standard mark of quality for silver jewellery. Rize makes some of its pieces from recycled silver, which keeps mined metal out of the chain.

Gemstone bracelets, cuffs and charms

A gemstone bracelet with a single stone suits everyday wear, while cuffs and bangles make more of a statement and slip on without a clasp. Habulous handmakes sterling silver pieces in small batches, and Lily Flo Jewellery works in solid gold with lab-grown diamonds. Charm styles let you add a stone or initial over time. For softer, casual styles, Swole Panda makes rope bracelets in bright stripes. A dainty bracelet or a minimalist bracelet is the easiest to wear every day, because it layers with a watch.

Sizing and care

Measure your wrist snugly with a soft tape and add about a centimetre for comfort, or choose an adjustable chain. Take bracelets off before swimming, showering or using hand cream, and store each one separately so stones do not scratch each other. Polish sterling silver with a soft cloth when it dulls. Watches pair well with a stack, and Necklaces and Earrings come in matching birthstones. For gifts, Birthstone Jewellery gathers every birthstone piece, and The sustainable jewellery guide: What “ethical” actually means explains what to look for.