May symbolises new beginnings (spring) for the northern hemisphere and as many gem traditions have their roots in these parts of the world it is not surprising that a bright green stone was chosen as the birthstone for May. I wonder whether it would be appropriate for Southern Africa to modify the rule and either select an African green gemstone such as tourmaline or a different colour tourmaline in tune with the autumn period. 

Emerald also enhances knowledge and wisdom and that is definitely needed for a lasting marriage, hence emerald is also the gem dedicated to the 20^th and 35^th wedding anniversary. Personally I would recommend any size as a birthstone and a minimum of 3 carat for an anniversary present! Some people really tend to exaggerate and in 2001, Christie’s of London auctioned the legendary ‘Mogul Emerald’ weighing 217,80 carats. The stone fetched a whooping 2.2 million $ - an anniversary present of note?!? 

Most of these marvellous gems are mined in South America, especially in Colombia that still supplies top quality gems, but the oldest emeralds come from Zimbabwe and I can assure you that they are spectacular – obviously ANPA stocks a few of those jewels….  And maybe the Zimbabwean deposits will challenge South America in the future. Here a newspaper clipping, dated from 2007:  Massive emerald rush in Zim
05/01/2007 18:32  - (SA)   Harare - At least 3 000 people have joined a new rush for emeralds in eastern Zimbabwe, a few months after diamonds were discovered in the area, it was reported on Friday. In July, villagers in impoverished Marange district discovered diamonds and sparked a massive diamond rush, which brought untold wealth to dozens of previously-poor households. Now suspected emerald fields have been found at three sites in Buhera district Chishanyi, Svongwa and Jori and about 3 000 people have joined the latest rush, reports the state-controlled Manica Post newspaper.  

 Certain gems have more vibration power for people because they are associated with the time of their birth; Diamond is the main  birthstone for April and I think it is not hard to vibrate with that. If you are not born in April, don’t despair, you can still get your diamond for other reasons. The name “diamond” comes from the Greek word “adamas” meaning unconquerable, suggesting the eternity of love and with that diamonds are primarily used in engagement rings ( it is the only gem that will not wear over time) and are  the accepted anniversary gem for the 10th and 60th years of marriage.

But the gods also have mercy on the purse and according to ancient mythology, any white or clear stone signifies integrity, innocence and happiness and can be used as a birthstone for April.

In some texts coral is also mentioned, but that must have vanished by the time the de Beers group started their diamond marketing campaign

Coral instils courage in its user. It also helps in curing blood related diseases. The colour red denotes matters of the heart. Red on a man indicates command and nobility; for a woman, pride or tenacity.

Coral ensures material happiness which I can well believe after saving all that money not buying this diamond…

…and we are totally in love with it. We started to have stones cut in this unusual way in June last year, made some outrageous pieces and the response was overwhelming - hey, you love it too!

Its great to stock those stones again. We offer a large selection of “lotus-cut” loose gems in clear quartz and smokey quartz in our gemstone shop in Kalk Bay. Different sizes, shapes and variations of the original pattern - its all there. Both jewellery shops at the Cape Quarter and Kalk Bay stock a small range of ready made rings in silver and silver-gold combinations.

Total indulgence!

Actually there are two gems: the one is aquamarine, the other bloodstone. I am not a big fan of bloodstone (sorry!!), so I will focus on aquamarine in this post. It is also the accepted anniversary gem for the 19th year of marriage.

The name aquamarine was derived by the Romans, “aqua” meaning water and “mare” meaning sea, because it looked like sea water. They were considered sacred to Neptune, god of the sea. This association with and safe voyages as well as protection against perils and monsters of the sea.

The aquamarine was believed to possess medicinal and healing powers - the association with water led to the belief that the Aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed. Water in which this gemstone had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat. Aquamarines were also used to reverse poisoning and to aid in fortune telling.
Aquamarines were thought to be the source of power for soothsayers, who called it the “magic mirror”, and used it for telling fortunes and answering questions about the future. It is said that Emperor Nero used it as an eyeglass 2,000 years ago, and much later, aquamarines were used as glasses in Germany to correct shortsightedness. In fact, the German name for eyeglasses today is “brille”, derived from the mineral beryl.

Aquamarines vary in color from deep blue to blue-green of different intensities, caused by traces of iron. Naturally occurring deep blue stones are the most prized because they are rare and expensive. However, yellow beryl stones can be heated to change them to blue aquamarines. Aquamarine is mined primarily in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February as well as the gem for the zodiac sign pisces. Amethyst is found in many locations, generally the lighter shades come from the “Americas” and the dark tones from African countries such as Zambia.

Amethyst is a balancing gem, it brings peace of mind and drives away enflamed passions and worries. Because of its calming mental effect, amethyst is a stone that can be used for over- worked, over -stressed, or overwhelmed mental states, and it gives protection to those who wear it. It is one of the best stones to use for tension or migraine headaches.

Wow! We have purchased some stunning drilled tourmalines. A lot of thick tubes in dark pinks, thin facetted tubes in olive or peppermint green, watermelon tourmaline cabochons…..

Truly beautiful stones that we are busy turning into unique beaded necklaces - some are already on display, some to be finished.

So if you are a tourmaline fan, give us a call if you wish to see photos or to find out which store holds what design!

we went on short trip to the northern cape and of course could not resist to search for unusual minerals. We brought back a fine selection. Part of the collection is already on display in the Gemstone Boutique in Kalk Bay.

It again and again amazes me what unique, unbelievable minerals and gems can be found in the Northern parts of South Africa…