BIRTHSTONE SEMINAR: LOUNGE SCRIPT

FLOW & SCRIPT 
  
IN-STORE SCRIPT FLOW: 
 
Welcome- Intro .5
History of the Birthstone 1
Modern Traditions 1
Birthstones 24
Outro 1
Effy Transition 2
QR Code .5
Call to action & raffle  .5
TOTAL 30.5

WELCOME: PERSONAL INTRO / TEAM INTRO IF APPLICABLE

Today is all about birthstones—one of my favorite ways to collect fine jewelry and express personality and
individuality. At the end of the day, what makes birthstones so much fun is that they are all about celebrating
you!

I love giving this seminar because I get to cover gemstones that we all know and love, as well as some that
often get overlooked, but are just as worthy of your adoration! Birthstones have always been popular for gift-
givers and gem-lovers for their dazzling array of colors and the personal sentiment they can represent.
However, with the recent resurgence of color in fine jewelry, the concept of birthstones is enjoying a major
renaissance, and I hope to re-ignite your passion for them as well!

HISTORY OF THE BIRTHSTONE:

The origins of this tradition can be traced all the way back to biblical times and the Book of Exodus. It describes
a breastplate worn by Aaron, the first high priest of the Israelites, which was to be worn by all future high
priests. The Breastplate was adorned with 12 different gemstones. It was said that these stones possessed great
powers, and had the ability to tell people their fate

In the 1st Century AD, ancient historian Flavius Josephus made a connection between the stones and the 12
zodiac signs. Although today we think of a birthstone as something personal and representative of our birth
month, the original concept of the birthstone was to obtain all 12, and wear the appropriate one in each month.
This enabled the wearer to possess the heightened powers of each stone during the time of year it was
associated with.

The custom of wearing only a single birthstone is actually only a few hundred years old. It is believed that
sometime around the 16th century, associating one gemstone to a person born in a particular month became a
practiced tradition in the region where Germany and Poland are today.

MODERN TRADITIONS:

Even though birthstones had become an international trend rooted in centuries-long practice, there was still no
widely accepted consensus on which gemstones were associated with each month. In 1912, in an effort to
standardize birthstones, the (American) National Association of Jewelers (now called Jewelers of America) met
in Kansas and officially standardized and adopted a list of American birthstones and each month that they
represented. This list honored customs that had evolved over time, while also ensuring the stones they chose
could be supplied by American jewelers to the public. Ever since we have used birthstones for every kind of
gifting and celebratory occasion imaginable… Birthdays, Anniversaries, New mothers, newborns, Fathers’ Day,
life milestones and achievements, family tree jewelry and more! Those who wear them cherish them for
beauty, symbolism, even for their supposed powers and benefits. They truly are the gift you can never go
wrong with… gifts that become very special to the recipient, and even more special as they transcend
generations, collecting memories, and passing them down.

So today I thought we would do a fun, quick and informative talk on each birthstone with both fun facts as well
as the more romantic qualities associated with them. We all know our own birthstone— but after this you’ll
know the perfect gift to give to anyone in your life, and for any occasion they may be celebrating.

At the end I have a BIG surprise for you that is going to help you personally celebrate in a big way, but you’ll
need to be connected to our ships Wi-Fi, so if you have your phone do that now!... Its ok if you haven’t
purchased internet access, you only need to be connected to our network which is called___________. It’s
going to be as good as money in the bank-- so make sure you are ready for it!

Now since the months have already been neatly arranged in order for us, I think we’ll go by that same order,
and start at the beginning with January…

January: Garnet

Where are my January babies? Shout out your birthstone for me—That’s right, Garnet!
<Utilize strong product imagery and display>

Such a wonderful stone, and one that I’m personally connected to— my ________ is a garnet baby!

1.The word garnet is believed to be loosely derived from “granatum” Latin for “seed”, for its resemblance to the
red seeds of pomegranates.
2.Garnet is one of the oldest gemstones, first used in jewelry by the Egyptians around 3800 BC, thought to have
represented good health for the wearer.
3.Although the modern birthstone list was created in 1912 by the National Association of Jewelers, garnet has
been used as the birthstone of January since at least the 16th century.
4.Garnets actually come in a rainbow of colors including greens, oranges and yellows. However, the classic
garnet color we all know is an alluring deep dark red like this (show example piece / maybe associate can be
taking examples of each gemstone around at its turn—which I normally don’t like but I think for this seminar its
ok).
5.Garnet is an especially passionate stone closely linked to love, peace, and lasting friendships.

