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?

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

Six Picks: Amethyst Appreciation Club

“The February-born shall find sincerity and peace of mind, freedom from passion and from care, if they an amethyst will wear.”
via here

Purple was my favorite color when I was a kid. Add that to the fact that I was an avid rock collector, and it should come as no surprise that this was one of my favorite things:

It’s a piece of rough amethyst that I purchased at a science center gift shop many years ago. I loved looking at the layers and the glittering purple facets.

Fast forward to today, and I still have a weakness for this moody purple quartz. Amethysts are very versatile stones – often inexpensive enough to be used in sterling or in beading applications, but beautiful enough to merit gold settings. (The quality of the stone, of course, plays a role in its ultimate use.) Here are a few of the amethyst pieces that have caught my eye recently.

1. I can’t think of a better way to transition from garnets (January’s birthstone) to amethysts than to showcase a pair of earrings that features both. I love the random wire-wrapped look of these hoops.

Amethyst Garnet Hoop Earrings, Sundance

2. This pendant certainly brought back memories of my own amethyst specimen. Its name – the Crystal Castle necklace – really captures the whimsy of the stone in the rough.

Crystal Castle Necklace, MarKhed on Etsy

3. This amethyst and rose gold infinity knot ring from Gemvara features a gorgeous use of the increasingly popular metal. I love how feminine the pinkish metal looks against the purple stone.

Infinity Knot Ring, Gemvara.com

4. The patterns within amethyst stones make them very interesting in beaded jewelry. This chunky amethyst rock bracelet shows off the gems in a beautiful way, and features a fun toggle connector.

Amethyst Rock Bracelet, Laura Mac Jewelry and Accessories on Etsy

5. This amazing ring from Helzberg Diamonds is certainly a show-stopper. I can’t say enough about how beautiful the Rose de France amethyst looks with the rhodolite garnet side stones.

Cushion Cut Rose de France Amethyst Ring, Helzberg Diamonds

6. I mentioned that amethysts are beautiful enough for exquisite gold settings, and here’s all the proof you need. A 2.3 carat amethyst hangs beautifully inside a wavy gold cage pendant.

White Gold Sphere Pendant with Amethyst, OrzaLuxe

Pinterest Bonus. If you’re following me over on Pinterest, you know that I’ve been pinning amethyst jewelry favorites. This bangle is easily one of my top picks. Stunning.

Geometric Amethyst Bangle Bracelet, Zales

Fun fact: The word “amethyst” is derived from the Ancient Greek word for “intoxicated,” as it was believed that the stone would protect the wearer from drunkenness.

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

Six Picks: Garnets for January

“By her who in this month (January) is born
No gem save garnets should be worn;
They will ensure her constancy,
True friendship, and fidelity.”
via here

I’m not a January baby, but I have to admit I have a soft spot for this month’s birthstone. There’s something very regal about garnets’ deep brownish-red tones.

Fun fact: The word “garnet” is derived from the Middle English word gernet, which means “dark red.” Makes sense. Thanks again, Wikipedia. Anyway, on to the roundup of my favorite garnet baubles for the month.

1. Speaking of regal, this rose-cut garnet ring from jorgensenstudio has that look covered. I just can’t get over how beautiful the clover-and-heart crown setting looks with the garnet stone.

2. I have a garnet locket that’s similar in style to this one from Amazon. The elegant filigree and marcasite accents make it look a lot more expensive than it is.

3. One of the things I love the most about garnets is how versatile they are. These faceted drop earrings by KahiliCreations would look great with a dress for special occasions or jeans for everyday wear.

4. Here’s an antique-inspired necklace (by CocosGreenhouse) with just a touch of garnet. The love letter motif (it really opens!) would make it a great gift for that special January-born someone. Hint hint significant others.

5. I love halo-style rings, so that’s probably why this garnet bracelet from Overstock caught my eye. This piece would definitely be the highlight of an outfit.

6. Briolette necklaces are so sophisticated, and this garnet three-stone necklace from fineheart is no exception. Garnets look great against the gold-toned metal.

On Pinterest? Repin these picks and others from my boards, and don’t forget to follow!

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

I was not paid or otherwise compensated to write about the jewelry shown in this post. All opinions are my own.