You’ve seen them everywhere. Sorority recruitment, Sunday brunch, office cubicles—the iconic oval pendant is basically the unofficial uniform of the modern woman. But when you start looking for a birthstone Kendra Scott necklace, things get a little more complicated than just picking a pretty color.
Honestly, there is a ton of confusion about what these stones actually are. People often walk into a boutique expecting a mined, raw emerald and walk out with "Emerald Cat's Eye" glass. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. But if you're dropping money on a gift or a personal treat, you should probably know what’s actually hanging from that chain.
Birthstone Kendra Scott Necklace: Real Gems or Just Great Marketing?
Kendra Scott's empire was built on the "Color Bar" concept, and that DIY spirit carries over into the birthstone collections. Most of the birthstone pieces you see—like the famous Elisa or the daintier Cailin—are part of the "Fashion Jewelry" line.
In this world, "birthstone" is often a vibe, not a mineral report.
For example, the January "Ruby" or "Burgundy" option in the entry-level collections is frequently a Red Illusion stone. That’s essentially a layer of tinted glass over a shell or reflective backing. It looks stunning. It catches the light like a dream. But it isn't a ruby.
If you want the "real-real" stuff, you have to look at the Fine Jewelry or Sterling Silver collections. There’s a massive jump in price, but that’s where you find the 14k gold and genuine sapphires or diamonds.
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Breaking Down the Metal
Most people don't realize that the standard gold necklace isn't solid gold. It’s 14k gold plated over brass. This is why you’ll see some people complaining on Reddit that their necklace turned their neck green after a year.
It's not that the jewelry is "fake." It's just plated. Brass is a base metal, and once that thin layer of gold wears off from sweat or perfume, the brass reacts with your skin.
- The Gold Plated (Standard): 14k gold over brass. Budget-friendly, usually around $50–$70.
- The Vermeil: 18k gold over Sterling Silver. Better for sensitive skin.
- The Fine Jewelry: Solid 14k gold. This is the "forever" version.
Which Style Actually Fits Your Life?
Don't just grab the first one you see. The birthstone Kendra Scott necklace comes in a few distinct "families," and the scale matters more than you think.
- The Elisa: This is the GOAT. It’s the horizontal oval everyone recognizes. It sits right at the collarbone. It’s 0.63"L x 0.38"W. Basically, the Goldilocks of necklaces—not too big, not too small.
- The Cailin: If the Elisa feels too "sorority" for you, the Cailin is the newer, sleeker sister. It’s a vertical oval and feels a bit more modern.
- The Davie: This one is for the girl who likes edges. It’s a faceted, square-ish stone that looks more like a traditional gem setting.
- The Ari Heart: Perfect for younger girls or the "soft girl" aesthetic. It’s a heart-shaped birthstone that’s huge for Valentine’s Day and graduation gifts.
The Secret to Making It Last
I've seen these necklaces last five years, and I've seen them die in five months. The difference is almost always the shower.
Kendra Scott herself is famous for saying her jewelry is for "living in," but the chemistry says otherwise. If you wear your birthstone Kendra Scott necklace in the pool or the shower, you are basically fast-tracking the death of the plating.
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Chlorine is the enemy. Soap scum is the enemy. Even your expensive Chanel perfume? Enemy.
Pro Tip: Put your jewelry on after you’ve finished your hair and makeup. The alcohol in hairspray and perfume eats the gold plating for breakfast.
Pricing: What's a Fair Deal?
You shouldn't always pay full price. Seriously.
The standard Elisa in a birthstone color usually retails for $55 to $70. However, Kendra Scott has a legendary birthday discount. If you go into a store during your birth month, you get 50% off one item (or 25% off fine jewelry).
If you're buying a birthstone Kendra Scott necklace for yourself, wait for your birthday month. It’s the best hack in the jewelry world.
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Why the "Illusion" Stones Matter
Let’s talk about the stones for a second. You’ll see names like "Ivory Mother of Pearl" or "Dichroic Glass."
Kendra Scott uses a technique where they layer stones. They might take a thin slice of real shell and layer it under a faceted piece of glass. This creates a depth of color that you just can't get with a solid stone. It’s why her "September" blue looks so much more vibrant than a standard cheap crystal. It’s an art form in itself, even if it isn't a raw gemstone pulled from a mountain in Sri Lanka.
Spotting a Fake (Because They Are Everywhere)
Because these are so popular, the market is flooded with "DHGate" and "AliExpress" knockoffs. If you see an Elisa birthstone necklace on a random site for $15, it’s fake.
How can you tell? Look at the "K" logo on the metal tag near the clasp. On a real one, the engraving is crisp and centered. On fakes, the "K" looks a bit bloated or stamped too deep. Also, the weight is a giveaway. Real Kendra pieces have a certain "heft" because of the brass core; fakes often feel like plastic-coated aluminum.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Purchase
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a birthstone Kendra Scott necklace, follow this checklist to make sure you don't regret it:
- Check the Metal: If you have sensitive skin, skip the $55 brass version and go for the Sterling Silver or Vermeil options. Your skin will thank you.
- Verify the Stone: Read the fine print. If you want a natural stone, look for "Amethyst" or "Citrine" without the word "Illusion" or "Crystal" attached.
- Measure Your Neck: The Elisa is a short pendant (15 inches + 2-inch extender). If you prefer a longer look, you might need to buy a separate chain extender or look at the Rayne long pendant style.
- Store It Right: Stop leaving it on the bathroom counter. The humidity from your shower will tarnish the metal faster than you can say "Austin, Texas." Use the little yellow pouch it came in.
Whether you're celebrating a January birthday with a deep red or a May birthday with that vibrant green, these necklaces are a staple for a reason. They're accessible, they're recognizable, and they just plain look good. Just know what's in the box before you buy it.