Aquamarine is Latin for water of the sea because it captures the beauty of the sea.  This beautiful gemstone is the birthstone for March, its icy color flatters nearly all skin tones, making it a favorite gemstone around the world.

Legends say that aquamarine is the treasure of mermaids and has the power to keep sailors safe at sea.

Aquamarine is usually a pastel blue color but the darker the color, the more valued it is.  Gem collectors prefer a pure blue with no green or gray in it.  However, many people prefer the greenish aquamarines which are available and generally less expensive.

Though found in a number of exotic places around the world such as Nigeria, Madagascar and Mozambique, most Aquamarine comes from Brazil.

Aquamarine is usually pale and transparent with few inclusions, often cut into ovals and emerald cuts.  Having a hardness of 7.5 to 8, Aquamarine is suitable for everyday wear.  Clean with mild soap, use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.

March babies have an alternative choice when it comes to birthstones, Bloodstone.  Treasured since ancient times, Bloodstone is a opaque dark green chalcedony dotted with bright red spots of iron oxide.

Also known as Heliotrope (Greek meaning sun turner) because the stones were described as reflecting the sun.  Even today, finely powdered bloodstone is used as a medicine in India.

Bloodstone is durable and easy to care for, Chalcedony has a hardness of 7 and is extremely tough making it resistant to damage.  Clean with mild soap and water.