Aquamarine is the traditional birthstone for March. It is also the accepted anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage.

The ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing pastel sea blue. Stones with a clear blue color without green or gray are generally the most valuable.

If you are looking for a big, durable gemstone, aqua is readily available in larger sizes and is truly dramatic when cut in rectangular or oval shapes. It is a member of the important beryl family, which also includes emerald.

In ancient times, the stone was said to aid seafarers; thus it is an excellent gift suggestion for sailors or one who takes frequent cruises! To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of new friends; to wear aquamarine earrings brings love and affection. It is a universal symbol of youth, hope and health.

As part of the normal finishing process, some aquamarines are heated to remove traces of yellow.

To maintain the brilliance of this beautiful gemstone, it should be immersed in jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush.  Do not use a home ultrasonic machine. As with all gemstones, care should be taken to protect it from scratches and sharp blows.

Aquamarine is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar and Ukraine.

Bloodstone is an alternative birthstone for the month of March, and is often used as the stone of choice in men's rings.

Bloodstone one of the many varieties of jasper or chalcedony, is also known as Heliotrope. Bloodstone is an opaque dark green variety of chalcedony with red spots. Included hornblend needles produce the green color and the red spots are caused by iron oxide.

History: Early Christian legends held that the red spots were from Jesus's blood that fell on a piece of jasper at the foot of the Cross.

Bloodstone is the gem for the astrological sign of Aries. The primary sources of bloodstone are Australia, Brazil and India.