turquoise

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Aquamarine is from the Latin “aqua marina” meaning seawater. This stone is named after the beautiful hues found in the worlds oceans and seas. From vibrant blue, turquoise, sea green, pale and briny yellows, to colourless.

Soothing and calm the birthstone for March is said to have come from the treasure chests of mermaids. Around 480 – 300 BC it’s recorded that sailors kept amulets carved in aquamarine depicting the sea god Poseidon (Neptune) on a chariot. It was a talisman of courage and prosperity, but was used mostly for protection to keep sailors safe against sea monsters and raging storms. Aquamarine was revered as a symbol of happiness and eternal youth by the ancient Egyptians, Sumerians, and Hebrews. It’s likely that aquamarine was known about and possibly used in prehistoric times as well.

Fish Stories
In Roman mythology this gem was a sacred stone of Neptune that was said to have washed up onto the shores from the depths of the sea, almost as if it were a gift from the gods.

Some ancient peoples were convinced that the stone held images and secrets of the cosmos. Aquamarines were thought to be used in divining as a crystal ball or magic mirror. Oracles and prophets were said to use them to make predictions and tell fortunes. Rumour has it that it was used as an eyeglass by Emperor Nero about 2,000 years ago.

A Sophisticated Beryl
This is a gemstone that evokes feelings of trust, friendship, courage, harmony, faith, happiness, and youth. Aquamarine comes from the mineral Beryl, the same mineral as its sister the Emerald. The difference being the chemical composition, the blues of Aquamarine come from iron, while an Emeralds green comes from chromium. Another key difference between the two is clarity and presence of inclusions. Although Emeralds hold a higher value, Aquamarine stones are cleaner with few to no flaws or inclusions. The value of an Aquamarine is based more on the quality of the colour and clarity, than on size or carat weight.

Deep blue stones are the most sought after and have the highest price tag. The best quality stones with the richest colours are found in Brazil. Now that gemstone lovers are wanting unique stones, with more of a variety in terms of colour, moss aquamarine and other colours are becoming popular. Aquamarine’s refined nature makes it a chic and timeless stone to accessorize with.

Did you know ‘Maxixe’ a type of Aquamarine can fade in sunlight? It’s colour fades due to exposure to UV light and heat. The colour can be restored by being irradiated.

Check out the before and after images of ‘Maxixe’

Fathoming the Mysteries
Aquamarine is said to have purifying and healing qualities, like flowing rivers and tides that cleanse, refresh, and renew. Ancient peoples would grind up the stone into a fine powder, they would dust thier eyes with it to cure disease, blindness, an other issues. Throughout history people have placed aquamarine stones in water and allowed them soak. They would then use the water to to cleanse their eyes of tiredness or ailments. The brilliant blue stones are said to alleviate depression, sea sickness, and inflammation. It was thought to be a cure for insomnia, sore throats, and digestive problems. Many believed that aquamarine would bring new friends into your life, increase your concentration and levels of energy, bring you wealth, calm your nerves, and rekindle love in marriage.

Where They Come From
They don’t really come from the sea, but from the earth of the following countries; Afghanistan, Angola, Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States, Zambia.

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Over the next couple of months fashion and accessories will tap into our new emerging spirit of optimism. 2011 showcases our lighter spirit and openness to being swept away by our dreams and fantasies. These new colours are playful and upbeat, creating a wonderful juxtaposition with essential classic designs.

Fresh & Wild
Pastels and neutrals are back for a sensual and understated look. If that isn’t your style, creatively blend pastels with brights for a modern chic style. You can also mix and match your favourite bold colours with neutrals. These combination’s give you the opportunity to blend your existing autumn/winter pieces with a punch of springtime freshness – a most welcome post winter pick-me-up.

Fly Away with Me!
Take a virtual trip to Peru, India, Africa, Turkey and Japan. These exotic destinations are this year’s top influencer’s. Resorts and tropical destinations remain popular themes. Avoid making your ensemble look costume-y by wearing too much of it at the same time. A dress with classic lines and an African inspired necklace will look chic, or a Japanese print paired with simple accessories.

A New Spin on Continuing Trends
Organic styles speak to our inner spirit. They reflect our need for simplicity and cocooning but they’ll be sleek and sexy this year. Animal prints, nature and nautical themes will have an urban touch. You’ll find intriguing paradoxes of fur and leather embellished with sparkling stones and crystals.

Fashion & Jewellery
Classic and mature styles from the ’50’s, ’60’s and 70’s are back. Just think sophisticated glamour and 70’s bohemian styles, but refined and updated. Motorcycle chic is growing strong, and punk fashion is taking a back seat but still has some influence. The biker and punk looks are best in small doses because it’s easy to get them wrong or go overboard.

10 Easy additions to your closet:
• High waisted wide-leg or boot cut pants – with a belt.
• Neat bow or ruffled blouses in sheer, silk or satin.
• Full skirt with a long hemline.
• Top and dress with a metallic shimmer or thread.
• Flowing Maxi dresses.
• Coat or jacket with a 60’s silhouette.
• Halter neck top or dress.
• A dress or blouse in a print, paired with only one or two other colours.
• A top, dress or skirt in bright bold that flatters your skin tone.
• For that special night out: a long slinky 70’s inspired dress.

5 Easy ways to accessorize:
• Classic pearls and chic designs that mix gems and/or metal beads.
• Look for tassels, fringe, and crocheted accessories.
• Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli and Coral add an ethnic or tropical touch.
• Motifs such as flowers, birds, leaves, foxes, rabbits, horses, snakes etc.
• Layer different chains and combine metal chains with beaded necklaces.

Jewellery for 2011 should be tidy. Try bold stone and metal jewellery, long pendant necklaces, strands of beads and layering flattering pieces together. If your outfit is simple you can jazz it up an element of 70’s boho but remember that ‘neat’ is still ‘it’.

“Dress shabbily, they notice the dress. Dress impeccably, they notice the woman” – Coco Chanel

Top Spring 2011 Trends from New York Fashion Week
Spring 2011’s Most Wearable Fashion Trends
2011 Ready to Wear Runway Collections

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