Birthstones
March’s Birthstone: The Aquamarine Gemstone
Aquamarine is the beautiful birthstone of March. With every month comes a gemstone to represent the birthdates of that month. There isn’t a better stone to represent the beautiful Spring month of March. The gemstone is famously known for its ocean blue color. This color blue can also be tied to health, hope and the beautiful months of Spring that are ahead.
The name Aquamarine means seawater which is a representation of the stone’s blue sea color. The light blue gemstone represents more than the month of March. It is said the Aquamarine gemstone brings happiness to marriages and directly used to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary. Also, ancient myths believed it kept sailor safe when out at sea by keeping the waves calm. Here are some additional facts about the Aquamarine gemstone.
Where are Aquamarine gemstones found?
For the last two centuries, the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has been the key source for the Aquamarine gemstone. They find the gemstone in the primary (hard rock) and secondary (weathered) pegmatite deposits of the eastern portion of the state. Another common location for Aquamarine gemstones is high on top of Karakorum foothills of Pakistan. In this area, the gemstone is known as water clear. Of course, there are additional locations that also mine aquamarine, and located as far as California to Kenya. This gemstone has been around for years around some of the most prestigious mining areas.
Is Aquamarine durable enough for daily wear and tear?
Yes!! Aquamarine is one of the harder gemstones on the Mohs scale. The gemstone is hard to break as it ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the scale. Aquamarines are also low maintenance in care. Simple cleaning techniques like soap and warm water are acceptable when cleaning away the collected dirt. However, we still recommend a professional cleaning every six months to a year.
At Master Jewelers Indiana, we have a collection of birthstones items appropriate for all styles and ages. If we don’t have what you are looking for, our expert jewelry artisans will help you craft the design you are looking for. Visit us online or come into our Indianapolis location to find your Aquamarine birthstone.
Birthstones, Jewelry
December Birthstones- Tanzanite, Zircon and Turquoise
It takes three birthstones to celebrate the month of December. Tanzanite, Zircon and Turquoise, all different shades of a beautiful blue. While these gemstones look very similar in color, they couldn’t be more different. Let’s look at each stone and what makes them distinctively unique.
Tanzanite
Tanzanite is a rare deep blue-purple gemstone. Found near the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Recently discovered in the 1960s, Tanzanite grew popular quickly and treasured by many. There is a limited supply of Tanzanite making this beauty a rarity. Tanzanite is sometimes mistaken for Sapphire, but its distinct purplish-blue color will distinguish the difference. Buy Tanzanite to celebrate a December birthday or a 24th wedding anniversary or because you love the vibrant blue.
Zircon
Zircon is the oldest mineral on earth. Its first discover dates back approximately 4.4 billion years ago, Zircon first found in the Earth’s crust. Because this mineral contains uranium, its structure and color have evolved over time. Giving us clues about our own Mother Nature. Zircon achieves different colors through different heating processes which is how the Blue Zircon is made. We can find this beautiful gem all over the world but Australia leads everyone in mining for Zircon.
Turquoise
Last but not least is Turquoise. Its name says everything about its color. This gemstone dates back to the 13 century and known for its common usage in the Native American jewelry. Turquoise is the primary birthstone of December. It also serves to represent an eleventh wedding anniversary. The gem is a light blue mixed with green tones and hues. Turquoise symbolizes protection, happiness, and friendship. Buying turquoise differs from a lot of other gemstones as they do not grade it on the 4C’s criteria. (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat size) Turquoise is valued by its color, size, hardness, and matrix.
Still can‘t choose which gem best suits you? Don’t! Visit us at Master Jewelers Indianapolis to custom design jewelry and include all three Gemstones made just for you.
Birthstones, Jewelry
November’s Birthstones: The Topaz and the Citrine
November is the eleventh month of the year that comes with two birthstones to celebrate the birthdays of the month. The Topaz and the Citrine are both brightly colored stones to help ease the winter blues of November. These two gems are equally beautiful and share the same vibrant qualities. Many often confuse the gems for one another. However, they come from different minerals. Not to mention the Topaz comes in various colors than the yellow hue it shares with Citrine.
Both the Topaz and Citrine are a representation of warmth, luck, and fortune. Each gemstone exhibits soothing and calming properties to those who wear them. Let’s learn a more about each gemstone individually.
The Topaz
- Pure Topaz is colorless, however, different colored Topaz derives from impurities that cause the stone to reflect different shades of the rainbow. The most valued Topaz is the gorgeous Imperial Topaz, which is an intense orange gem with pink undertones. The Blue Topaz is also popular even though it is very rare to a find a natural version. Irradiation treatment produces blue Topaz
- Topaz is incredibly durable and strong. The gemstone is prone to chipping and cracking, unlike other fragile gemstones. When cut correctly it makes for a breathtaking jewelry design.
