Bloodstones = March Birthstones?

Who in this world of ours their eyes

In March first open shall be wise,

In days of peril firm and brave,

And wear a bloodstone to their grave.

– via here

Bloodstone Cabochon, azbluerockers on Etsy.com 

I’ve gotten into the habit of including a passage from the source above to kick off every birthstone post. For March, I was expecting to find a sentiment about aquamarines.

It is true that aquamarines are the widely accepted birthstone for the month. But some lesser known or traditional sources, such as the one that includes the somewhat grim passage above, list the bloodstone.

Bloodstone Bracelet for Men, mamisgemstudio on Etsy.com

Bloodstones are usually green with flecks of red that resemble blood – hence the name. They’re also known as heliotropes.

Armenta Bloodstone Drop Earrings, NeimanMarcus.com

As someone who was born in March, it was interesting to discover this previously unknown-to-me stone. And while I understand (and appreciate) the decision to turn to aquamarines as a primary birthstone, I do find bloodstones to be a unique alternative.

What do you think? Would you want to get (or give) bloodstone jewelry?

Oh Happy Day…

Jewelry Cake, Martha Stewart Weddings via Examiner

I’m enjoying a long weekend to celebrate my birthday – hooray! I’ll be back later this week with a post about March’s birthstone. Think I’ve already covered that with my aquamarine post? Think again…

In the meantime, I just want to say thanks to those who read the blog and follow on Twitter. You’re amazing, and I appreciate your comments and feedback.

P.S. How gorgeous is that jewelry cake? Way too pretty to eat.

Wedding Jewelry Wednesday: Put a Brooch On It

Did you see Michelle Williams at the 2012 Oscars? She wore an amazing Louis Vuitton gown accented with a bow-shaped brooch. Williams’s brooch provided a fun way to bring a point of interest to her waistline.

The same concept would work great for dressing up a wedding gown. If you’re on a budget, adding a brooch to a fairly plain gown will give it an instant high-end touch. Putting a brooch on a wedding gown sash (as seen here and here) is another elegant option.

Here’s a roundup of a few beautiful brooches that I think would make elegant additions to a wedding gown.

White Rose Hair Clip/Brooch, creationsbyaudra on Etsy

__________

14kt Gold and Sterling Silver Butterfly Brooch, Amazon

__________

Elegant Bow Crystal Bridal Brooch, Sears

__________

Fawna’s Fine Imitation Diamond Feather Brooch, fantasyjewelbox

__________

Vintage Pearl Dome Shape Brooch, Amazon

__________

Something Blue Brooch, YJCouture on Etsy

__________

———————————–

On Pinterest? Repin this jewelry and other pieces from my boards, and don’t forget to follow!

Birthstones: Let’s Hear It for March Babies

Get ready for a self-indulgent post. I’m dedicating this one to the best birthstone of all: aquamarine. (No bias here. It would make any journalist proud.)

I’m more than familiar with the glittery aquamarine (or simulated aquamarine) sets that you can buy at just about any store that sells fine jewelry. I tried to push myself out of that comfort zone a bit to find pieces that were unique and/or particularly appealing.

Quiet Cove Ring, Sundance

2.5 Carat Aquamarine Necklace, Ross-Simons

Oval Aquamarine and Diamond Accent Link Bracelet, Zales

Moss Aquamarine Bezel Pendant, PingyPieJewelry on Etsy

Radiant Cut Aquamarine Ring, Helzberg Diamonds

Blue Topaz and Milky Aquamarine Earrings, Ross-Simons

News: Natalie Portman’s Rings

Did jewelry designer Jamie Wolf spill the beans about Natalie Portman’s secret wedding? That was the story carried by many of the celebrity gossip blogs after the actress was spotted wearing an extra ring at the Oscars.

According to EOnline.com, Wolf confirmed that she had created two bands to accompany Portman’s engagement ring (which was also designed by Wolf). The designer also says she created a band for Portman’s fiance (husband?) Benjamin Millepied.

Be sure to click over to E! Online to view a detail photo of Portman’s ring. It’s absolutely stunning.

Here’s a roundup of other jewelry news and information:

• An unlikely jewelry salesman: Warren Buffet?: Forbes.com
• Chokers make a comeback at the Oscars: The Hollywood Reporter
• Get the details on Oscars suite swag: Huffington Post