March Birthstone - 15,256-carat Aquamarine (Photo Source: Cliff1066)
At least, youthfulness is one of the properties that has been attributed to this magnificent birthstone over the years. Various legends and folklore have also believed that aquamarine gems can increase intelligence, happiness, and courage, as well as bring foresight to the person wearing them. The gemstone has been used to heal and treat anxiety, to promote a happy marriage – in the Middle Ages, it was even use to reduce the effect of poisoning. And with legends that say this birthstone originates from the treasure chest of mermaids, it’s no surprise that ancient sailors used to adorn themselves with aquamarine jewellery not just to bring them luck, but to prevent seasickness!
By now, it should be clear that aquamarine has a long and storied history. As the Zodiac stone for Scorpio, it is naturally associated with astrology, but even the Bible gives mention to aquamarine by its other name – beryl.
Regardless of whether you believe in the vast and varied powers of aquamarine, one look and it’s easy to see why this gem was chosen as the March birthstone – its gorgeous blue-green colour has a low-key, classical beauty that never goes out of style.
An Aquamarine Birthstone Will Accent Your Outfit Without Overpowering It
Whereas the bolder, harsher colours of some other birthstones can overwhelm what you’re wearing even when the actual gem is very small, the blues and greens associated with aquamarine gems blend in and work to enhance everything around them. This delicate colour means that even very large aquamarine birthstones will impress and amaze without appearing clunky or gaudy.
The March birthstone ranges in colour from a blue so pale as to appear almost clear to a blue-green or teal hue, making it no wonder that the name aquamarine derives from the Latin words meaning water and sea. A deep-blue aqua hue is rarest and consequently the most sought-after.
Aquamarine gets its colour from the trace amounts of iron in the gem, and many birthstones are treated with heat to bring out the more prized blue-green colours as opposed to those found in paler gems, some of which can look closer to yellow.
Aquamarine Birthstones Are Beautiful, Durable, and Versatile
Aquamarine Ring (Photo Source: SusanMarieDesigns)
Measuring between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, this birthstone has substance beyond its beauty, and is one of the more durable gems you can buy. This hardness has led to aquamarine being used in just about any kind of jewellery or accessory you can imagine.
- Charms
- Rings
- Necklaces
- Earrings
- Bracelets
- Watches
- Beads
- Prayer beads
- Sculptures, statues, and figurines
Beyond its popularity as a March birthstone, aquamarine is often the gem of choice to give to your spouse on your 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries.
Who Produces Aquamarine Birthstones?
1000-Carat Aquamarine Gem from Brazil Photo Source: Cliff1066)
Currently, Brazil is the world leader in producing aquamarine gems, with a large number of aquamarine mines throughout the country. Other big producers include the United States and Pakistan – both of whom have discovered some truly beautiful gems – and China, who recently has been offering large numbers of “stubby” aquamarine gems for far less than those you can get from Pakistan.
If you are interested in aquamarine gems for a March birthstone, work with a trusted jeweller near you to ensure that you get a cut of the highest quality and a colour your special someone is sure to love.
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