AQUAMARINE

     Aquamarine, a universal symbol of youth, hope, and health, is the traditional birthstone for March. It is also the accepted anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage. (Prior to the fifteenth century it was thought to be the birthstone for those born in October.) In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers; thus it is an excellent gift for sailors or one who takes frequent cruises! To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of new friends; to wear aquamarine earrings brings love and affection. Aquamarine was said to prevent seasickness, quicken the intellect and enhance courage. Long used by royalty, Egyptian amulets of the XII Dynasty (circa 2000 BC) included Aquamarines carved into the forms of animals.

     Aquamarine is a member of the important beryl family, which includes emerald, but aquamarine is less brittle and more durable than emerald. Aquamarine ranges in color from light blue to bluish green to deep blue, which is the most valuable and desirable color. Its blue / blue-green color comes from ferrous iron. The deeper and more saturated the color, the more valuable the stone. The double refraction of light from different angles within the stone causes it to reflect two different colors, blue and green.The ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing pastel sea blue. Stones with a clear blue color without green or gray are generally the most valuable. It is a very wearable gem, clear and brilliant, and, unlike emerald, is available with excellent clarity even in very large sizes, although these are becoming scarce today.

     One must be careful not to mistake blue topaz for aquamarine. While topaz is an equally beautiful gem, it is usually much less expensive, since it is usually treated to obtain its desirable color. For those who can't afford an aquamarine, however, blue topaz is an excellent alternative - as long as it is properly represented ... and priced. Also, note that many aquamarine-colored synthetic spinels are erroneously sold as aquamarine. As part of the normal finishing process, some aquamarines are heated to remove traces of yellow.