Gemstones A
Agate
Agate ranges from transparent to opaque in a variety of colours. In ancient times Agate was highly valued as an amulet or talisman. Agate symbolises protection and courage of the heart and it was said to quench thirst and protect against fever. The gemstone is found in Brazil, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico and the United States.
Care and Cleaning (see General) - Clean with a soft cloth.
Alexandrite
Birthstone: June
Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl and is a green gemstone in daylight but under artificial light is reddish purple. Its name is derived from the Greek word 'chrysos' meaning golden and was discovered in Czarist Russia and named after the Czar Alexander II.
Alexandrite is reputed to aid creativity and inspire the imagination and is said to strengthen the wearer’s intuition. The gemstone can be found in the United States, Russia, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Madagascar and Italy.
Care and Cleaning (see General)) - Clean with a soft cloth.
Amazonite
Birthstone: June
Amazonite varies in colour from yellow-green to blue-green and may contain white streaks. Its name is derived from the Amazon River although the gemstone has never been found there. Amazonite symbolises courage and is said to release fear and anxiety. The gemstone has been found in Brazil, the United States, Canada, Italy and Russia.
Care and Cleaning (see General)) - Clean with a soft cloth.
Amber
Amber is best known as a golden brown gemstone but in fact can vary from yellow to red and green to blue. It has been used in jewellery since the stone age and currently demand is strong for pieces containing insects. Amber symbolises joy and happiness and is said to lighten life's burdens. Baltic amber can be found in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Russia. Other amber sources include Myanmar (Burma), Lebanon, Sicily, Mexico, Romania, Germany, and Canada.
Care and Cleaning (see General)) - Store separately from other jewellery as Amber is soft and easily scratched.
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Amethyst
Birthstone: February
Starstone: Aquarius
Amethyst is best known as a purple gemstone but can vary from lilac to dark purple and in its purest form is colourless. It's name is derived from the Greek word 'amethystos' meaning sober. The ancient Greeks believed that this gemstone helped protect from intoxication and today it is still thought to help those struggling to overcome addictive behaviour. The amethyst symbolises protection and the power to triumph over difficulties. The gemstone can be found in Brazil, Canada, Australia, India, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia, Sri Lanka and in the United States.
Care and Cleaning (see General)) - Amethyst will fade if kept out in the sun. Clean in ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Remove the amethyst from the setting when repairing jewellery with heat.
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Aquamarine
Starstone: Pisces
Aquamarine varies in colour from pale blue to deep blue with the deeper blue gems being more rare. It's name is derived from the Roman word 'aqua' meaning water and 'mare' meaning sea. The ancient Romans believed that aquamarine was a gift from Neptune and sailors wore it as protection against the dangers of the sea. Aquamarine symbolises safety, security and renewal and especially appropriate to those who love the sea. The gemstone can be found in Brazil, China, India, Australia, Africa, and the United States.
Care and Cleaning (see General) - Aquamarine will fade if kept out in the sun. Clean in ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush.
General Care & Cleaning
Protect from scratches and sharp blows.
Avoid household chemicals.
Avoid sudden temperature changes.