Celtic Moment

The fear that the recent killings in Northern Ireland could spark a return to sectarian bloodshed between the province’s Protestants and Catholics has leaders worried not just in Belfast, London and Dublin. Inside Story asks: Is the nightmare which Britain and Northern Ireland thought was over, making a return? Can the attacks be viewed in isolation? Or are they in fact a real threat to the North’s power-sharing deal?

Atholl Highlanders USA (guest pipe band) perform “March of the San Patricios” with the Chieftains during their Atlanta concert, February 28, 2009.

The National Tartan Day New York Day Committee invite all pipe bands, individual pipers, drummers and drum majors, Scottish clans and organizations, and descendants of Scotland to take part in the largest event celebrating Scotland in New York – the New York Tartan Day Parade.

• Color: golden, silver, pale blue
• Metal: metal
• Size (mm): 6.94*9.94*9.94
• Weight (gram): 2.25

Product Description
Stay a step ahead the latest wave of European charm bead fashion jewelry. This exquisite beaded Pugster golden accent heart shaped March birthstone European charm bead dazzles with individual beauty. The humble charm and simple elegance of this European charm bead is an unforgettable and alluring piece of accessory. This interchangeable Pugster golden accent heart shaped March birthstone European Charm Bead is the perfect gift for any occasion. It is also a great… More >>

Golden Accent Heart March Birthstone Charm Bead Fits Pandora Bracelet

Claire Roche performing Brian Boru’s March, live at Saluda Theatre in Saluda SC March 2009. Recorded on old small Sony camcorder, unedited

FCCJ Artist Series

• Color: silver, golden, pale blue
• Metal: metal
• Size (mm): 7.36*9.97*9.97
• Weight (gram): 2.45

Product Description
Stay a step ahead the latest wave of European charm bead fashion jewelry. This exquisite beaded Pugster March birthstone droplet European charm bead dazzles with individual beauty. The humble charm and simple elegance of this European charm bead is an unforgettable and alluring piece of accessory. This interchangeable Pugster March birthstone droplet European Charm Bead is the perfect gift for any occasion. It is also a great addition to your European charm bead … More >>

Pandora Style Bead Beads March Birthstone Droplet European Charm Love Heart Fits Pandora Bracelet

MARCH BIRTHSTONE

The heliotrope mineral or commonly known as the bloodstone was traditionally the birthstone for March. It is in the form of chalcedony and is a cryptocrystalline kind of quartz. The common green jasper having red formations of iron oxide is known as the classic bloodstone. There are times that the yellow or other colors of jasper are also available, however, these multi-colored bloodstones are called fancy jasper.

The presence of the red formations are supposed to resemble spots of blood, this is where the name “bloodstone” was made. Heliotrope came from different ancient beliefs about the manner in which the mineral reflects light.

Bloodstone is commonly found in India. Other sources are found in Brazil, Argentina, China, and the United States.

Originally, the bloodstone was the birthstone for March, however, today, jasper, bloodstone and aquamarine are all known as the gemstones for those people who were born in the month of March. The bloodstone is used to create harmony, balance, and promotes self esteem.

During the Middle Ages, the red inclusions were believed to be the blood of Jesus Christ, and the stone was known to have miraculous and spiritual powers. People in the ancient times wore the bloodstone to make them invisible. Christians during the Medieval Age used bloodstone to carve out pictures of the crucifixion and martyrs. This is how the “Martyr’s Stone” was born. Today, the finely powdered bloodstone is useful as a medicine and an aphrodisiac in some countries.

Aquamarine is considered as the modern gemstone for March. This is the birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Scorpio. Aquamarine is known as one of the members of the beryl family and it comes in a wide variety of color from colorless pale blue to blue-green or teal. Most prized color is the deep blue aqua color. Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs Scale. The beautiful name aquamarine came from the Latin words meaning water and sea.

Valuable and the most rare aquamarines are found mostly in Brazil. However, it is also mined in Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Russia and Afghanistan. Today, aquamarines in the market are used as a set stone jewelry and they are able to show the cat’s eye look known as asterism.

There are some gemstones that when heated to a high temperature can increase the color and clarity of the stone. On the other hand, aquamarines are heated to change from blue green or teal colored stone to a pure blue and this results to a permanent color.

In the early times, aquamarine was believed to provide the owner the power of foresight, courage and happiness. Early civilization also believed that the aquamarine increases intelligence and make one youthful. It is used to treat anxiety this it was believed to be a powerful healing stone. It is also believed that it has the power to stop the effect of the most powerful poisons.

Birthstones are sometimes used as another name for an anniversary gift that is connected to the person’s age and year of birth.

• Gemstones may have been treated to improve their appearance or durability and may require special care.
• The natural properties and composition of mined gemstones define the unique beauty of each piece. The image may show slight differences to the actual stone in color and texture

Amazon.com Product Description
Celebrate a March baby with this darling handprint pendant, made from 925 sterling silver and detailed with single round of pale blue aquamarine, March’s birthstone. The small circle pendant is suspended from an 18-inch sterling silver rolo link chain. It’s a great choice for a new mom or grandmother…. More >>

Sterling Silver Aquamarine March Birthstone Handprint Pendant, 18″

Lord of the Dance/Feet of Flames couple tribute video. Don Dorcha/Saoirse Music by Nightnoise. I picked up their CD at the THRIFT STORE on a complete whim and was rather pleased with my two dollar purchase.