- Quality Topaz can be mainly found in Brazil, Middle East, Mexico, Nigeria, California, and Utah. The Blue Topaz is Official the State Gem for Texas and Utah.
The Citrine
- Citrine is a quartz that comes in a variety of yellow hued colors from pale yellow to brownish orange. The yellow colored gem is often mistaken for the Topaz and has been for years. The Citrine gets its color through the traces of iron within the quartz, but they manufacture the gem through heat to produce a marketable golden gem.
- The Citrine has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. The gemstone is resistant to scratches, and daily wear and tear. This November birthstone is supplied by Brazil, Spain, Russia, California, Colorado, North Carolina, etc.
- Called the healing quartz for its soothing and calming benefits. It is said to help release negative energy and spark manifestations for new beginnings.
Both birthstones are very affordable and will last in durability. They also are both great to add vibrancy to any custom jewelry design. Let Master Jewelers help you create a November birthday to remember.
Birthstones, Jewelry
October Birthstones: The Opal and the Tourmaline
October is the leading month of Fall. It is the official start of the holiday season when pumpkin spice flavors and pumpkin patch fun fill the air. October is a unique month which has two different gemstones that represent the birthdays of the month. It is the month of the beautiful Opal and Tourmaline.
The Opal and Tourmaline’s vibrant colors are legendary. An old wives’ tale explains the beauty of the gemstone that revolves around the use of rainbows. Once you see each gemstone, you will wonder if there is some truth to that myth. Nonetheless, both stones are decadent with colors yet different in their own way. Let’s take a look at each birthstone.
The Opal
The Opal is truly a unique gem. It isn’t one color with shades or hues of others. It is a distinct mix up of vibrant colors. “Opal” comes from the Greek word “opallios”, which means to see the change in the color, which is an exact representation of the gem as it looks like a mini rainbow. Because of its unique color, the opal has been around for centuries and its popularity continues to grow. It is not only loved for its kaleidoscope color effect, but it is known to be a charm that brings good luck. The evaluation process of the Opal is very similar to purchasing diamonds. They are graded in color, pattern, clarity, and cut.
The Tourmaline
The Tourmaline is the “stone of mixed colors”. The Sinhalese origin name fits the gemstone as it mirrors every color in the rainbow. The gemstone contains different colored variations within each different stone. Schorl (Black) Tourmaline, Dravite( Brown) tourmaline, Elbaite, Rubelllite tourmaline (Red), Verdelite and etc are all different types of Tourmaline gemstones available. The tourmaline is mined in different locations which include Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, the middle east and the US. No tourmaline gem is exactly alike. Each stone is literally a one-of-a-kind gemstone. It is valued based on the color, clarity, cut and carat weight.
Celebrate your October birthday with a gift from Master Jewelers. As a jeweler you can trust, our expert team has over 15 years of experience with purchasing loose gems and crafting a jewelry design you will love. Call us today or stop by our Indianapolis location today.
Birthstones, Custom Jewelry Design
The September Sapphire: The Promise of Honesty
The Sapphire is the month of September’s birthstone. The name Sapphire is Greek for the color blue, which at first glance couldn’t be more fitting. However, is a wrong assumption that blue is the “only” color of a Sapphire Gem. Sapphires come in an array of colors from the rainbow. While the blue colored Sapphire is more commonly known and worn, the rare pink colored corundum is just as prestigious. White Sapphires are also rare yet popularly common.
The blue-violet stone has been around for centuries worn by some of the most nobles figures throughout our history and time. Sapphires are found all over the world, but regions of eastern Australia, Myanmar, Kashmir, and Sri-Lanka know to home next to perfect Sapphires. The purer blue of the gem, the higher the cost of the Sapphire. However many of us tend to favor the deeper blue gemstones.
The cost of a natural (Blue) Sapphire varies on different intricate detail.
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The Sapphire is a tough and durable gem, and its strength matches its beauty. The Sapphire and Ruby gemstones are the only two corundum (rock-forming mineral), however, the only other gemstone stronger than a Sapphire is the Diamond. The gemstone is mined out of alluvial deposits primarily underground. Sapphire commercial mining locations can be found in various countries, like Afghanistan, Australia, China, Nepal, Thailand, USA, and several others. Each Sapphire is different depending on the region it was birthed. Each gem’s value is not guaranteed to based on the region of origin.
Sapphires represent honesty, loyalty, purity, and trust. Their beauty is widely respected as much as their value. Master Jewelers has been buying and crafting jewelry from Sapphires for almost 20 years. When buying any fine jewelry or gemstones it is recommended to use a jeweler you can trust. Check out our collection of Sapphires. Some are from our exclusive designers while others have been custom designers by Master Jeweler’s expert artisans. Visit us online or visit our Indianapolis location near you.
Birthstones, Jewelry
July’s Birthstone: The Noble Ruby
The noble Ruby gemstone is the birthstone of July.
