Blame it on the weather.
It’s only fitting for an ever-changing month like March to have two birthstones. Both aquamarine and bloodstone are very different from one another in appearance, yet each share a similar symbolism of enriching the health of the wearer.
Bloodstone, the lesser known of the two, is also called heliotrope, an ancient Greek word meaning, “to turn the sun.” The transparent, dark green gem with visible veins of red -the most valuable- is cut into many shapes including the traditional emerald, oval and cushion. Ancient peoples believe bloodstone helps change the weather (a likely reason why bloodstone is associated with March today), although the Babylonians believe it to have healing powers, especially for blood disorders. Others call it the martyr’s stone, to honor the legend of its creation: drops of Christ’s blood stain a jasper stone lying at the foot of the cross.
Nonetheless, the magical powers of bloodstone inspire the use of it as a lucky charm or amulet, prized by athletes and others for enhancing personal strength, mental clarity, creative energy and overall healing.
Which leads us to aquamarine. A symbol of youth, health, hope and fidelity (can you say, spring?), its mesmerizing pale to deep blue color is true to its namesake, derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. The serene nature of aquamarine invokes tranquility and is thought to have a soothing influence on married couples, not to mention creating a beautiful pastel accent to spring and summer wardrobes.
Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, the same mineral that makes emeralds. Aquamarine grows in large, six-sided crystals that can be up to a foot long, making it ideal for cutting and polishing into larger carats for statement pieces. The stone has little or no yellow in it, so it looks great in settings that use different colored metals and gemstones.
Thinking of creating jewelry for a person born in March? Ask us about our Custom Jewelry Gift Experience.
Indy Facets – Everyone’s Private Jeweler
Indy Facets seamlessly blends the expertise and full service of a traditional jewelry store with the value and convenience of a personal jeweler experience. We give you the face-to-face interaction with an expert that you deserve, in a private setting where you can relax and feel comfortable. Owner/Designer Shaun Goodyear and his team have earned an excellent reputation as everyone’s private jeweler for engagement rings, custom design, investment grade diamonds, luxury Swiss timepieces, estate jewelry, jewelry repair and the highest level of customer service, available to you from an onsite, state-of-the-art Custom Design Studio and Gemological Laboratory by private appointment only. You are guaranteed a unique, fun and exciting experience without the hype, pressure, judgment or uncertainty associated with other jewelry shopping options. We schedule appointments at your convenience, and are usually available evenings and weekends, too. Call 317-810-1665 for your private appointment or schedule online, indyfacets.com/schedule.