March birthstone (aquamarine & coral)

The mineral that makes up aquamarine is called "beryl," and it is the same mineral that makes up emerald (green) and morganite (pink).
Aquamarine is found in large quantities in Brazil and Africa, and among aquamarines, those with a deep, rich blue color are called "Santa Maria color aquamarineIt is called "[name of the item]" and is traded at a high price.
Recently, even Japanese gemological laboratories have started listing "Santa Maria color" on their appraisal certificates.

Its name comes from a combination of "aqua" (water) and "marine" (sea), due to its crystal-clear blue color reminiscent of the ocean. For this reason, it was highly valued as a good luck charm by sailors in Europe.
The beautiful, deep blue Santa Maria gets its name from the Santa Maria de Itavira mine in Brazil, where it was originally mined. Nowadays, it's rarely found in Brazil, with most of it coming from Africa. For this reason, it's sometimes called Santa Maria Africana.

The meaning of the stone is "Intelligent, composed, brave".
Aquamarine has been cherished by sailors. Therefore,A stone that shows you the path you should take.It has been highly valued as such.
The clear blue color soothes the mind and relieves stress. It is also believed to help maintain balance between mind and body and smooth interpersonal relationships, thus leading to a happy marriage.
This is recommended for those seeking mental stability or those working in water-related fields.

Although aquamarine is relatively hard, it can still be scratched if other hard stones rub against each other. Therefore, it's best to store it separately from other jewelry.
Additionally, since these items are typically heat-treated, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause discoloration due to ultraviolet rays. Therefore, after use, wipe them with a soft cloth and store them in a jewelry box.
If you notice that the shine has dulled, it's time to take care of it.
Fill a glass with lukewarm water and add a little mild detergent (dish soap). Then, dip a soft brush (a toothbrush with soft bristles) into the detergent and gently dab the aquamarine. The key is to dab it, as scrubbing it vigorously may cause the prongs holding the aquamarine to loosen. After washing, rinse the aquamarine with lukewarm water.
Using an ultrasonic cleaner is also recommended for removing fine dirt. However, some gemstones, such as emeralds and pearls, are not suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. If you have an emerald next to an aquamarine, you should absolutely not use an ultrasonic cleaner.

While commonly known corals inhabit shallow waters, the corals used in jewelry live in the deep sea and take many years to grow. Therefore, rare, bright red blood coral is traded at very high prices. Only corals used for jewelry can be referred to using the kanji character "珊瑚".
The main producing areas are Kochi Prefecture and the Mediterranean. However, the famous bright red variety isblood red coralThe term "blood-red coral" is used only for Japanese coral; Mediterranean coral is not given this name. Even famous gemological laboratories such as the Central Gem Laboratory have begun to use the term "blood-red coral," which speaks to its popularity.
Besides red, the soft pink variety of coral is also popular, and white (white coral) varieties are also available.

Coral appears in Greek mythology. It is said that when Perseus cut off Medusa's head, the blood that spilled into the Mediterranean Sea formed coral. The English word "coral" is derived from the Greek word "koralion," meaning "little jewel."
Did you know that "coral" is actually an animal called a coral polyp? It's related to sea anemones and the like. The coral polyps that make up precious coral live in the deep sea, and it's said that it takes 100 years for them to grow just 1 cm.

The meaning of the stone is "Intelligence, longevity, happiness".
Coral is believed to protect its owner from misfortune.The effect varies depending on the color..

Red coral: It has long been valued as a charm for good health and safe childbirth, as it is believed to improve blood circulation.
Pink coral: Its soft color is said to improve relationships, including romantic relationships.
White coral: Found only in limited areas of the ocean, it is believed to bring peace of mind and activate energy.

Coral is a soft and delicate gemstone.
It is susceptible to acids such as sweat and may discolor, so please wipe it with a soft cloth after use.
Since it is sensitive to heat and ultraviolet rays, it needs to be stored away from heaters and direct sunlight.
Also, because it is soft, please store it separately to prevent it from touching other jewelry.
Ultrasonic cleaning is also unsuitable. Even ultrasound can damage coral, so if you need to wash it, use baking soda and water, and dry it in the shade, away from direct sunlight.
Since these are delicate gemstones, if you are particularly concerned about fading or dullness, you should consult a specialist. There is a method to restore the original luster by slightly filing down the surface.