Tanzanite Emerald Aquamarine Necklaces in 14K Gold

Tanzanite is a member of the mineral family zoisite, which has been known about for nearly two centuries. Zoisite occurs in a number of varieties, the most sought after being tanzanite. This mineral family was named zoisite in 1805, some time after the Austrian scientist Baron Siegmund Zois von Edelstein (1747-1819) had identified the mineral in the Saualpe Mountains of Carintha, Austria. Siegmund Zois von Edelstein operated an iron mine in the Karawanken Mountains in Karnten Austria and encountered the mineral on his own property. Centuries later, the discovery of a bright blue transparent variety that we now know as tanzanite, created a lot of excitement in the specialist world.... learn more

The emerald has been a gem of fascination for over six thousand years. It is so prized that a fine emerald may be twice as valuable as a diamond. Emerald was first translated from Sanskrit as "marakata," meaning "the green of growing things." The name we know it as now is believed to come from an ancient Persian word, "smaragdus." Over time, it was corrupted to "emerald." Records show that the stone was known and sold in markets in Babylon as early as 4000 BC. The stone was worshiped by the Incas and mentioned in biblical information about the apocalypse. The earliest reference to emeralds in Western literature comes from Aristotle. He was a great fan of the gemstone. He wrote that owning an emerald increases the owner's importance in business and gives victory in trials. It also helps settle litigation and comforts and soothes eyesight. He also stated, "An emerald hung from the neck or worn in a ring will prevent the falling sickness (epilepsy). We, therefore, commend noblemen that it... learn more

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