All About Aquamarines — March Birthstones

Read all about Aquamarines-the March birthstone!

Happy birthday March babies! Your official birthstone is not only beautiful, it’s full of history and mythology.

Here are some interesting facts about your March birthstone, the aquamarine.

• In addition to being the birthstone for March and the Zodiac sign of Pisces, aquamarine is also the gemstone used to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary.
• The aquamarine is a transparent pale blue variety of beryl (beryllium aluminum silicate) — the same mineral family that emeralds belong to.
• Like many beryls, aquamarine forms large crystals suitable for sizable fashioned gems and carvings.
• The word aquamarine is derived from the Latin phrase “aqua marinus,” meaning “water of the sea” because they are said to resemble the beautiful blue green of ocean water.
• Aquamarines come in a wide range of shades and colors, from pale sky blue to richer blue, and blue-green. The rarest and most valuable aquamarines are those with a deep blue color.
• The best gems combine high clarity with limpid transparency and blue to slightly greenish blue hues.
• The color of aquamarine is due to trace amounts of iron that works its way inside the crystal. Most commercially sold aquamarines are heat treated to produce a more desirable blue-green color.
• Aquamarines have a hexagonal-shaped crystal system. They are pleochroic in nature, meaning they can show three colors, depending on the angle they’re viewed.

History of Aquamarine:

• Aquamarines were once said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. March’s birthstone was also thought to enhance the happiness of marriages.
• Like many gems, aquamarines are said to have metaphysical powers, including the ability to clear and cleanse, refresh and uplift the mind. They are also said to promote courage, calm, compassion, tolerance, love, communication, self expression, reasoning, intellect, and connection to one’s higher self.
• Aquamarines are also said to aid in the healing of sore throats, swollen glands, calming nerves, improving vision, and cooling sunburns and fevers.
• The ancient Romans believed that Neptune, the god of the sea, obtained aquamarines from the jewelry boxes of the Sirens. Legend has it that Neptune gave aquamarines as a gift to the mermaids.
• Because of its bond with the sea, aquamarine is the gemstone of several sea goddesses, including Aphrodite, also known as the Greek goddess of love.
• Aquamarines are also said to bring safety to sailors, who are known to wear aquamarine talismans engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea.

Where can aquamarines be found?

• Aquamarines are mined in exotic locations including Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique, but most modern aquamarines come from Brazil.
• One of the largest aquamarines ever mined weighed 110.5 kg (243 lbs). It was found in 1910 in Marambaia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
• In the United States, the only location where you can mine for aquamarines is Mount Antero in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The elusive gem is said to be found at altitudes of 14,000 feet or more!

Where to shop for aquamarine jewelry?

If you’re looking to buy an estate, vintage or antique jewelry, shop with confidence Adina Jewelers, and for more selections of aquamarine jewelry, shop at Adina’s eBay store where you can rely on the experts at Adina. You’ll find fine a vast selection of fine jewelry at true wholesale prices and deliver a buying experience that’s above your expectations.

Unexpected and Affordable Valentine's Gift Ideas

Not sure what to get your loved one for Valentine’s Day?

Here are some fun and unexpected romantic gift ideas that are more affordable than you think, courtesy of inquisitr.com.

Handmade coupon book

A handmade coupon book from one lover to another is easy on the budget, and shows you care because you took the time to make it. Decorate a small flip notebook with messages to your loved one. If you need artistic help, look online for free love coupons. If your partner is a real foodie, include a coupon for a free meal or dish of their choosing. If your mate is a big video gamer, include a coupon for a “hassle-free gaming day.” The key is to personalize it for the person you’re giving it to.

Spa or home massage

In our go-go-go world, who doesn’t love some relaxing time to indulge in a therapeutic massage? Before booking a professional massage at a local spa, do some research first and read reviews to make sure it’s a quality establishment.

If you have some extra money to spend, book a couple’s massage. If you’re on a budget, promise to give your significant other one free massage. Create an atmosphere in your bedroom with some candles, hot towels, heated massage oil, and some soothing music.

For sports lovers

Is your mate into activities such as hiking, obstacle courses, bungee jumping, and other extreme sports? Arrange to send him or her to an event you know they’d enjoy. As an extra bonding bonus, be sure to tag along and participate or cheer them on!

Take a class together

One of the most thoughtful gifts you can give another person is the gift of a new experience —such as a cooking class or dance lessons. It’s also a recipe for a super fun date night. So ask your mate a few subtle questions and find out what activities he or she is eager to try. Then, sign both of you up for it! The best part is that something like this lasts far past Valentine’s Day, and the anticipation leading up to the class will be enjoyable, as well.

Volunteer together

In most cases, it’s better for a couple to do something together, rather than just give a gift of something. You both share in the profound experience of taking time out to help those in need and doing something great for the community. Find a charity or non-profit that resonates with your loved one, and arrange to volunteer for it together. There are so many opportunities out there, from pet adoption days to being a big brother or big sister for at-risk youth. Helping others will bring you closer together, and those feelings, too, will last throughout the year.

Jewelry, Tried and True

Of course, we at Empire believe that fine jewelry is a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. When buying for your loved one, consider a piece of jewelry with sentimental meaning, such as a ring or necklace with their birthstone, or a combination of birthstones of their children. If they have a favorite gemstone, think of a piece that would complement or complete another piece or set they already treasure. For fine jewelry gift ideas, visit Adina Jeweler’s eBay store.

Holiday 2019 Jewelry Trends

The holiday shopping season is upon us once again. Wondering what to get your loved ones? There are the tried-and-true fine jewelry staples, such as diamond studs, a classic pendant, or pearls.

But for those of you looking for something a bit trendier and unique, here are some jewelry gift ideas courtesy of NationalJeweler.com.

Hearts with a twist.

A heart motif is hardly new, but its latest iteration is different from hearts past in that designers are transitioning from sweet, traditional styles to ones that are modern and even a bit edgy. Designers are applying their own signatures to the heart to make them uniquely and recognizably theirs.

Evolution of statement earrings.

A statement earring is a natural next step for the fine jewelry lover who already has her bases covered with studs and hoops. Several designers have been embracing the collarbone duster—think shoulder dusters but ones that hit the collarbone. Although daring, the style is surprisingly wearable and flattering.

The styles currently available range from earthy to classic to bold. Shop for designs accented with opals, gemstones, or pearls for an elegant look, or choose sleek gold renditions for a simple, yet powerful statement.

Enamel on the rise.

The resurgence of enamel in the last five years has exhibited considerable staying power, showing a demand from consumers. More contemporary designers are jumping on the bandwagon, livening up their best-selling styles in new colors or coming up with new looks altogether devoted to the material.

If you’re new to this trend, invest in some classic styles, like sophisticated hoop earrings or an enamel pendant.

Yellow gold coming back?

The phrase, “everything old is new again,” definitely applies to yellow gold. Yellow gold has taken a backseat to white gold and other white metals in recent years, yet this classic metal is making a comeback. Designers are turning to create some truly breathtaking pieces using yellow gold and many welcome the opportunity to design something that has a vintage aesthetic.

While yellow gold is ideally suited to people with warmer skin tones, at the holidays, it adds festivity to any outfit.

Whether you’re looking for vintage gold jewelry for the holidays, something modern, or something classic, make sure  you visit our eBay store. You’ll find a wide variety of fine estate, vintage and antique jewelry at true wholesale prices, and a shopping experience beyond compare!