The serenely colored aquamarine invokes the tranquility of its namesake, the sea. In fact, the name aquamarine is derived from the Latin word aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea.
The second birthstone for March is bloodstone, a dark-green gemstone flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. Generally found embedded in rocks or in riverbeds as pebbles, primary sources for this gemstone are India, Brazil, and Australia.
Aquamarine has been linked to water and the seas throughout history, thanks, in part, to its dazzling range of blue colors.
Roman fishermen called the gemstone “water of the sea” and used it as protection, for safe travel by boat, and for luck in catching fish. Aquamarine was linked to the apostle St. Thomas who frequently traveled by boat. Roman physicians also used it to treat overeating and bloating.
The Sumerians, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Greeks all admired aquamarine gemstones. Beads were discovered with Egyptian mummies. And it was believed that the High Priest of the Second Temple wore aquamarine stones engraved with the six tribes of Israel. Two thousand years ago, people in Greece engraved designs into aquamarine stones, turning them into intaglios.
Fans of aquamarine like it for its cool and tranquil color. It’s the perfect complement to any skin tone or setting. Aquamarine has little to no yellow in it. This allows it to look great in many settings with different colored metals and gemstones. Wondering how aquamarine would look best on you? Find an American Gem Society jeweler near you.
Aquamarine is a beautiful gemstone to purchase for any occasion, especially for someone with a March birthday or who is celebrating or re-kindling romantic love. In addition to one of the March birthstones, aquamarine is also used to celebrate 19th wedding anniversaries. The color ranges from nearly clear to a strong dark blue.
Like diamonds, aquamarine gemstones can be judged along the lines of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
First, look at the gemstone’s cut. Since aquamarine can be very lightly colored (and sometimes appear almost colorless), cut is very important to the overall appearance of the gemstone and how even or saturated the color appears.
While you’re welcome to choose the color gem that most appeals to you, it’s generally accepted that lighter colored aquamarines are less valuable than the stronger, deeper hues of blue or blue green.
Next, look at the gemstone’s clarity. Most cut gems do not have inclusions that are visible, and some rarer or more expensive aquamarines are available without visible inclusions, as well.
Since aquamarine crystals can grow to be quite large, larger cut gemstones are possible to purchase if you’re looking to make a statement. Princess Diana had a famous aquamarine ring and bracelet set, and Queen Elizabeth II of England has a breathtaking set of aquamarine jewels that include a large tiara, necklace, earrings, and bracelet.
While you may not be looking to buy in the “crown jewels” range, even smaller aquamarines make for lovely solitaires or companion jewels in larger pieces. And, of course, the symbolism or sentiment behind the purchase can make aquamarine jewelry priceless to the wearer.