In addition to being a must own for January babies, garnet is one of Effy’s most popular gemstones for its deep,
luscious and romantic color, and it makes the perfect commemoration of cruising with friends and loved ones.

February: Amethyst

OK time for my February babies—where are you? And shout your birthstone!

That’s right, Amethyst! Are any of you having a drink right now?? Haha—Did you know…

1.The word Amethyst derives from the Greek "amethystos", which means "not drunken", as Amethyst in
antiquity was thought to ward off drunkenness… And I’ve seen a few cruisers this week who should buy one
immediately!
2.Amethyst is actually a member of the quartz-family but is considered to be the most highly prized variety.
3.Amethyst is the official gemstone of the Canadian province of Ontario!
4.Amethyst rings are traditionally worn by bishops for its symbolism of piety, humility, sincerity, and spiritual
wisdom.
5.The gemstone-grade color of Amethyst is called Siberian purple, as this was the original location they were
discovered—but today most top-quality amethyst like the ones Effy uses (hold up Effy piece) come from Brazil.

Amethyst is believed to inspire courage, calm, and contemplation. In fact, Egyptian soldiers would wear
amethyst in battle in order to be courageous—a perfect commemoration if it took a little bravery to book this
adventure!

In addition to being a must own for February babies, amethyst is a fun and gorgeous jewelry staple, and who
knows it might even help you handle a few more margaritas this voyage!

March: Aquamarine

March Babies in the house? Do you know yours??

Yes! Aquamarine—If you were born to cruise, then you don’t even need to be a march baby to love this one!

1. The term aquamarine is derived from the Latin words “aqua” and “marina”, which mean “water” and “sea”.
The color of this treasured gem captures the cool and breezy essence of the ocean and sky. Over the years, the
stone has been widely associated with legends and folklore of seafaring travelers.
2. Believed to be a precious treasure from mermaids, sailors have worn aquamarine amulets to keep them safe at
sea, and to ward off seasickness—so if you have been feeling a little queasy from the motion of the ocean, you
might want to give this a try (holding a piece of aquamarine)—although that is not official medical advice!
3. In addition, aquamarine is said to have the power to:
 Increase youth
 Increase courage
 Increase happiness
4. The largest gem quality Aquamarine was found in Brazil in 1910, weighed 243-pounds, and was cut into
more than 100,000 carats of finished gemstones!
5. And guess what—if you have been married for 19 years, as an alternative to bronze (make a yucky face),
aquamarine is also considered a 19th anniversary gift! Is anyone celebrating 19 years?? --Is anyone married??
Close enough!

In addition to being a must own for March babies, aquamarine is an obvious choice for commemorating your
time at sea and capturing the gorgeous blue color of the <insert location>! ocean.

April: Diamond

Where are my April babies?? Yeah of course you already know your stone… Go ahead and shout it!

You lucky, lucky April babies-- You won the birthstone lottery!
Your birthstone is the envy of all months, the most versatile and universal. Virtually every piece of fine jewelry
is in some way a celebration of you—So, I hope you revel in it and take advantage of it.

1.The name “diamond” stems from the Greek word adamas, meaning unbreakable.
2.Diamond is the hardest substance in the known universe-- and as such, they truly are forever! They are also
the oldest things you’ll ever touch. The ones I am holding were created billions of years before the dinosaurs
walked the earth! Isn’t that incredible? They are natures antiques, perfectly preserved.
3.Diamonds are formed 100 miles below the surface in the mantle and get delivered to the surface by volcanic
eruptions of a particular kind, the last of which occurred 50 million years ago. The geological conditions
needed to produce and deliver diamonds no longer exist, so the current diamonds we have are the only ones we
will ever have.
4.Diamonds can come in virtually every color of the rainbow, with the rarest being red diamond. There is
thought to be less than 50 true red diamonds in known existence, the largest being 5.11cts. It’s called the Red
Shield, or Mousaieff diamond.
5.Diamonds were first brought to Europe from India by Alexander the Great and were worn almost exclusively
by males for courage and virility. It wasn’t until 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria set the bar for
engagements by giving the first known diamond engagement ring to Mary of Burgundy--and they have been
THE symbol of love, devotion and celebration ever since.

And though April babies get ultimate diamond bragging rights-- because of their strength, beauty and
symbolism of love, diamond is often considered a universal birthstone. But diamonds of course have so much
more meaning than simply birthstones, and they are the #1 commemorative purchase made on every cruise.
Where life’s most precious moments and memories are being made, diamonds will be there to help you capture
them forever.

May: Emerald

What do Clint Eastwood, Audrey Hepburn and JFK all have in common? They share a birthstone with you
May babies—where are you? And what gemstone is that? Yes gorgeous, gorgeous Emeralds!

