Aquamarine Jade Art Deco Necklaces in 14K Gold

Aquamarine is the March birthstone. The seawater color of the mineral has given this gemstone the name "aquamarine," derived from the Latin word for seawater. The term "aquamarine" was used in an essential gemological work by Anselmus de Boodt, published in 1609. Aquamarine is a valued gem with a long history. In the 19th century, sea green varieties of the stone were the most popular. Today, the more blue the color, the more valuable the stone. In 1910, the largest aquamarine was found in Brazil. It weighed 243 pounds. It was then cut into smaller gems that weighed more than 200,000 carats.... learn more

Jade is the stone given in celebration of the 12th, 30th, and 35th anniversaries of marriage. For thousands of years, the stone has been revered in China and other countries throughout the world. The Chinese, Mayas, Aztecs, and the Maoris of New Zealand have long prized the stone for its use in jewelry, and in carvings of sacred religious figures. Before there were written records of jade, it was used for axe heads, spear points, daggers, and sacred knives in pagan religious ceremonies. From the earliest days of jade's history, it has been the most favored gem among the Chinese. There are collections of jade with Chinese carvings, dating back to 2000 BC in museums throughout the world. These include carvings of meaningful shapes such as fish, birds, bats and dragons. Jade was used extensively in daily and ceremonial objects of Chinese nobility and represented high rank and authority. Jade amulets were actually buried with the dead in China. The Spanish conquistadores adopted the use of... learn more