March’s birthstones are Aquamarine and Bloodstone. Last week I showed you my Fused Glass Bloodstone version so this week I will show you my Fused Glass Aquamarine. It is more of a blue green, however it is still transparent hence the pinch bail.
Aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. Aquamarine refers to beryl that is pale blue, light blue-green, or even light green. It is usually clear, but iron content gives it its blue/green color. Today, however, the most valued aquamarine stones are a rich, sky blue, but even the blue stones have a green or bluish green tint to them. Depending on which angle you look at an aquamarine, it may look blue, green, or colorless. Almost all aquamarines on the market have been heat treated to enhance the color. Aquamarine rates a 7.5 to 8 on the hardness scale. Aquamarine is considered a “semi-precious” stone.
Aquamarine was believed to protect sailors, as well as to guarantee a safe voyage. Aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the wearer to remain calm and levelheaded. Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from blue-green. Aquamarine is mined mainly in Brazil, but also is found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique
How to Care for Aquamarine:
The best way to clean your Aquamarine jewelry is with plain, warm soapy water (using mild liquid soap) and an old toothbrush. Once you have washed the stone, make sure you rinse it off well with plain water. Be careful to use warm water instead of hot water, to reduce the dangers of thermal shock. Enzyme cleaners and detergent should be avoided for they can cause allergic reactions. Avoid sudden temperature changes, steaming, and contact with cosmetics, hairspray, perfume, or household chemicals.
It is believed Aquamarine have Metaphysical Properties:
· To bring love, affection and harmony to the wearer.
· To bring happiness for those whose job is related to the sea.
· If used by sailors the gemstones would guide them against evil spirits, help them overcome any storm and bring safety on their journeys.
· Helps people to quell anger and provides emotional balance.
· To purify water and grant it special healing powers.
For the fused glass birthstone version of March’s “Aquamarine”, I used various shades of green, blue and aquamarine frit for my fused glass aquamarine it is a little darker than typical Aquamarine the reason being so the fused glass pendants is not so transparent. I also have fused glass bloodstone.
As I mentioned in the December’s newsletter there are many advantages of fused glass over typical gemstones. Fused Glass is less expensive, more durable (than some birthstones), and can be bigger than typical gemstones. Moreover, Fused Glass gemstones can be made into anything not just earrings, pendants, rings but also key chains, bookmarks, pillboxes etc. As for cleaning a Fused Glass Faux Aquamarine, clean with a jewelry cloth, alcohol, and water. Additionally if Fused Glass is scratched, it can normally be repaired without much additional cost, as for an actual gemstone they are not as easy to fix.
Please let me know if you would like a Fused Glass Aquamarine as they are not on my sites yet. If you would like something other than a pendant i.e., a wine stopper, night light, etc., just email me and I can create a custom fused glass piece.
Keeping my kiln warm
Karen
