THE GORGEOUS GREEN,

              AND CAPTIVATING BIRTHSTONE

                   FOR ALL YOU MAY BABIES!!

                                EMERALD

The emerald has been prized since ancient times.  In fact, mummies were often buried with emeralds.  The Romans preferred the lighter colored stones, which were believed to have come from the nest of Griffins~a legendary creature known for guarding treasure and priceless possessions.  These stones were also thought to enhance the clairvoyance of the wearer, as well as promote healing, enhance love and contentment.

Alexander the Great, mined for emeralds and gave many as gifts to Cleopatra, who valued the emeralds so much so, that the ancient Greek mines were renamed “Cleopatra’s Mines”.  Her fascination with the lovely gems caused the larger stones to be mined to the point of near exhaustion. 

Emerald is a member of the beryl family, which occurs in many colors dependant upon what Mother Nature has mixed into the formula.  Columbian emeralds are among the worlds most beautiful gems.  A mine in North Carolina has recently provided some quality stones, but it is unclear how long the mines will continue to produce.

Most emeralds are treated with oils or epoxy resins to fill surface cracks, making them less visible and the stones more translucent.  These oils are clear or tinted green to make the color more vivid.  Synthetic or composite emeralds are very common. If buying a large stone it is highly recommended that the stone be purchased with a certificate from an accredited Gemological Institute.  They can determine if it’s synthetic or natural, in addition to any enhancements or treatment the stone has undergone.

Carat for carat they are the most expensive gems in the world, because of their rarity.  A fine emerald can be more expensive than a high quality diamond of the same carat weight.

AQUAMARINE--BIRTH STONE FOR MARCH BABIES!!!!


From the light blue of the sky to the deep blue of the sea, aquamarine shines over an extraordinarily beautiful range of mostly light blue colors.  If is by far a jewelers favorite stone to work with, partially because of it hardness and clarity.  Aquamarine often forms flawless crystals.

Designers are constantly taking the world by surprise with new and modern artistic cuts.  Aquamarine is their "go to" stone, and this has without a doubt contributed to the great popularity of the stone.

For centuries tales have been told that Aquamarine originated in the treasure chest of fabulous mermaids, and has, since ancient times, been regarded as the sailor's lucky stone!!  It is believed to endow the wearer with foresight, courage and happines, in addition to warding off sea sickness, and making one youthful.