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 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 civilizations. 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, Aqua gemstones were considered ornamental and sacred, symbolizing 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 civilizations.
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
Aquamarine evokes 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 Aquamarines photographed for client.
Blues, hues and varieties of Aquamarine
Aquamarines vary in colour. Many blue colours exist depending on the hue and tone of the gemstone.
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 and originate from Brazil. A genuine Santa Maria Aqua has a colour nearing the depth of Blue Topaz.
Many buyers value this unusual gemstone in naturally occurring deep blue colours.
Also, Santa Maria varieties typically fetch higher prices owing to their rarity and prized colour.
Pale blue Aquamarine stones
Paler blue varieties are generally more affordable than equivalent stones of a deeper colour. For example, light blue shades come from Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique. Owing to large crystal formations, typical for Beryl crystals, it is possible to source Aquamarines in large gemstone sizes.
Aquamarine gems – a perfect gemstone for all special occasions
Anyone born in March has a fantastic opportunity to create a unique and affordable jewellery item. The birthstone for March comes in most sizes, gemstone cuts and various hues. Regularly, we create individual pieces of jewellery as part of our customised jewellery design service
Colourless Aqua
In addition to many colour variations in natural aquamarines. Aquas exist without an absence of colour. Bright white gemstones exist and make cheaper alternatives to a diamond.
For this reason, some favour aquamarines that have received heat treatment to achieve a particular shade. Although our Aquas are supplied as natural gemstones, treated gemstones can be available on request.
9-carat Aquamarine set into an 18ct White Gold setting—bespoke design from our bespoke jewellery collection.
Aquamarine perfectly suits special occasions celebrated in March, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and Mother’s Day. Many buyers favour Aquamarine owing to its cost.
Compared to diamonds, this gemstone is far more affordable in large sizes. Furthermore, diamond-cut varieties of this gemstone can be sourced.
For most buyers, the most affordable option provides a pale blue gemstone cut in various shapes.
Bespoke Aquamarine Platinum ring
For instance, the sizeable Emerald-cut gemstone ring above went into a bespoke solitaire ring commission. Our client received a wide choice of different sizes. We presented several options to view during a showroom appointment in Ryde.
Other clients living further afield benefit from our photographic service. We regularly send colour-balanced photos of gemstones in addition to short video clips.
Working remotely, we guide, inform and arrange new jewellery by phone and email using photography as an ideal tool.
Bespoke Design
A client approached us and specifically requested a bespoke engagement ring set with a central Aqua in a particular shade. From conversions with our client, we sourced three stones in different hues of blue and quality.
Our client benefitted from photography and a video of the gemstone. Above all, I am confident in the selection of an 8mm sky-blue stone weighing 1.54 carats.
Is Aquamarine a durable gemstone for jewellery?
Aquamarines possess a ‘good’ toughness for jewellery in general. This popular gemstone suits rings, earrings, and pendants.
Like many gemstones, this gemstone can chip. But, consider the hardest gem, the diamond. Even diamond chips and breaks with sufficient force.
Wedding Day uses a blue gemstone.
One of our unique pendants perfectly fits one of the most popular wedding day traditions. The concept of finding something blue makes it a perfect choice added to a necklace for the big day. (Read more about the Something-Blue pendant).
The ‘Something Blue’ aquamarine and diamond pendant is engraved on the reverse of the necklace.
Diamonds are the perfect companion gemstone for Aquamarine rings.
Diamonds are a great choice for setting with an Aquamarine. We choose the whitest possible colour grade for each stone to contrast with the cool blue of the gemstone. For example, D to F-coloured diamonds provide a perfect whiteness grade. We created the ring below through our bespoke design service, alternating aquamarine with lab-grown diamonds.
Similarly, we set Aquamarines with diamonds in White Gold or Platinum. Aquamarine and diamond engagement rings often feature round or fancy-shaped stones held between diamond shoulders. At the same time, it makes an excellent choice for a halo diamond engagement ring. This gemstone looks very similar to the colour of a high-quality ice-blue diamond.
Three-stone Aquamarine and diamond engagement rings
Three-stone Aquamarine and diamond rings make a popular choice for engagement. For example, two bright, white diamonds add contrast on either side of the cool blue colour. In addition, the larger centre stone provides a less expensive alternative to a diamond.
3-stone Aquamarine and diamond ring crafted by bespoke design.
Alternative birthstones for March
Bloodstone is very different when it comes to appearance. However, it shares a similar reputation for protecting well-being.
The aquamarine birthstone evokes the colours of the sea. Its hues vary from deep green-blue to light, slightly greenish-blue hues. In fact, faceted aquamarines are often transparent, without inclusions, and as clear as water, symbolising the purity of spirit and soul.
In conclusion, the bloodstone birthstone is typically a dark-green cabochon that contains red spots of iron oxide. The “blood” brings health and strength to the wearer. Read on to learn more about these two March birthstones – what they mean and where they can be found.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I’m founder at Serendipity Diamonds. I have 30 years or experience in polished diamonds and jewellery. Today, I work with an expert team in our Isle of Wight jewellery showroom located in Ryde. Most of my work involves helping clients in our showroom, working on our two websites and photographing jewellery commissions.
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