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Aquamarine
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Blue, the world’s most popular color, is famous for its calming effect, and
out of all the blues available none match the serenity found in Aquamarine.
Deriving their name from the Latin word “Water of The Sea”, Aquamarine gemstones
embody all that is natural. Aquamarine, the sparkling birthstone for March,
ranges from pastel blue to light green its passive tones reminiscent of an
invigorating sea breeze. |
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Since antiquity, Aquamarine has been seen as a gemstone of great vision, its
crystals often being used as eyes in the creation of sculpted statues that
symbolize power and wisdom. According to legend, any man or woman that set
eyes on these statues became a person of great wisdom harnessing the ability
to see into the future. On occasions, these statues were placed in strategic
positions near the coastline where they could calm the wrath of the god Poseidon,
thus insuring the safe return of those on ships at sea. |
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Aquamarine has long been associated with its ability to capture oceanic energy.
When amulets made of Aquamarine were worn, sailors believed that unmatched
bravery would be instilled in their souls. These fisherman’s friends accompanied
their owners while out on the high seas, and in the event of a storm, were
tossed overboard to placate Poseidon’s anger. Interestingly, Thai culture
contains a common belief that Aquamarine can ward off seasickness and prevent
wearers from drowning. Because of its association with the sea, Aquamarine
is considered to be a gemstone of purification and cleansing that washes the
mind with fresh clear thoughts and promotes self-expression. Its calming effects
make it a popular gemstone for those who practice meditation, as it is also
believed to eradicate fears and phobias. |
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Just The Facts |
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Ask any contemporary Jewelry designer to name a gemstone in constant demand
and you can bet that Aquamarine will be on the tip of their tongue. Aquamarine,
symbolizing the near perfect clarity and transparency of the ocean, is the
big sister of the beryl family whose relatives also include bixbite, goshenite,
emerald, heliodor and morganite. Although the deeper shades of blue are rarer
and generally command higher prices, many prefer the oceanic hues of Brazilian
Aquamarine as they provide a true reflection of the sea. Either way, the gentle
luster and delicate tones of Aquamarine are a majestic contribution to any
gemstone collection. Aquamarine’s subtle colors are particularly well suited
to Jewelry in prominent display, especially drop earrings and pendants. |
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Brazil has been the world’s major supplier of Aquamarine for decades. The
infamous Marambaia area is one of the most important sources of fine Aquamarine
in the world. |
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However, today, several African nations, including Nigeria, Mozambique, Zambia
and Madagascar provide an equal, if not greater supply of similarly beautiful
examples. The different shades of Aquamarine are distinguished by their own
names. “Santa Maria” is the name of the rare, intensely deep blue Aquamarine
found in the Santa Maria de Itabira mines of Brazil. Very similar colors are
also found in certain mines in Africa, especially in Mozambique, where they
have come to be known as “Santa Maria Africana”. Another Brazilian beauty
is the deep blue “Espirito Santo”, coming from the Brazilian state of Espirito
Santo. Another beautifully colored variety has taken its name from a 1954
Brazilian beauty queen, “Martha Rocha”. |
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