Birthstone Options

Options, options, who doesn’t like options? When you do a Google search on March’s birthstone, you will find that there are two. Actually, quite a few months have multiple birthstones. Most of us are familiar with the cool and clear, light blue color of Aquamarine, but how many of us know about Bloodstone?

Bloodstone is from the mineral family Chalcedony (pronounced: Kal-seh-duh-nee) which was named after the ancient Turkish seaport of Chalcedon. It is a dark green semi-translucent to opaque gemstone, which basically means that you can’t see through it. It has red inclusion flecks of iron oxides scattered across the gemstone. India is the main source of Bloodstone, but it also comes from Brazil, Australia, China, and the United States.

The ancient Greeks referred to Bloodstone as Heliotrope, which means “to turn the sun.” It was believed that if they placed the gemstone in water, it would turn the sun red. I am not sure why one would want to turn the sun red, but I am sure the Greeks had their reasons! In the Christian tradition, the gemstone is referred to as Bloodstone because the red flecks reminded them of Christ’s blood sacrificed for mankind. 

Bloodstone, or Heliotrope, is not faceted like a diamond or ruby are but is cut into cabochons which have a flat bottom and rounded top. It is because of this style of gemstone cutting, historically, wealthy families and Royalty had family crests cut into the top of the gemstone and set into rings making the family’s official wax seal. Men wear this gemstone in rings and cuff links today for a different and hip look.   

I would love to help you with your birthstone jewelry! Angela Cisneros Jewelry Concierge brings back the joy and confidence of jewelry shopping, so that you can celebrate with ease! My by-appointment approach means:

• One-on-one appointments (personal attention and no crowds!)

• Discretion and privacy (surprises remain surprises!)

• Expert help from a Graduate Gemologist with 26 years of experience (yep, that’s me!)

Learn more about me and my process: www.AngelaCisneros.com 

Book your FREE appointment with me today! www.AngelaCisneros.com/book-appointment