As the birthstone for March (and associated with the 19th wedding anniversary) aquamarine is one of the most often maligned gemstones of the age. Most people, if theyve seen the stone at all, have been presented with specimens that are so washed out they retain nothing of the proper color associated with the aquamarine gemstone.

Fine quality aquamarine comes from nature in colors from blue-green to a light sky blue: nothing colorless or washed out - these stones are supposed to look blue… Whats unique about aquamarine, is that the majority of these seawater blue stones are flawless: the perfect centerpiece for a fine piece of aquamarine jewelry

As the second most well known beryl (after emerald), aquamarine was once credited with protecting against poison, sailors carried and slept with the incredible colored gemstones to ensure a safe voyage. Today a gift of fine quality aquamarine jewelry can symbolize safety and security: especially in long term relationships. Some say it may even re-ignite love in a marriage.

So what piece of aquamarine jewelry to choose?

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If your birthday falls in the month of October or the astrological sign of Libra, you have the good fortune to have one of the most beautiful of gemstones associated with your birth. Available in shades from the palest pink to the scorchingly hottest pinks and everything in between: this gemstone has become a favorite of women everywhere. And with all the cuts to choose from - trillion, round, emerald, oval, square, pear and cushion - this fabulously colored stone is certainly ready to play its part at the center of any piece of pink tourmaline jewelry that you might choose.

Pink tourmaline is said to be a powerful influence on love and friendship, spirituality and creativity as well as granting wisdom and enhancing willpower. The prices and value of pink tourmaline vary tremendously, depending on the size and quality of the gemstone, and youll soon learn that no two stones are alike. When it comes to the gift of pink tourmaline jewelry, there are an abundance of wonderful styles to choose from…

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Long before Prince Charles gave Lady Diana that stunning sapphire engagement ring there were pieces of fine colored gemstone jewelry made to showcase this most precious of gems. September babies, those born under the zodiac sign Taurus (or those celebrating a 45th wedding anniversary) have long laid claim to blue sapphire as their own, prompting jewelry designers to create many distinctive styles that feature the full range of sapphire hues.

Still theres something about that blue that remains unmatched…

Todays sapphire earring styles run the gamut from casual to dazzling and drop dead gorgeous. Sapphire rings are an especially popular choice (even for engagement rings) since the gemstone is both beautiful and durable. Sapphire at the neckline continues to be popular, but the quality of the gemstone is king here: accent stones too must be a match to the quality of the center stone.

One of the most intriguing types of sapphire is the so called star sapphire. This type of sapphire is blessed with the rare characteristic of asterism caused by tiny quantities of rutile inclusions. These inclusions reflect light back in the form of a six-rayed star that looks as though it glides across the face of the gemstone. The effect is both striking and offers a special significance to the gift of these gemstones - shes your shining star.

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This is the Burma spinel I got from AJS Gems under darkroom illumination with my LED light source from my microscope, and a portable blacklight for a UV-A light source.

You can see how the stone appears naturally before turning the UV light on. Then you can see how it turns to a brown color as if it were absorbing the light. When the light goes off, it’s a dark brown color. However, it does gradually obtain its color back in time. There is no sign of phosfluorescence, and there is a total lack of fluorescence thus indicating it is a Burma spinel.

The orangey red variety from Mogok mine has a very high absorption rate within a window of the latter range of IUV to the lower end of VIS. I obtained a general graph of how spinels of different colors from Mogok behave under IR spectroscopy, and the graph shows the absorption rate of spectra within the lamp as being highest. A vivid red spinel is slightly less. There was no information available for spinels from Tanzania, but it’s a tell tale indicator of origin.

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Choosing a loose colored gemstone to be a part of your jewelry wardrobe is a smart move: and it gives you plenty of options in terms of colors, shapes and sizes. Of course stunning gemstone jewelry isnt the only way to enjoy fine quality gems. Often collectors purchase and display beautiful specimens as part of an extensive gem collection that can also be admired and appreciated.

Whether youd like to wear or just admire a gemstone, buying loose stones is an increasingly popular, and very smart, way to buy. Heres why:

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Due to its proximity to some of the most historic and profitable mines in the world, Bangkok has a wide-reaching reputation for being the premier gem trading capital. Bangkok is not only a gem cutting and fashion center, but it also offers a wide range of high quality gems that can be shipped quickly to customers anywhere. Plus, the government has a hand in organizing massive gem and jewelry sales for which they will even provide taxicabs to transport buyers.