Rubies are beautiful, precious gems, universally respected and loved. The luscious gem is not only rich in color but is the hardest substance known. It is no wonder why the ruby has such a magical history that dates back to biblical times.
The ravishing gemstone is known for its exquisite shine. It is said the gem could be brightly seen through any mountain or thick clothing trying to hide its existence. Sewn into gowns, robes, belt buckles, rubies have been used by royals and the upper class for decades for its beauty. As the fashionable style has evolved throughout the years’ rubies have never gone out of style just used differently.
The gem is far more than just a fashion statement or status quo.
Rubies have been around for centuries, in many cultures throughout history being used for much more than its beauty. It is best known as a token of passion, prosperity, and protection. In the past, it is said to have magical powers, which we have found today the gemstone has holistic healing properties. Rubies were used to revert diseases with blessings of religious wisdom and power. Its noble blood dates back to monks incorporating the gems usage in crosses, rosaries and other ecclesiastical objects to prompt faith. Many religious entities used the gems as a symbol of a strong foundation and faith.
The natural ruby is one of four “precious” gemstones known for its rarity, hardness, and monetary value. The gemstone is ranked with the diamond, sapphire, and emerald, one should take extra caution upon purchasing. Buying such an exquisite piece should take place with a Jeweler you can trust. It is their eye and expertise you will need to rely on. Do you own research too. Master jewelers have over 20 years of experience purchasing gemstones. We take pride in helping our clients achieve their style while informing them about the different piece and what to look for. Come by our Indiana story or check us out online.
Birthstones
The Pearl – June’s Birthstone
For centuries, Birthstones have been cherished as a representation of identity. Marking every calendar month with at least one special stone to unite those who were born in the same month. The month of June is best represented by the Pearl.
The pearl is considered to be a sophisticated piece of jewelry. It is favored by many as it is a vintage classic. Claimed by the birthdays in the month of June, the pearl represents purity and clarity. Traditionally worn by a bride on their wedding day.
Pearls are ideal for a June bride. There is always intention behind picking out one’s bridal jewelry. Pearls match the meaning of the white dress, innocence. They enhance any style, cut, shape or color of the dress. Pearls have a signature beauty that no other gem can compare. They are in a class of their own.
All pearls are unique for two main reasons. 1.) they are the only gemstone created by a living creature, a shelled mollusk in the form of an oyster, clam or mussel.. 2.) They are the only gemstone not measured by carats. There are an array of pearl colors, but the one associated with June birthdays is the creamy-colored opalescent pearl. The most popular pearl and the easiest one to fraud its authenticity.
Pearls come from different parts of the world’s ocean and fresh water. They can range from 3 mm to 13mm. It is literally made from a debris article trapped in the mouth of the shell and transformed into a pearl. The journey of how a pearl is made proves that it is truly one of a kind. The soft gem that doesn’t require much maintenance as its imperfections are what makes it flawless.
Choosing pearls is a delicate purchase. It is important for a jeweler to have extensive knowledge about pearls in order to trust them. With over 20 years of experience, Master Jewelers will guide you with ease to help you select a pearl that’s right for you. Our experienced team of artisans will ensure you have the knowledge necessary to make a trusted decision. They will also collaborate with your vision and ideas to make a one of a kind birthday gift. Visit us today!
Birthstones
Emerald – May’s Birthstone
“April showers bring May flowers” is a cliche to acknowledge May as the month that Spring shows its true beauty. It is no wonder that the luscious green Emerald is the gemstone to represent May birthdays as it represents the brilliant colors of Spring.
Emeralds have been around for centuries. Their color isn’t the only reason they are unique, they are said to have Mystic powers. Related to the aquamarine gemstone, as they are both gemstones that come from the mineral beryl.
The Emerald is a bold gemstone. One that you cannot deny because it is an exquisite piece. It is a sign of more than just riches, but one of the virtues of loyalty, love, and strength. Found worldwide mainly in South America, Africa, Afghanistan and Colombia, the emerald has several meanings, but is best represented by joy. They are unique in their craft shaped by six sides. Emeralds are so desired that diamonds are cut in an emerald shape to resemble the beauty of its cut. Its color range from light green to dark making the stone color unpredictable to the origin it was birthed. The finest emeralds are said to be the darker green gems. Some pieces also have yellow and blue hues, but the clarity of the stone is what defines its authenticity.
The clarity of an emerald is inspected differently than other gemstones. It is not graded under a magnifying glass but by the naked eye. The gem is flawed by nature and is expected to have imperfections, but its purity is based on the material that was trapped inside during formation. It is flawless by nature not by design.
Most emeralds must be handled with knowledge and experience. They are not treated like other gemstones, and it is important to understand that not every gemstone should care for the same. Master Jewelers has a team of expert artisans ready to answer any questions you may have about these beautiful gemstones. Visit our Indianapolis Jeweler location.
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