'Trista' Birthstone Necklace

Trista Birthstone Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Trista Birthstone Necklace made of?

  Each Trista is handcrafted in the US from 100% recycled 14K gold-fill or solid sterling silver. The pendant is hand-textured around a genuine 11mm natural birthstone (about half an inch), and it hangs from a 17-inch cable chain with a spring-ring clasp.

• Which birthstones can I choose?

  All twelve months are covered: garnet for January, amethyst for February, aquamarine for March, white topaz for April, chrysoprase for May, white pearl for June, ruby for July, peridot for August, London blue topaz for September, pink topaz for October, citrine for November, and Swiss blue topaz for December. If you want something outside that list, the Gem Bar has more options like carnelian, labradorite, prehnite, green amethyst, rutilated quartz, chalcedony, and black sapphire.

• Are the gemstones natural or lab-grown?

  They're all natural and ethically sourced. Erin personally selects them from suppliers certified by the Responsible Jewelry Council. Because they're real stones, every one is a little different in color and character, which is part of the charm.

• Can I wear a birthstone that isn't my birth month?

  Absolutely. There are no rules about which birthstone you can wear. Many customers choose stones based on color, personal meaning, or to honor a loved one — a child's birth month, a grandmother's favorite color, or simply a gem that speaks to them. The Gem Bar makes it easy to combine multiple birthstones into one meaningful piece.

• Can I wear a birthstone that isn't my birth month?

  Of course. Plenty of people pick a stone because they love the color, because it belongs to someone they love, or just because it feels right. There aren't any rules here.

• Is this a good gift?

  It's one of our most popular ones. It ships in eco-friendly gift packaging with a jewelry box, soft travel pouch, gift bag with tissue, a blank notecard for your message, and a polishing cloth. You can add a gift message at checkout, no extra charge.

• How does the chain sit? Will it layer well?

  The 17-inch cable chain lands just below the collarbone on most people, which is a nice layering length. It sits well above a shorter choker (14 to 15 inches) and below a longer pendant (20 inches and up).

• How fast will it ship?

  Ready-to-ship pieces usually leave the studio within one business day. Made-to-order ones (rarer stones or custom setups) typically ship in about two weeks. You'll get tracking when it's on the way, and shipping is free on US orders over $150.

• What if I need to return it?

  We have a no-quibble return policy, plus a one-year warranty and lifetime repair service on every piece. If something isn't right, just reach out and we'll take care of it.

• Can I customize the metal, chain length, or stone?

  Yes. The standard Trista comes in 14K gold-fill or sterling silver on a 17-inch chain, but through the Gem Bar you can request recycled 14K yellow, white, or rose gold, different chain lengths, and rarer gemstones. Engraving is available on select pieces.

• How do I take care of it?

  Keep it away from perfume, lotion, harsh chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. Give it a quick wipe with the included polishing cloth after wearing. For a deeper clean, use mild soapy water and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. Store it on its own so the stone doesn't get scratched.

• Is the gold-fill version okay for sensitive skin?

  For most people, yes. Gold-fill has a thick outer layer of solid 14K gold bonded to a brass core, so the skin only touches real gold. It's much more durable and skin-friendly than gold plating. If you have a serious metal allergy, solid sterling silver is usually the safer pick.

• What's the difference between gold-fill and solid gold?

  Gold-fill has a thick layer of real 14K gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. It's about 100 times thicker than gold plating and lasts for decades with normal care. Solid gold is 14K (or higher) all the way through, costs more, and is available for the Trista through the Gem Bar.