Source: https://www.pricescope.com/blog/march-birthstone-2021-aquamarine
March is just a few days away and what better way to enter a new season than with a new birthstone. If you are a March baby you would know that you have two (2) birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Today, we’re going to focus on aquamarine and where you can shop for aquamarine jewelry to suit your budget.
HISTORY
The name aquamarine comes from two Latin words: ‘aqua’ meaning water and ‘marine’ meaning of the sea. As the human eye can see, the color of aquamarine is a reflection of the colors of the sea (blue to green color palette).
The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the aquamarine would protect sailors and keep them from getting seasick.
ABOUT AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine is light blue to green teal in color and belongs to the Beryl family of gemstones. It is interesting to know that when the aquamarine gets really green it is similar to an emerald. When we speak about the color of March’s birthstone – blue is most desirable. Consumers prefer to shop for blue aquamarine so if the stone is green, gemologists tend to heat the stone to get rid of any teal green. However, each with their own. If you prefer a teal green aquamarine – it is available on the market.
Even though aquamarine is categorized as part of the Beryl family – the gemstone is rated a 7.5 – 8 on the Mohs scale.
| FUN FACT: The aquamarine is stronger than an emerald on the Mohs scale because it doesn’t have as many inclusions. |
You can wear aquamarine in a ring, earrings, necklace pendants, and bracelets. Another great perk of aquamarine is that you can wear a very large aquamarine stone in any cut of your choice.
Aquamarines can be found worldwide. Aquamarines are found in Africa, Middle East, Russia, North and South America. However, the aquamarine we most commonly see on the market is from Brazil.
MEANING OF AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine is said to make the wearer more intellectual, amiable, and unconquerable. Aquamarine was often worn in battle and help you if you were in any kind of litigation or argument. Aquamarine is said to promote intuition. Crystal balls were commonly made from aquamarine.
| FUN FACT: It was an aquamarine crystal ball that the mystic gazed into to determine when Queen Elizabeth I’s coronation should take place. |
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GIFT(S)
Aquamarines are traditional gifts for the 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries. Aquamarines are also said to rekindle marital love, hence why they are traditional wedding anniversary gifts for the latter years of marriage.
| FUN MYTH: It is said that if you set aquamarine with diamonds, it will bring happiness to a marriage worn as a wedding ring. |