Bangkok is surrounded by mines - not only across Asia, but also in Thailand. Thailand (the country in which Bangkok is situated), is known for its sapphire mines. Myanmar, where the rare and valuable Burma rubies are mined, is located a short distance away. Burma not only produces the finest rubies, it also produces exquisite sapphires and the worlds finest jadeite jade stones. In addition, there are exquisite sapphire mines located in nearby Cambodia. Therefore, Bangkok provides a center point for gemstone trade and fashion based on its central Asian location and on the eagerness of gemologists to maintain the citys reputation for providing the highest-quality possible gemstones.

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Owning beautiful jewelry and keeping it looking as incredible: as dazzling as the day your bought it is easy if you follow some general care and cleaning tips. Now that youve made the choice to invest in colored gemstones taking care of them is the best way to ensure your investment stays looking its best, today and for years to come.

Here are the three biggest things you can do for your gemstones:

#1: Give Your Gemstones a Home

Jewelry boxes arent just a pretty addition to a dresser or vanity: they have an important function. Lined in soft, colored velvet, these boxes are a perfect way to protect your fine jewelry. Rather than having all your pieces jumbled together, where its hard to find what you want: a quality jewelry box has a safe place for all your loose gems or finished pieces. Just lift the top and your collection is spread, in all its glory, before your eyes.

Jewelry boxes come in all manner of shapes and sizes: with locks and without: mirrored or not. There are tabletop models, travel models and free standing jewelry armoires to house larger collections. With all the options out there, it wont take long for you to find something that suits the space and number of pieces you own.

Whats more, storing your pieces properly cuts down on bumps and scratches that often happen when you toss something into a box or tin. While the stones themselves arent likely to scratch each other, the metal theyre mounted in can be scratched: looking old and worn before its time. Tangled pendant chains, lost earring backs and broken bracelet catches can be costly too - by storing your things properly, youll extend the life of all your gemstone pieces…

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though diamonds are thought to be a girls best friend: lots of smart, savvy, style conscious women today are expanding their circle of friends to include the rainbow hues of natural colored gemstones. A bit unexpected: a quality colored gem stone will command attention from everyone who sees it. Whether its in a ring, a bracelet, a pendant or a magnificent pair of earrings: that rich, vibrant color catches the eye and wont let go.

When it comes to buying quality natural gems like amethysts, rubies, sapphires, Tsavorite garnet and the many colors of tourmaline you need to look no further than those four Cs youve always heard about - cut, clarity, color and carat weight. These measures of quality will help guide your purchase, though color is by far the most important of the four when buying a colored gemstone. Whatever shade youre choosing: you want color that is rich and vibrant: evenly distributed through the gem.

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Kings, queens, and other members of the royal party have been collecting colored gemstones for centuries. Colored gemstones are not only popular amongst the famous and wealthy because of their value, but also because of their rarity and beauty. Here is a short list of some of the most popular colored stones of the royals:

Crown Jewels of Persia

The Crown Jewels of Persia are a collection of royal jewels that incorporate just about every colored gemstone imaginable. The entire collection includes 30 gemstone tiaras, 12 swords and shields, and a huge amount of loose gemstones. This collection includes diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires - many of which are actually set into the throne as well. Amongst the famous gemstone pieces contained in the collection include the Pahlavi Crown, Darya-i-Noor Diamond, Coronation Necklace, Kiani Crown, Emerald Necklace, Noor-ol-Ain Tiara, and a chest filled with pearls…

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AJSGems.com is proud to be your one-stop resource for the finest colored gemstones at the best possible price. Our hand-selected collection of gemstones includes high-quality stones that can be difficult to find - especially at the low prices we offer. This selection of gemstones includes all sizes and shapes of tourmaline, Burma ruby, amethyst, spinel, Jadeite Jade and so much more.

Many of our gemstones also come in multiple colors to help you find exactly the stone youre looking for. For example, if you are looking for a sapphire, we offer black star sapphire, pink sapphire, blue sapphire, Padparadscha sapphire and more, even color change sapphire! No matter what gem color, size or shape your next jewelry project, inventory or loving gift requires, were sure to provide exactly what youre looking for…

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