AQUAMARINE

Aquamarine possesses a special rank in our company’s history.

It was way back in 1977 in Zambia, that my father Menahem, together with a local and very honorable figure, started mining Aquamarine near Lundazi in what was called the “corner mine”. The crystals found were quite small, no more than two to five grams each, however, their color was uniquely deep, and they called them Santa Maria Africana….

Our finest rough was sold in Idar Oberstein, Germany, to prominent entities who all loved this special intense Aqua color.

This continued until the mine depleted in the early 80s.

The original Santa Maria colors were mined in Brazil. Today our aquamarines come from Madagascar, Tanzania, Mozambique and Nigeria and several other countries in Africa. Some exceptional gems are mined in Pakistan, Burma, Russia and Vietnam to name just a few

Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March. The gemstone also represents the 16th, 18th and 19th wedding anniversaries.

Believed to be the treasure of mermaids, it was regarded as the sailors’ lucky charm, keeping them safe from peril during their sea voyages, by calming the waves and protecting them from sea monsters.

The only monsters we ever encountered were customers that were trying to reduce our prices!

But these fine dark gems were always in demand and sold well.

As to legend and lore; aquamarine is associated with faithfulness, courage and friendship, said to help ease depression and grief and to rekindle love in long marriages.

We noticed that our customers never looked depressed and always remained loyal to us.

I wonder if this was due to them purchasing our aquamarines.