Here in the Big Easy it’s the height of Carnival season. I generally try to avoid crowds, but sometimes you get an offer you can’t refuse; this one was “above” the crowds, courtesy of some of my friends in high places. We were invited for dinner at a fancy schmancy restaurant that included a viewing stand. I had a perch to see three parades, including the Krewe of Muses, which is an all female crew. It’s all about shoes and bathtubs, my kind of theme!

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Krewe of Muses Bathtub Float

Let me use the watery theme to segue into March, which means aquamarines! One of my favorite rocks, from the berylicious (or in boring scientific terms “beryl”) family.

I am always on the hunt for cool specimens, and this year in Tucson I found the coolest aquamarine crystal slices. A matching pair of beautiful cross sections showing different shades of blue in the natural crystal structure. They are now a special pair of earrings, reminiscent of ancient Roman jewels!

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Natural Aquamarine Crystal Cross Section Slice Earrings

I also bought a handful of polished, natural aquamarine crystals, perfect for rings and pendants. This one is especially nice, long and lean with a little curve action!

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Natural Polished Aquamarine Crystal Ring

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Rose Cut Aquamarine Earrings with Chrysocolla Drops

Adding a little interest to these earrings is one of my other favorite rocks, chrysocolla. I have a nice little collection of this stuff, looks nice with aquamarine too.

My latest pièce de résistance is an emerald cut berylicious with gorgeous inclusions. It’s big and honkin, over 40 carats! You can get lost inside this world for hours.

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Emerald Cut Beryl with Inclusions Pendant Necklace

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Beryl with Inclusions – a closer look!

Last but not least, not a berylicious piece, but still droolworthy in my humble opinion. Natural turquoise with black matrix from exotic Uzbekistan. Perfectly Miss Matched earrings.

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Natural Turquoise Earrings

You can get more info on all of these pieces by clicking on a photo, and checking out the shop. Or click here: http://boutique.ledajewelco.com/

For those of you who live where Fat Tuesday is just another Tuesday, go ahead and overindulge in your favorite treats and pastimes! You can repent later. That’s what we do in New Orleans!

Beryliciously yours
Lydia