Those born in March have the fortune of having two birthstones according to the official American Gem Society list: aquamarine and bloodstone. In this article, we’re going to focus on aquamarine birthstone jewelry, its meaning, mineralogy, and design ideas for including this calming stone in your gemstone ring collection.
Aquamarine’s Meaning and Symbolism
Named after the Latin term for seawater, aquamarine gemstone colors vary just as the hues of the sea change with depth—from the very light greenish-blue seen in the clear waters of coral reefs to the deep blue-green of the largest ocean. The clarity and translucency of this mesmerizing stone have led aquamarine to be associated with a purity of mind and spirit. The gem is thought to help the wearer remain calm and level-headed.
Historically, aquamarine birthstone jewelry has been worn to promote health, hope, and wellness, and was given on the occasion of one’s wedding to symbolize lasting love and unity for a long and happy marriage. Sailors would take aquamarine gemstones with them to sea as a kind of amulet to calm the waves for an easy voyage and a safe arrival at their destination. Ground aquamarine powder was used medicinally and was believed to be effective as a remedy for eye infections.
Aquamarine’s Gemological Properties
In gemology, aquamarine is a type of beryl (along with emerald and morganite) that forms in granitic rocks and contains a hexagonal prism structure. On the Mohs hardness scale, aquamarine birthstone jewelry has a rating of 7.5-8.0—making it ideal for everyday wear.
While faceted aquamarine gemstones are typically free from noticeable inclusions, most undergo heat treatments to remove hints of green from the original aquamarine gemstone colors seen in the rough stones.
Where Aquamarine Gemstones Are Found
The most beautiful gemstones for aquamarine birthstone jewelry can be found in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais (literally meaning “General Mines”). In this diverse landscape filled with rocky slopes, subtropical forests, and lush green hills, aquamarines formed long ago in the hard rock and weathered pegmatite deposits near the eastern gem center of Teófilo Otoni.
High-Altitude Mining in Pakistan
Pakistan is another source of aquamarines that have been described as “water clear” and are valued for their unique transparency. To extract these aquamarine deposits, the workers climb steep slopes at elevations of up to 13,000 feet and work on rocky cliff faces that look down on valleys, rivers, and towns below.
Aquamarine in Africa and the United States
In addition to the two main sources of aquamarine birthstone jewelry mentioned previously, these serenity-inducing stones can also be found across Africa in Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Madagascar, and Mozambique, and in the U.S. states of Colorado and California. If you live in Colorado, you will be interested to know that aquamarine is the official state gem!
Design Ideas for Aquamarine Birthstone Jewelry
As aquamarine gemstone colors go beautifully with any skin tone, you can’t go wrong with this stone as an addition to your gemstone jewelry collection. We find that aquamarine goes well with spring and summer clothing due to its light, subtle hues.
Settings and Styles
When creating aquamarine birthstone jewelry, we recommend choosing a halo or solitaire setting for a larger stone or a daintier three-stone setting with diamond accents on either side for a lower-carat aquamarine. Halo settings are ideal if you would like to wear aquamarine as the center stone of an engagement ring.
For the band, consider rose gold for an antique-style engagement ring or white gold for a modern ring or cufflink set. We find that round, princess, and emerald-shape cuts bring out the internal beauty of this popular stone—with emerald cuts being a particularly dazzling choice for modern designs and east-west gemstone settings.
Design Beautiful Aquamarine Birthstone Jewelry at AZEERA
Whether your birthday is in March or you would simply like more tranquility in your life, aquamarine birthstone jewelry is a timeless choice that is sure to bring you years of happiness. Consider giving this highly valued gemstone to someone who is going on a sea voyage or who enjoys spending their time on the water for a meaningful gift that will accompany them as they face the uncertainty of the sea. You can also give this stone as a traditional gift for a 19th wedding anniversary.
Please reach out to us via our live chat feature for personalized design and gemstone advice to enjoy the beauty of aquamarine in a custom gemstone ring today.
