March birthstone (aquamarine and coral)

The mineral that makes up aquamarine is called beryl, the same mineral as emerald (green) and morganite (pink).
It is produced in large quantities in Brazil and Africa, and among aquamarines, the deepest and most intense blue ones are called "Santa Maria Color Aquamarine" and is traded at high prices.
Recently, Japanese appraisal agencies have also begun to list Santa Maria color in appraisal certificates.

The name comes from the combination of "aqua" (water) and "marine" (sea), due to its clear blue color like the ocean. For this reason, it was highly valued as a talisman for sailors in Europe.
The beautiful deep blue color of Santa Maria is so named because it was mined in the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil. Nowadays, it is rarely mined in Brazil, and most of it comes from Africa. For this reason, it is also called Santa Maria Africana.

The stone's word is "Intelligent, calm, brave".
Aquamarine has been treasured by sailors.A stone that shows the way" has been highly valued as a
Its clear blue color calms the mind and relieves stress. It also maintains a balance between the mind and body and smooths human relationships, so it is said to be a stone that leads to a happy married life.
It is recommended for those who want to find mental stability and those who work in the water industry.

Although aquamarine is relatively hard, it may be scratched if hard stones rub against each other, so it is best to store it away from other jewelry.
Furthermore, as these jewelry pieces are usually heated, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause them to fade due to the effects of ultraviolet rays. After use, wipe them with a soft cloth and store them in a jewelry box.
If you notice that the shine is starting to dull, it's time to take care of it.
Fill a cup with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent (dishwashing liquid). Then, dip a soft brush (a toothbrush with soft bristles) in the detergent and gently scrub the aquamarine. If you scrub too hard, the prongs holding the aquamarine in place may come loose, so it's important to scrub gently. Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the aquamarine with lukewarm water.
We also recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner to remove fine dirt. However, some gemstones, such as emeralds and pearls, are not suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. If there is an emerald next to the aquamarine, you should never use ultrasonic cleaning.

The coral we commonly know lives in shallow waters, but the coral used for jewelry lives in the deep sea and takes a long time to grow. For this reason, the rare, bright red blood-red coral is traded at a very high price. The kanji character "sango" can only be used for coral used for jewelry.
It is mainly produced in Kochi Prefecture and the Mediterranean Sea. However, the famous bright red "blood red coral" is a name that is only used for Japanese coral, and the Mediterranean coral cannot be called that. However, even famous appraisal institutions such as the Central Gemological Institute have started to refer to it as "blood red coral," which shows its popularity.
Not only red coral, but also soft pink peach coral is popular, and there is also white coral available.

Coral also appears in Greek mythology. It is said that when Perseus cut off Medusa's head, her blood fell into the Mediterranean Sea, forming coral. The English word "coral" comes from the Greek word "coralion," which means "small jewel."
Did you know that "coral" is an animal called a coraloid? It is a member of the same family as sea anemones. Precious coral lives in the deep sea and it is said that it takes 100 years for it to grow to 1cm.

The stone's word is "Wisdom, longevity, happiness".
Coral is said to protect its owner from misfortune.The effect varies depending on the color.

Red coral: It improves blood circulation and has long been treasured as a talisman for safe childbirth and good health.
Pink Coral: A soft color that improves relationships, including love luck.
White coral: Found only in limited areas of the ocean, it brings peace of mind and is expected to activate energy.

Coral is a soft and delicate gemstone.
It is vulnerable to acids such as sweat and may discolor, so please wipe it with a soft cloth after use.
It is also sensitive to heat and ultraviolet rays, so it should be stored away from heaters and out of direct sunlight.
Also, since it is soft, please store it separately so that it does not come into contact with other jewelry.
Ultrasonic cleaning is also not recommended. Even ultrasonic cleaning can damage coral, so if you do need to clean it, you should use baking soda and water, and dry it in the shade, away from direct sunlight.
It is a delicate gemstone, so if you are concerned about fading or dullness, consult a specialist. There is a way to restore its original luster by slightly scraping the surface.