Aquamarine – The March Birthstone Guide to Jewellery

Aquamarine – The March Birthstone Guide to Jewellery

What is the Birthstone For March?

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, a variety of the gemstone Beryl. Aquamarine means “Sea water,” a gem associated with the ocean.

Inspired by calm waters and the Ocean

Owing to both the colour and the translation, a strong association exists between Aquamarine and the Ocean. As a result, many of our designs capture the beauty of both—paired into the design.

For example, the design below takes inspiration from the sea—the Octopus, or Kraken ring is shown with a deep-blue Sapphire, fitted with an Octopus wedding ring set with Aquamarines.

Collectors prized this Aquamarine crystal since ancient times. In addition, it makes an affordable and fascinating choice for any item of Aquamarine jewellery.

Twist engagement ring set with Aquamarine

Twist engagement ring set with an Aquamarine.

History, Origins and Cultural Significance

Aquamarine, with its name rooted in the Latin words “aqua” meaning ‘water’ and “marina” meaning ‘of the sea,’ holds a profound historical and cultural significance. This captivating gemstone transcends time, finding its place in the annals of ancient civilisations. From the Egyptians fashioning protective amulets to the Romans venerating it as sacred to Neptune, the God of the sea, Aquamarine’s allure permeated through the ages.

In the Middle Ages, Greeks and Romans used aqua gemstones to be ornamental and sacred, symbolising a connection to the divine powers governing the oceans. As Aquamarine graced the jewellery of medieval societies, it became more than a gemstone; it became a symbol of purity, fidelity, and the calming influence of the sea.

Today, the legacy endures, and Aquamarine is a testament to its enduring history, weaving a narrative of reverence and mysticism across civilisations.

Valuable examples originate from Brazil. Other locations include Australia, Kenya and Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia.

A comparison to other gemstones

This beautiful gemstone pairs well with other gems, including blue, purple, transparent, white, and green. The following chart compares a few popular gems suitably paired with Aqua. At the same time, the chart considers hardness and durability based on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Gemstone Color Mohs Scale (Durability) Description
Aquamarine Blue, Blue-Green 7.5-8 Aquamarine, with its serene hues, ranges from light blue to dark greenish-blue, symbolizing purity and calmness.
Emerald Green 7.5-8 Emerald, known for its rich green color, signifies rebirth and renewal, often associated with luxury and royalty.
Sapphire Blue 9 Sapphire, available in various colors, is prized for its durability and beauty, representing wisdom and nobility.
Diamond Colorless 10 Diamond, the hardest gemstone, symbolizes eternal love and brilliance, making it the ultimate symbol of commitment.
Amethyst Purple 7 Amethyst, a purple gemstone, is associated with calmness and spirituality, often considered a protective stone.
Topaz Various Colors 8 Topaz, available in multiple colors, is known for its vibrancy and can symbolize love and affection.
Peridot Olive Green 6.5-7 Peridot, with its olive-green hues, represents warmth and vitality, believed to bring good fortune and healing.
Tourmaline Various Colors 7-7.5 Tourmaline, found in various colors, is considered a versatile gemstone with a strong grounding and protective energy.

Is Aquamarine lucky?

Sailors believed Aquamarine gemstones had a calming effect on the ocean. When confronted with the dangers of the sea, many sailors welcomed any good-luck symbol available. This beautiful gemstone carries with it luck and good fortune for many sea travellers for this reason.

Health and Healing Gemstones

Aquamarine symbolises youth and the spirit of hope. Many people associate this beautiful gem with healing properties, faithfulness and lasting love.

Moreover, many carry this crystalline gemstone to cure ailments and promote good health. For example, it is used for healing conditions of the liver,jaws, throat, stomach, and toothaches.

Romantic properties of Aquamarine

This incredible gemstone brought happiness to a marriage. Aquamarine’s connection to love and Romance makes it an ideal choice for jewellery.

Clarity of thought

Aquamarineevokes purity connected with crystal-clear waters and the feeling of relaxation associated with the sea. It is said to calm, soothe and cleanse— to inspire truth and trust and promote clarity of thought.

Loose Emerald cut Aquamarine stones

Loose Emerald-cut Aquamarines photographed for client.

Blues, hues and varieties of Aquamarine

Aquamarines vary in colour. Many shades of blue exist, depending on the gemstone’s hue and tone.

Variations range from light blue to dark blue or even dark green colour with overtones of blue. Most gemstones exhibit a blue-to-blue-green colour.

“The best gems combine high clarity with limpid transparency and blue to slightly greenish blue hues.” (GIA).

In conclusion, the most valuable Aqua possesses a medium tone, vivid and blue in hue.

9-carat Aquamarine ready to be set into a bespoke solitaire diamond ring setting.

Santa Maria Aquamarine

Santa Maria Aquamarines feature the highest intensity of colour. They are rich in blue andoriginate from Brazil. A genuine Santa Maria Aqua has a colour nearing the depth of Blue Topaz.

Many buyers value this unusual gemstone in its naturally occurring deep blue colours.

Also, Santa Maria varieties typically fetch higher prices owing to their rarity and prized colour.