Canada 2011 Birthstones #03 - March Aquamarine $3 Pure Silver Proof with Swarovski Crystal Gemstone

A coin that celebrates you and your loved ones - a March aquamarine crystal gemstone, set in a pure, precious silver proof!

Birthstones are a tradition almost as old as human civilization. Ancient cultures associated gems and crystals with personal qualities, the planets and zodiac, and special events. In eighteenth-century Poland people began to wear gemstones representing the twelve months of the year in hope that these talismans would bring the wearer good fortune. Whether as a celebration of birth, a birthday or other commemoration, or a symbol of good luck, wisdom, protection, well wishes and success, this thoughtful and personalized present is sure to remain a treasured memento long after mundane gifts are forgotten!

Click here for all the coins in the Swarovski Crystal Gemstone Birthstone Collection!

This stunning keepsake is embedded with a genuine Swarovski crystal gemstone that tells the story of its owner’s birth month. Struck in 99.99% pure silver with a proof finish, the Swarovski Crystal Gemstone Silver Proof makes the ideal gift for any occasion! It is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, newborns and any event or romantic celebration! Of course, you can treat yourself as well to this brilliant combination of a beautiful, colorful Swarovski crystal and the purest silver on Earth! Whether as a gift to yourself, or for someone close to you, this coin’s beauty and distinctiveness are sure to bring joy for years to come.


The pictures above show all twelve coins in the Swarovski Crystal Gemstone Birthstone Collection. Each image above is a link to the coin for that particular month. The Complete 12-Coin Birthstone Collection may be available as well - click here to see if it is!

Click here for all the coins in the Swarovski Crystal Gemstone Birthstone Collection!

Investment Notes
Stunning in its simplicity, this new, pure silver proof from the Royal Canadian Mint not only makes a great gift for someone else, it also represents a unique investment opportunity! It is struck in the purest silver refined and minted anywhere in the world, and features an unique, $3 denomination. Furthermore, each features a different, genuine Swarovski crystal! The twelve coins in the Birthstone Gemstone Collection are the lowest-priced ever released by the RCM to feature a Swarovski crystal!

For more information about Swarovski crystals of Austria, please see the presentation at the end of this article.

Click here for other coins with crystal gemstones embedded in them!

Technology Note - Purity
The Royal Canadian Mint refines the purest silver in the world. The RCM is also the only mint in the world to issue commemorative coins in a .9999 fineness. This commemorative silver proof is 99.99% pure!

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A large, gemstone-colored Swarowski crystal sits in the middle of a dynamic sunflower or sunburst design. There are no legends on the obverse to detract from the power and the beauty of the design.

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England, in profile facing right. This portrait, the fourth effigy of the queen to appear on Canadian Coinage, was executed by the artist Susanna Blunt. The legend ELIZABETH II D. G. REGINA ("Elizabeth II, Queen by the Grace of God") also appears, and the date and denomination are also indicated.

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The coin is encapsulated inside a burgundy leatherette, clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and protected by an outer sleeve. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.

Swarovski Crystal
Swarovski is the luxury brand name for the range of precision-cut crystal glass products produced by the privately-owned company Swarovski AG of Feldmeilen, Austria (near Zürich, Switzerland). Swarovski crystal was born when a Bohemian, Daniel Swarovski, invented an automatic cutting machine in 1892. In 1895 the Swarovski company was founded when he established a crystal cutting factory in Wattens (near Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria). Here he could take advantage of local hydroelectricity for the energy-intensive grinding processes he had patented.

Swarovski crystal contains approximately 32% lead to maximize refraction. The Swarovski Crystal firm produces a wide range range of products, but is world-renowned for the incredible quality and brilliance of its crystal jewelry.

In order to create a crystal that allows light to refract in a rainbow spectrum, Swarovski coats some of its crystals with special metallic chemical coatings. For example, Aurora Borealis, or "AB", is one of the most popular coatings, and gives the surface a rainbow oil slick appearance. Recent developments include the 2004 release of a new, patented cut, Xilion, designed to optimize the brilliance of roses (crystal components with flat backs) and chatons (diamond-cut crystals).