How to Design Your Own Birthstone Pendant

A birthstone pendant is a fantastic gift idea for Mother's Day, or even a way to celebrate your own birthday. There are several options if you want to design your own birthstone pendant each with their own price level.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. First, you have to know what your birthstone is. The traditional birthstone chart looks like this:
   
   January: Garnet
   Feburary: Amethyst
   March: Aquamarine
   April: Diamond
   May: Emerald
   June: Pearl
   July: Ruby
   August: Peridot
   September: Sapphire
   October: Opal
   November: Citrine
   December: Blue Topaz

2. If you don't like your birthstone or can't afford it, look to see if you have an alternate birthstone. If you buy custom made gemstones they'll probably offer you a variety of cz's or lab created gems to choose from. Just make sure that they don't charge you too much.

3. Try making your own jewelry. You can pick up an inexpensive strand of gem nuggets for just a few dollars. This way you'll be able to create a totally custom piece with all of your own colors.

4. Look into snap tight castings. These are one of the easiest ways to make your own jewelry. You just have to put your gem face down on the table & then press the snap casting around it & the prongs move over hte piece.

5. For a more professional look, have your pendant made. You can go anywhere from Zales to Walmart to design your own pendant. Just be aware that you will have to use their selection of gems & pendant castings.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop for custom jewelry around Mother's day. Birthstone pendants are often popular gifts & they go on sale this time of year. These necklaces are designed so that a mom can have each of her kid's birthstones. If you don't want to have the multi color rainbow that is traditional for this type of jewelry, just use the same stone several times.