What better stone to represent the coming of spring than Aquamarine? The ocean blue color is light and playful, and it often represents spring showers. Even the name comes from the Roman word “Aqua” meaning water and “mare” meaning sea.

The Romans believed the Aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea. They said that it fell from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed to shore for man to find. Early sailors wore talismans of Aquamarine that were shaped to resemble Neptune in order to protect them from the dangers of the sea. This association with water led to the belief that the stone was even more powerful when submerged in water. The ancients used this “treated water” to heal a variety of heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat illnesses. These stones were also used to reverse poisoning and to aid in fortune telling.

Though the Aquamarine is abundant, it is the only gem that is flawless. The color can range from a blue-green to a light sky blue. Often, the green color is removed by treating the gem with heat.

Today, a gift of Aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security. This is believed to be especially true in long standing relationships. Some say it even reawakens love!

Visit Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers today to find the perfect Aquamarine gem for your March sweetie!

Can you tell platinum from white gold or palladium? We can help you find the best metal for your ring! We have 50 years of experience, so we can help you start engagement ring or wedding band shopping with knowledge on your side.

Platinum

Platinum is a rare, natural white metal with extreme durability. It is hard to scratch, and when it does you won’t lose much of the metal. The purity of the color won’t cast any tint on your center stone, making it the perfect canvas to display your rock. This metal is ideal if you or your loved one has sensitive skin, because platinum is naturally hypoallergenic.

Yellow Gold

Yellow gold is more readily available and is therefore less expensive than some other metals. It comes from combining yellow metal with different metal alloys, so yellow gold is only 70-75% pure. This means that it is available in a variety of hues such as white, pink and green. When it comes to traditional significance, yellow gold is representative of fidelity.

White Gold

White gold is made when the surface of yellow gold is plated with rhodium. The risk with white gold is that the plating can wear away and return the metal to its natural color if it is not properly cared for or replated. This metal is representative of friendship.

Rose Gold

Rose gold showcases the pink hue of yellow gold. It is created when a copper alloy is added. The more copper alloy in the metal, the deeper the rose hue will be. Rose gold looks fabulous with decadent chocolate diamonds or traditional clear diamonds.  Rose gold represents love and is more durable than yellow gold.

Palladium

Palladium is a silver-white metal that is often used as an alloy in white gold. It is similar to platinum in that it doesn’t tarnish, is very flexible and hypoallergenic. The difference between palladium and platinum is that palladium is not as dense and therefore less expensive, and it has a darker, grayer tone than platinum.

Titanium

Titanium is a sturdy metal that can have a cool, gray or polished black finish which makes it an excellent metal for a groom’s wedding band. It is corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic. It is lightweight but as strong as steel. This metal is commonly used in men’s jewelry.

Recycled Metals

Last but not least are recycled metals. As you can imagine, these come from many sources including platinum and gold. Recycled metals take on the color and traits of the most dominant metal in the mix. These metals are great for those who are environmentally conscious and want their jewelry to reflect that. Plus, it is something old and something new, all in one!