Aquamarine (Latin meaning 'water of the sea' is named because of its resemblance to seawater). It can be found in sea green, sky blue, and dark blue colors. It is the blue-green variety of the beryl family (aquamarine's sister stones are the peachy-pink morganite and emerald being the green variety). Dark greenish-blue is the most desired color. 

The name 'Santa Maria' comes from the most famous aquamarine mine in South America, the Santa Maria de Itabira mine. The Santa Maria mine produced the world's best color aquamarines, but sadly the mine has been depleted for many years. It is also where the largest source of the gem is found with Africa becoming a strong rival. South America still produces the largest quantity, and the best quality of aquamarines.

Out of the ground, aquamarine has a slight green hue and are often heat-treated to turn the gem more pure blue. The natural, lighter color has become very popular by gem collectors and command premium prices. Whatever the hue, this March birthstone is highly sought after for its clarity, color, transparency, and calmness.

Aquamarine is a hard gemstone at 7.4 - 8 on the Mohs' scale, suitable for everyday jewelry wear.

Aquamarine Folklore:

The gemstone was believed to protect sailors by keeping seas calm. Once called the 'treasure of mermaids', the gem's power is believed to be stronger when submersed in water. In modern times, many people wear aquamarines to prevent travel sickness.

On land, it is known as a healing stone and often used to temper anxiety and soothe relationships.

It is the 19th wedding anniversary gift.

Shopping for Aquamarine:

• Most valuable color is medium greenish blue to dark blue
• Eye clean in clarity (no visible inclusions to the naked eye)
• No color zoning (stripes of darker color)

We recommend cleaning all your aquamarine jewelry with warm water and Dawn dish soap. You can use a soft toothbrush if needed.

California Girl Jewelry's ode to March: 14 carat aquamarine double prong set in a diamond encrusted waves adorn the solid 18K white gold basket:

Different tones of amethyst have different prefixes; "Siberian Amethyst" refers to darker, more saturated amethyst 

(though the gemstone themselves need not be from Siberia). Less saturated amethyst with a pink hue is named "Rose De France". 

Up until the 19th century, amethyst was as expensive as ruby and emerald until large deposits were found in Brazil.

Amethyst Folklore:

It is believed amethyst posses powers to change anger to tranquillity and is used by crystal healers to transform negative energy into positive energy. Its name derives from the Greek word "Amethustos", "A" meaning "not" and "methustos" meaning "to intoxicate". It was believed in ancient times, lords who wanted to stay sober had drinking goblets made from amethyst.

Amethyst is given on the 6th wedding anniversary.

Shopping for Amethyst: What to look for

• Color: The best amethyst is a strong purple. The less saturated the purple color (lavender) or color zoning will reduce the value and cost.
• Clarity: Amethyst should be 'eye clean' which means inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.
• Cut: The larger the cut juxtaposed with strong color and eye clean clarity.
• Rarity: The Siberian and Uruguayan amethyst command higher prices as little material is coming from the mines at present.

We recommend cleaning amethyst jewelry with warm water and Dawn dish soap.

Miss us? See us in March 24-26 in San Mateo @ the Intergem Show

California Girl Jewelry's ode to February: Uruguayan amethyst prong set in an antique (1880s) 18K white gold setting with diamonds on every petal. In addition to the hot pink flash, this 18 carat amethyst from Uruguay has an electric blue flash with a deep purple color.