Aquamarine can be found in Brazil, Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Russia and the United States, especially in Colorado. It is usually made to undergo irradiation and heat treatment. Its color ranges from light blue to blue green and dark blue, depending on the amount of iron in the compound. With a hardness of 7.5 according to the Mohs Scale, its quality depends more on its transparency; the more transparent, the higher the quality (and also the more sparkle). Aquamarine rings are extremely popular nowadays and their usage as engagement rings is also on the rise among those of the younger generation. Aquamarine jewelry must be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a brush with soft bristles; home ultrasonic machines must not be used in doing so. The gems must be protected from scratches and blows and direct and prolonged exposure to the sun as the latter will cause the color to fade.
Because of the red spots from iron oxide deposits which is the reason for its being so-called, bloodstone is aptly associated in gemstone lore with blood, e.g. as the blood of Christ, making early Christians deem it a sacred stone; as filled with healing properties for bleeding and blood-related disorders. Also called heliotrope, it is often used in men’s jewelry as pendants and bead necklaces. The polish of the stone is generally removed if gotten wet. Bloodstone can be found in Australia, China, India, Brazil, and the United States, particularly Wyoming.
Jade is often turned into jewelry by carving the stone itself into pendants, earrings, bangles, bracelets, and even statues. It has two types: jadeite, which is the rarer one, found in Japan, Myanmar, and the United States, particularly California and Alaska, its highest quality known as the Imperial Jade; and nephrite, which is commonly used in Chinese carvings. Jade is believed to help achieve relaxation and gain visions of necessary tasks as well as the strength to do them. It is also believed to be the very essence of love in its concentrated form; some believe that a secret virtue of it is imbibed by the body when physical contact is made.
According to gemstone lore, any of the March birthstones when worn as a ring supposedly will allow the bearer to gaze at the gem and obtain its mystical powers (e.g. understanding and happiness from aquamarine). Of the March birthstones, aquamarine is the popular choice, believed to symbolize happiness and understanding. Bloodstone is a common pick because of its affordability more than anything else, while jade is a favorite among a handful of Asian cultures.
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