Birthstones
Traditionally, a special stone, a birthstone, has been
selected to celebrate each month of the calendar year. Please click on the months below to view
information on each of the months' birthstones. The birthstones described here are for the
stones most commonly accepted in the United States as the birthstone of the month.
If you are interested in purchasing a gem, feel free to e-mail
us or call us on our toll free
number, 800-659-4367. We will gladly describe and quote price on a specific
gemstone. Our sales staff and goldsmiths can assist you in designing and constructing
a custom piece, and turn your gem into a treasured family heirloom.
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A Q U A M A R I N E |::| Mohs' Hardness 7.5 - 8
Aquamarine is so named because of its resemblance to the color of sea water. In its natural crystal form it has a pale to deep blue
coloring, often with a slight greenish tint. Lighter colored stones typically are heated to remove the green component of their
color. Recently, the desirability of natural greenish-blue colored stones has increased. Aquamarine is found in large
crystals and is one of the few gems that does not seem to increase in per carat price as size goes up. Smaller, three-to-five carat
stones of fine color can bring premium prices. Aqua, as it is often called, is a talisman for sailors, and was carried aboard
most early sailing vessels voyaging into uncharted waters. A member of the beryl group of stones, aqua can easily be confused
with blue topaz, a less expensive stone.
Aqua is found worldwide, with North American deposits in Colorado and California, as well as several other states.
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