Aquamarine and Bloodstone are the two very different, but equally beautiful, stones commonly associated with a March Birthday.  Aquamarine is also used to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary and has a connection with the zodiac sign Scorpio.

Aquamarine from the Latin words “Aqua” and “Marina” was given its names because of its glassy light blue colour, resembling the “water of the sea”. This stunning gem evokes images of tranquil blue seas, cascading waterfalls and cool, crisp, pools of water.

 

Typically light in colour, aquamarine can range from a deep teal, to green and through various shades of blue, with the darker and brighter blue stones being the most valuable.

 

A popular gemstone amongst sailors, who believed that carrying the stone on voyages would prevent them from accidents and sickness, and ensure safe voyage across the sea, aquamarine is also believed to help diminish the symptoms of anxiety and stress, inducing a state of calm. For this reason, it is often used in the practice of meditation, where it is thought to relax the senses and ease the mind.

 

The ancient Romans believed that Neptune, the God of the Sea, came across the gem when it fell out of the sirens’ jewellery box and was washed up on the shore.

Measuring 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, aquamarine is a durable stone suitable for everyday wear. Closely related to the emerald, aquamarine is a member of the beryl family of gems. The emerald is more valuable and rarer because they are more fragile, but aquamarine is also a highly treasured gemstone. Unlike many gemstones, aquamarine is found in a wide range of sizes, and as such is popular for mineral collectors, as well as those seeking smaller gems to set into jewellery.

 

The largest quality aquamarine in the world weighed in at 244 pounds. It was a huge blue stone mined in Brazil. These gemstones are mined mainly in Brazil, but are also found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique.

 

Aquamarine is used extensively in jewellery. It lends itself beautifully to both silver and gold settings, and is a popular choice for bangles, bracelets, necklaces, rings, cufflinks, pendants and earrings. The crisp sparkling hues of this stone also make it a perfect choice for engagement rings. We have a stunning collection of aquamarine and diamond rings, in a range of exquisite platinum and white gold bands.

 

Whatever your reason for purchasing aquamarine jewellery, you are sure to find a piece of jewellery you will love at Allum & Sidaway. 

Bloodstone

 

Perhaps not as well-known as more popular gemstones, the mineral aggregate heliotrope, is also known as bloodstone.

 

It is an opaque, dark-green Chalcedony with red spots that resemble spots of blood, which is how it derived the name "bloodstone".

Medieval Christians often used bloodstone, or “martyrs stone” to carve scenes of martyrs and the crucifixion. A legend surrounding the origin of bloodstone says that it was first formed when drops of Christ's blood fell and stained some jasper at the foot of the cross.

 

Bloodstone is surrounded by superstition and spiritual beliefs. Ancient civilisations believed that bloodstone could turn the sun red and create thunder and lightning, and the Aztecs believed that it helped to regulate blood flow.

 

Bloodstone has been used to adorn weapons and jewellery since ancient times and was a popular stone for use in signet rings, cups and amulets, due to the belief that it could stop bleeding. It is still used today in some Indian medicines. 

 

Bloodstone occurs as massive formations, ranging from dark green to greenish-blue or greenish-black, and it may be translucent to opaque with a waxy, resinous lustre. In addition to the spots and streaks of red jasper, some formations contain inclusions that are yellow or white, while others lacking inclusions may be entirely green. Bloodstone has been referred to as Blood Jasper and specimens with only yellow inclusions have been called Plasma. 

 

The primary source of the stone is Indonesia, especially in Purbalingga district. It is also found in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Australia, Scotland and the United States. 

 

Bloodstone has a rating of 6.5-7 on the Mohs hardness scale, so is a durable stone, perfect for use in any type of jewellery. It is a popular choice set into signet rings, cufflinks, pendants, bangles, bracelets and earrings, and is perfect for daily wear.

So, whether you are buying a beautiful gift for someone born in March, a special something to mark your 19th wedding anniversary, a stunning piece of aquamarine or bloodstone jewellery from Allum and Sidaway is the perfect choice. 

 

We look forward to welcoming you into one of our stores and showing you our exquisite jewellery collections. We have a vast array of gemstones set into earrings, rings, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, cufflinks and brooches to suit every taste and budget.

 

Trust Allum & Sidaway, we are experts in the jewellery business and we know how to create a luxury retail experience for our customers.