1. The first emeralds were mined in Egypt around 1500 BC and were a favorite of Cleopatra. Today most
emeralds come from Columbia and Brazil.
2.Emeralds, with their soft pleasing color, have been used to relax and relieve eye strain. Try staring closely at
your emerald after an extended period of reading and concentration!
3.In Emeralds, inclusions are part of the mineral, and are not considered to be blemishes. In fact, the inclusions
are romantically referred to as “Le Jardin”, French for “the garden” within the emerald. Each emerald is unique
and special for its internal characteristics, like fingerprints.
4.The Romans connected emeralds stones to Venus, Goddess of Love, and associated them with growth and
spring. We also associate the emerald with truth, wisdom, and seeing yourself as you truly are.
5.Emerald is not only considered the traditional wedding gift for your 20th Anniversary, but also your 35th as
well as your 55th anniversaries! Emeralds are a consistent go to gift when celebrating incredible milestones of
love and partnership.

In addition to being a must own for May babies, emerald is a cornerstone of every fine jewelry wardrobe, and a
truly special way to celebrate and commemorate this voyage! How you choose to appreciate emeralds is up to
you—my job however is to put this treasure within your reach tonight…

June: Alexandrite/Pearl

My June babies I’m going to throw a curveball at everyone here—What is your birthstone?? I hear 2 different
answers…. You are all right-- you actually have TWO widely celebrated birthstones, the first of which is
magical color changing Alexandrite—one of the world’s very rarest gemstones!

1. When this gem was discovered in Russia in the 1830, it was named in honor of Czar Alexander II’s 16th
birthday and became the official gemstone of Russia because its purple and a green colors were the same as the
Russian Imperial colors.
2. While there are a few gemstones known to exhibit a color change, none are as dramatic or pronounced as
alexandrite, which is why it’s called the “alexandrite effect” when seen in other color changing gems.
3. Alexandrite is an extremely hard stone, with only diamond and sapphire varieties being harder.
4. The largest known Alexandrite is 65.70 carats and is on display at the Smithsonian Museum, alongside other
notable gems like the Hope Diamond.
5. Alexandrite is also considered a traveler’s gem, believed to help the wearer adapt to new surroundings, better
understand cultures, and better communicate with foreign languages. It also represents balance between the
physical and spiritual worlds and is associated with opening the heart chakra in eastern physiological practices.

It is an honor and a privilege to be a June baby, as your birthstone is as rare and enchanting as you are and
making an alexandrite purchase can be a once in a lifetime opportunity—something you will truly treasure and
pass down for generations to come!

Because of its rarity, not everyone who wants an alexandrite can attain one… You still need to behold it and
witness its dazzling color change!

But luckily for June Babies, pearl is also your birthstone, and it is definitely one that every June baby needs. In
addition to being one of the most time honored and sophisticated jewelry looks, pearls are unique in the
amazing fact that they are the only gemstone that is created by a living organism! And they are of course
intimately tied to the ocean, making pearl jewelry one of the most popular keepsakes from every cruise,
regardless of region!

July: Ruby

Where July Babies? You may consider yourself royalty, seeing as you definitely have a very regal birthstone…
Which one is it? That’s right—Ruby! One of my favorites!

1. The word ruby comes from the Latin “rubeus”, which means red, though early records in Sanskrit show
rubies being called “Ratnaraj”, meaning “King of Gems”.
2. Rubies are of the same corundum mineral as sapphires, but all other colors are classified as sapphire, only the
ruby stands alone.
3.Rubies are thought to guard against sorrow, inspire confidence and bring success. They are also said to have
the power to attract and maintain love!
4. Are their gentlemen or ladies here wearing a mechanical watch? Look on the backside of the case and it will
tell you how many “jewels” it has… This refers to the number of rubies in the movement, which are drilled and
oiled to create bearings for moving parts that need a smooth and durable surface that allows easier movement
and inhibits wear-- although nowadays watch movement rubies are usually synthetic.
5. Ruby is recognized as the wedding gift for both 15th and 40th anniversaries.

In addition to being a must own for July babies, ruby is one the most classic, storied and time-honored
gemstones, full of passion, love and beauty, and one of the most show stopping gems in any jewelry wardrobe
—rubies definitely get noticed!

August: Peridot

For my August babies now—throw your hands up! You definitely have what I consider to be one of the most
underrated gemstones, but one that is deserving of your affection… and that is…? Peridot!

