| Picture the clear light blue waters of the | | | | gorgeous whether in gold or silver settings. |
| Mediterranean or the Caribbean, and you'll see the | | | | Emerald cut aquamarine stones are often cut with |
| gorgeous shades of Aquamarine, the traditional | | | | more facets than emeralds to bring out their |
| birthstone for March. | | | | brilliance. |
| This pale blue stone is a form of beryl, in the | | | | A relatively abundant gem, aquamarine is found in |
| same mineral family as the emerald. Varying from | | | | Brazil, China, India, Australia, Africa and the United |
| sky blue to green hues, the deepest colors have | | | | States. The majority of aquamarine stones are |
| the highest value. | | | | flawless, unlike many other gem stones. |
| The name derives from the Latin "Aqua" which | | | | Be sure to deal with a reputable jeweler when |
| means water, and "Mare" meaning sea - the | | | | buying aquamarine jewelry. Stones sold as |
| perfect description of the seawater hues of this | | | | "Brazilian Aquamarine" may be blue topaz. "Siam |
| very versatile gem stone. | | | | Aquamarine" is likely blue zircon that has been |
| Aquamarine has several associations with water. | | | | heat treated to intensify color. |
| Ancient Romans believed that aquamarine was | | | | As with any fine jewelry, treat your aquamarine |
| sacred to Neptune, the God of the sea. Sailors | | | | pieces with care. Keep them clean, and store |
| wore talismans made of aquamarine, carved into | | | | them carefully. |
| the likeness of Neptune, as protection against the | | | | The alternate birthstone for March is the |
| dangers of the sea. In ancient times, water in | | | | bloodstone, also called heliotrope. It's a dark green |
| which aquamarine was immersed was believed to | | | | opaque quartz, flecked with orange or red spots. |
| heal illness of the heart, liver, mouth, throat and | | | | It's also called "martyr's stone", due to the legend |
| stomach. And of course March birthdays | | | | that the red spots on the stone came from the |
| encompass the Zodiac sign of Pisces, the fish. | | | | blood of Christ that spilled onto green jasper |
| The beryl family that includes aquamarine is a | | | | stone during the crucifixion. In ancient times |
| very hard mineral, and was used in ancient times | | | | bloodstone was used as a cure for bleeding by |
| to correct vision. Beryl is used to this day in the | | | | placing the stone over the affected area. |
| manufacture of eyeglasses. | | | | Bloodstone is found in India, Brazil, Australia, |
| The hardness of the gem makes it very durable | | | | Uruguay and the United States. It's often carved |
| for use in jewelry. Varying in color from | | | | into cameos and beads. It's inexpensive, with retail |
| blue-green (caused by traces of iron in the stone) | | | | prices per stone from $5 to $50. |
| to pale light sky blue, aquamarine jewelry looks | | | | |