Large flawless aquamarine gemstones are not uncommon and it is a very popular gemstone for all kinds of jewellery.

Colour and Inclusions

It’s colour is derived from iron deposits and stones may be opaque to clear green blue and ranging from almost transparent light blue to a sea green blue. Most aquamarine gemstones are heat treated to improve the colour and remove the green element.

Aquamarine, unlike it’s relative Emerald, usually has few, if any, inclusions and is frequently flawless.

Associations

Birthstone for March

Star Sign – Scorpio

Planet – Neptune

In legend it is thought to be a lucky stone for sailors and to prevent seasickness.

Care for Aquamarine Jewellery

Clean with a very mild soap and water, rinse and wipe dry after washing.

Direct or high heat and direct sunlight can cause the colour of the aquamarine to fade. Remove aquamarines before sunbathing as sudden changes of temperature may also discolour the stone.

Internal fractures may appear in aquamarine gemstones if they are subjected to a hard knock.

Angelite is found in various parts of the world from Europe, the Americas and North Africa. the Angelite used in jewellery often comes from Peru.

Colour and Inclusions

It’s colour is opaque to transparent, blue, grey and white are most common but may also be yellow, green or shades of red and purple. Inclusions are brown or red flecks and streaks of white.

Angelite and Swarovski Crystal Bracelet

Care for Angelite Jewellery

Keep dry as water can damage the stone. Avoid washing up, bathing or any dampness in storage. If the Angelite is dirty a quick wipe with a damp soft cloth should be fine if it is dried immediately after.

Tends to be brittle so take care when wearing Angelite in high wear areas like hands and wrists.

Found almost world over, Amethyst is a beautiful and very popular gemstone. Deposits are found in South America, North America, U.K and Europe, Russia, India, Africa and Australia among others. Many amethysts used in jewellery today are from South America and Africa.

Colour and Inclusions

Amethysts are various shade of purple from very pale pinks to deep rich imperial purples sometimes streaked white and range from transparent to translucent. Amethyst is sometimes heat treated to affect the colouration and sometimes to create Citrine.

Associations

Birthstone for February

Star sign – Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn

Planet – Neptune

Amethyst was frequently used as a stone in a Bishop’s jewellery

In Hebrew Amethyst is called Ahlamah which means Dream Stone, it was and in some circles still is thought to bring pleasant dreams.

The origin of the name is Amethystos which is Greek for not drunken. Amethyst was made into drinking vessels as it was thought it would prevent the drinker from becoming drunk. Pliny the Elder compared the colour of Amethyst too that of wine.

Amethyst was a popular amulet gem thought to protect the wearer from poison, intoxication and harm in war it is also thought to sharpen wits and be useful for focus in business. (None of which has been thus far proven, I hasten to add)

Care for Amethyst Jewellery

Clean with a very mild soap and water, rinse and wipe dry after washing.

Direct or high heat and direct sunlight can cause the colour of the amethyst to fade. Remove amethysts before sunbathing as sudden changes of temperature may also discolour the stone.

Amber has been highly prized as a material since prehistoric times, examples of Amber jewellery have been found from the Stone Age and is thought to be one of the earliest traded commodities.

Beautiful Baltic Amber crucifix pendant.

Most of the Amber used in jewellery is from the Baltic or Dominican Republic, however Amber can be found in other regions including Britain, Germany and Myanmar.

Colours and Inclusions

The colour of Amber ranges from an almost white/clear yellow to black and can be opaque or transparent. Blue, green and purple/violet natural amber is rare.

Some Amber bears inclusions, as the resin travelled down the tree it may have trapped small creatures, vegetation, hair, pollen feathers and more, some of which are now perfectly preserved specimens of ancient forest life. Amber with inclusions like these is highly valued and, for the most part, rarely used in jewellery.

Green Amber Pendant

Two Colour Amber Pendant

Associations
Star sign – Taurus

Care for Amber Jewellery

Amber is a very soft material and scratches easily, care should be taken with jewellery worn in high wear areas such as the hand and wrist to avoid damaging the Amber.

Store in a fabric bag when not wearing to avoid scratching from other jewellery.

Amber is easily be damaged by chemicals, e.g., alcohol, solvents etc, avoid spraying with perfume, hairspray and make-up, swimming, bathing and cleaning while wearing Amber.

Keep out of direct heat and direct sunlight, Amber is used as incense and burns easily.

Cleaning

Wipe with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, avoid using detergents and soaps.Wipe the Amber dry with a soft clean cloth immediately or it may become cloudy.

Never soak Amber in water, it may absorb the water and turn cloudy.

You can use a little olive oil or sweet almond oil and a soft cloth to polish Amber then wipe the oil off again immediately with a clean soft cloth.