1. The name Peridot comes from the Arabic word “faridat” which means “gem”.
2.Peridot forms like diamond forms, by intense pressure and heat in the earth’s mantle 100 miles below the
surface. They too are delivered to the surface by volcanic eruptions just like diamonds. Peridot has even been
found delivered from outer space by meteorites, although extraordinarily rare and not likely to be used for
jewelry.
3.Legend has it that peridot elicits positive energy and suppresses selfishness, jealousy and ego
4.Peridot is a native stone in Hawaii, can be found on the beaches, and is said to symbolize the tears of Pele, the
Goddess of fire and Volcanoes.
5. The Romans referred to peridot as the "evening emerald" because unlike the deep hues of emeralds, peridot
gemstones did not darken at night and still shimmered under candlelight.

In addition to being a must own for August babies, peridot is a bright and cheery classic that belongs in every
jewelry wardrobe, sure to bring a smile to your face no matter what kind of day you are having!

September: Sapphire

September babies? There you are! I’m guessing you are versatile people, as you have probably the most
versatile and wearable birthstones… and that is what? Yes Sapphire! Another gemstone closely associated to
royalty.

1. The word sapphire comes from the Greek word “sappheiros” which originally referred to another blue
gemstone, Lapis.
2. Sapphires actually come in every color of the rainbow and more… all except Red—because again when they
are red what do we call it? You guys are good!
3. In Ancient Times, sapphires represented loyalty, trust, honesty, and purity. They were also believed to protect
those close to you from harm.
4. Another gem/watch factoid—the glass on many high-end watches is actually not glass you know… its
sapphire crystal, used for its resistance to scratches. Only diamond and other sapphires can scratch a sapphire.
5. Sapphire is recognized as the traditional wedding anniversary gift for 5th anniversaries and 45th anniversaries.

While sapphire is the gemstone of September, it is plain and simply one of the most popular gemstones now and
throughout history—and it’s mesmerizing blue color makes it an obvious choice for commemorating your time
at sea, and capturing that gorgeous blue color of the <insert location>! ocean. But don’t limit yourself at blue,
the fun of sapphires is expressing yourself through their endless color possibilities! Think about it, there aren’t
many birthstones that also allow you to choose your favorite color, so take advantage!

<great place to feature watercolors>.

October: Opal

October babies are unique and mysterious, aren’t you? Maybe yes, maybe, no? haha—well your gemstone
definitely, and that is a what? Yup! Gorgeous shimmering Opal!

1. “Opallios” is the Greek word for Opals, meaning to see a change of color. The Roman word for Opal is
“Opalus” meaning precious stone, and it may have been used for jewelry as far back as 4000 BC!
2.Opal comes from silica gel—yes, the same stuff inside those little packets placed in food packaging! The rain
washes silica it into canyons and cracks, where it solidifies over millions of years, and takes on is mesmerizing
dance of colors. As such, opal has the interesting phenomena of containing significant traces of water, up to
20%!
3.Australian mines provide over 95% of the world’s supply of opal. Other countries known for notable
quantities are Brazil, Mexico, and Ethiopia. Opals come in many shapes and colors, and no two are alike.
4.Opal was discovered on Mars in July 2015 by a NASA orbiter, joining peridot (which arrives on meteors) as
the only other gemstone to have been discovered outside of earth.
5. Opal is recognized as the 14th wedding anniversary gift.
In addition to being a must own for October babies, opals are simply gorgeous, and beloved by everyone from
royalty to word travelers, and is often called the queen of gemstones. An opal is one of the most exciting and
entrancing pieces you need to have in your jewelry wardrobe!

November: Citrine

We are almost through now, but saving some great ones for last—Do I have any November Babies this one is
another curve ball month—but my November babies, you share a birthstone with Grace Kelly, Mark Twain and
Whoopi Goldberg… And which one is it?? Ahhh, hearing a couple different answers again? Well, here’s
another month where you have 2 widely celebrated birthstones! The first is Citrine.

1.The name citrine comes from the French word “citron” which means lemon and light-yellow citrines are
sometimes called “Lemon Quartz”. It has also been called the “merchant stone” as merchants in the middle-ages
kept it on them to attracted prosperity and success.
2.Citrine is associated with the values of hope, cheerfulness, youth, and fidelity. It has been believed to promote
creativity, personal clarity and eliminate self-destructive tendencies.
3.Chinese Emperors wore citrine, believing it to be the “Stone of Success," and it was given to those considered
generous people only.
4.Citrine is the gemstone associated with 13th wedding anniversary celebrations.
5.In the days before modern gemology, its darkish yellow color caused it to be confused with topaz—probably
why Topaz is the other accepted birthstone of November!

