AQUAMARINES FOR QUEEN

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28162, 28 December 1956, Page 2

AQUAMARINES FOR QUEEN

Gift From Baltic Exchange (From the London Correspondent of “The Press”) LONDON, Dec. 18. In the choice of aquamarines as a gift for the Queen by the Baltic Exchange recently, symbolism Lad its influence. The exchange, which takes its name from an old coffee house once frequented by merchants and sea captains, has been called the nerve centre of the British shipping industry. Its maritime associations made the sea-green aquamarine natural choice for a gift. But the stones are algo a favourite of the Queen. Her new piece is an aquamarine and diamond bracelet of modern design, set in platinum. It was presented to her when she opened the new wing of the exchange in London. The Queen already possessed some magnificent aquamarines. A necklace and matching earrings of unusually fine stones, combined with diamonds, were presented to her as a Coronation gift by the Government of Brazil, where the world’s finest aquamarines are mined. Valuable Quality These sea-green stones have one valuable quality. They are among the few coloured gems that retain their full beauty under artificial light. Few women realise it, but the aquamarine is closely related to the grass-green emerald. Both belong to the beryl family. Persons born in March claim the aquamarine as their birthstone. It has long been regarded as a symbol of happiness ana everlasting youth. In the past, it was worn as an amulet, a “stone of safety.” Even today, many regard it as a lucky stone, and this may account for its increasing popularity, combined with diamonds, for engagement rings.