March Newsletter 2024

March is here already! A time of change wherever you are in the world. Most of us are experiencing the first signs of spring in the air, a few blossoms here and there and the days getting a little longer and a little warmer while our friends in the southern hemisphere will notice a delightful change in the light as the golden glow of Autumn (or Fall if you prefer) arrives.

For us in Thailand, it seems that the endless hot season is just going to continue forever! For a few tips on ideal gemstones for Spring, take a look at our article here.

Gem & Jewelry Care

The tradition of spring-cleaning dates back hundreds of years from when our ancestors could finally throw open their homes to allow the warmer weather in and brush away the dust and soot that had gathered behind their tightly closed doors. March is a great time to give your jewelry and gemstones a bit of love and care to get them into the best shape possible for all those spring and summer events coming up. We have a handy advice page on Gemstone cleaning and care right here.

Shining a Spotlight on Stunning Gemstones

In our monthly newsletters we like to bring your attention to a few special gemstones that may have escaped your attention and this month we have some very interesting examples for you.

Let’s begin with our Teal Sapphires. We have mentioned them to you before but a new selection has arrived from Madagascar which should really catch your eye. Blue and green are the most popular colors in the world and these teal sapphires hit that sweet spot just between the two. The gorgeous colors with the natural sparkle and prestige of sapphire make these stunning stones to possess yet the price is so much less than you would expect to pay.

In total contrast to the crystal-clear appearance of the sapphires, we have the fascinating opaque gemstone, Charoite. This bright violet or purple all-natural untreated gemstone with intricate swirls and captivating patterns is available in impressive sizes, ideal for eye-catching pendants or any type of artisanal one-off jewelry items.

Lastly, a personal favorite of mine, the very underrated, Hessonite Garnet. With colors that range from bright orange to soft amber and even warm honey brown tones available this is an enchanting gemstone. Garnet has a long history as a gemstone and this particular variety exudes style and prestige with a very reasonable price tag.

Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair

Last week saw the opening of the 69th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair - Asia’s oldest event and Thailand’s largest celebration of gemstones. HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya hosted the grand opening with 2,500 booths on exhibit. There were over 40,000 attendees and more than 3 billion baht traded during the 5-day event. It was quite an occasion.

March Birthstones

We will finish this month’s newsletter with a reminder of March’s birthstones. Aquamarine is a top-quality gemstone that is part of the same family as emeralds. The cool blue colors remind us of the crystal-clear waters of a tropical beach and this gemstone possesses as much spiritual value as its material worth. It would make a truly wonderful gift for anyone who celebrates a birthday in March bringing good luck and protection to whoever wears one.

March also has an alternative birthstone in Bloodstone - a complete contrast to the light and airy Aquamarine with its rich deep green colors and distinctive speckles of red.

That should do for this month, time to get back to the grindstone. I mean that literally today as I am getting another lesson in gemstone polishing in our little workshop downstairs!

Customer Questions and Answers:

Ooh, I nearly forgot, Happy St Patrick’s Day to everyone celebrating on the 17th, I hope you have a great day - Lá fhéile Pádraig sona dhuit! If you want to make it extra special take a look at our Green Gemstones on sale - you’ll be the belle or beau of the parade for sure. Bye from us all at GemSelect