Topaz has always seemed to confuse people-- Some believe that the term topaz traces back to a small island in
the red sea called Topazos. The Romans would collect golden stones here that they then named Topazos. So, is
this where topaz was found? Not exactly. The gemstones that were collected from this island weren't topaz, but
rather modern-day peridot!

Today we think of topaz as a colorful and durable gemstone, full of personality and versatility, and a wonderful
go-to gem for everyday fashion, and flirty looks.

Not only are citrine and topaz must-haves for November babies they are also enjoying a resurgence in
popularity for jewelry with big bold colorful retro looks.

December: Tanzanite

December is another one that will throw many off, as some don’t realize that in 2002 your birthstone changed…
And boy did it change to a spectacular one! You have one of the rarest, and hottest gemstones on the planet
right now… Do you know what it is?? Yes Tanzanite!! Tanzanite tanzanite!

1.Tanzanite is named after the only country it is found, Tanzania in East Africa. From a gemological
perspective, it has only been recently discovered in 1967.
2.Tanzanite was designated the December birthstone in 2002—the first addition since 1912… This goes to
show you how big a deal Tanzanite is!
3.Tanzanite crystals are trichroic, meaning they can exhibit 3 distinct colors depending on the lighting and
viewing angle!
4.Tanzanite has often been associated with new life and new beginnings. The stone is often gifted to celebrate
births and new milestones in life.
5. Tanzanite is recognized as the gemstone gift for the 24th wedding anniversary

In addition to being a must own for December babies, tanzanite in my opinion is a must own for everyone, right
now! Not only does it display a kaleidoscope of luscious purples, blues and pinks, it also gives brilliance and
sparkle similar to a diamond… It’s easy to see why it is the best-selling colored gemstone on any cruise—And
at the moment still extremely attainable in price considering how rare it is. This means you can get sweet and
simple pieces, or enormous dazzling looks at values unmatched by many other gemstones.

OUTRO:

So, that’s all of us— To sum it up, birthstones are the perfect gift to celebrate yourself and each other, to
participate in centuries old traditions, and to add sparks of excitement, color and fun to your jewelry wardrobe.
They are extremely personalized, are great on their own-- or what I like to do, is create what I call “Family
Birthstone Jewelry” where you create sets with birthstones of yourself, your children, your spouse, your parents,
and any other loved ones you want to keep near to your heart. But whether you want a simple necklace with
your stone, or you want to go old school and collect all 12 to wear each month for powers all year long, I’m
here to make it happen for you…

Now we are going to get to our raffle in just a moment, and one lucky person here is going to win this beautiful
[GIFT] that Mr. Effy has provided us with. Everyone say, “thank you Mr. Effy”! But remember I said I have a
surprise for everyone here today? Did we all connect to the wifi?

If I were to give you free money towards the purchase of your birthstone, would you take it? (if some wise guy
makes a joke and says “no” you can joke back and say “well luckily full price is still an option, but for everyone
else…”) Pull up your QR reader or just open the camera on your phone, if you need help doing this [STAFF
MEMBER] will come over and help you…. Point it at this code you see here…

Who can tell me what it says?... that’s right!! $200 good as cash to put towards the purchase of your birthstone,
or any birthstones right here onboard in the EFFY store!!
(This moment may need tweaking, could take too long this way but could be effective).

EFFY TRANSITION:

As we all know, Effy is not only Americas Largest gemstone buyer, but one of the world’s largest gemstones
buyers, specializing in every single category and gem—especially Tanzanite! This means Effy gets first pick of
the top quality, as well as bulk purchasing power simply unattainable to other companies. Simply put EFFY
means the best quality, exciting and tantalizing designs, and prices that make it easy to own the best. But when
you shop on a <insert cruise line> cruise, you are shopping direct from the manufacturer, and further reducing
those low prices with tax and duty-free savings! This, combines with your $200 good as cash, makes this the
best opportunity to save big while completing your entire set!

But this $200 gift expires at <insert time>, so today is the day to make it happen!
(I wouldn’t talk about being able to use it later with a shopping appointment, I would just address it one on one
with guests who don’t have time to shop right now and agree on a time for them to come back and use it.)

So now it’s time for the raffle, the prize is locked in the showcase right across the atrium in the EFFY store, so
grab your tickets, grab your phones, and follow me—its raffle time, and then the birthstone shopping party
begins!! Let’s go!

(escort guests to store for raffle, don’t waste a lot of time re-introducing staff or taking about Effy, get to
shopping, lighting sale promo etc .to get the bell ringing, reiterate the expiry time on the coupon, get jewelry in
hands.)