A birthstone is associated with each month of the year. Various myths and legends refer to the birthstones’ healing powers and therapeutic effects. However in modern times, it makes the selection of jewellery much simpler when personalizing a gift.

 

For those born in March, aquamarine, representing the colours of the ocean enjoys a long history of symbolising youth, health and hope. This stunning gemstone, is not only a birthstone, it is also the traditional gift for couples celebrating their 19^th wedding anniversary.

Aquamarine, considered to be the “gem of the sea”, as the name “aquamarine” derives from the Latin word for seawater. It is available in sea green colour variations, pale to dark blues, the richer the intensity of the blue, the higher the value.

 

The bluish/green colour is caused by iron oxides within the chemical make up of the stone and is variety of a mineral called beryl (similar to emeralds). Aquamarines grows as huge crystals, sometimes they are mined up to a foot long. As a durable stone, they can be cut in larger carats, from several carats to more than ten are common for statement pieces.

The most common cut for an aquamarine is the emerald cut. The blue shades of the gemstone feature little or no yellow, giving jewellery designers broader creative scope for designing settings using various coloured metals, along side precious and semi-precious stones.

 

Aquamarine is a water element stone, believed to protect sailors at sea, ensuring a safe voyage. It is also believed to symbolise love and unity, even reawakening love between two people.

 

Mined mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Pakistan and USA.

 

Sources: jewelsforme.com, crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/aquamarine, americangemsociety.org