Necklace Details
Aquamarine – Aquamarine was first recorded more than 4,000 years ago, and ancient texts have identified it as the treasure of mermaids. Its serene color invokes the tranquility of the ocean and it is considered a protective and healing stone that promotes courage, vitality, and serenity. The largest faceted Aquamarine in the world (10,363 carats!) is housed at the Smithsonian. Appearing on the inaugural standardized birthstone list in 1912, Aquamarine is one of March’s birthstones and given as a 19th anniversary gift.
Pearl (Japan; Baroque and Freshwater) – Pearls have been desired around the world for more than 4,000 years and associated with the moon, wisdom, and love. Formed when a mollusk slowly coats an irritant with thousands of layers of nacre, the iridescent material responsible for pearl’s lustrous shine and organic shape, Pearls are the only gem that comes from a living creature. In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured a pearl for the very first time in Japan and in the early 1900s, pearls became a symbol of the Divine Nine Sororities and the inner strength and resilience needed for college-educated Black women to challenge discrimination. Baroque Pearls are elaborately shaped; these non-round pearls were first used in jewelry during the Baroque Era (1600-1750), hence their name, which also doubles as a reference to the luxuriant art and architecture of the period. The world’s most expensive pearl is Baroque; it weighs 75 pounds and is valued at $100 million. Today, Pearl is one of June’s birthstones and given as 3rd and 30th anniversary gifts.
Sterling Silver – Silver is considered a precious metal and, because of its durability, a tangible representation of lasting love and family bonds. It is also believed to strengthen emotional, mental, and physical well-being by promoting inner peace, alleviating stress and anxiety, and warding off negative energy. Wearing or carrying sterling silver serves as a personal talisman, enhancing one's inner strength and resilience. Silver is given as a 25th anniversary gift.