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MARCH BIRTHSTONE - AQUAMARINE
Aquamarine is one of the most beautiful birthstones for adorning gold or silver jewelry. It is associated with the third month of the year: March. Exceptionally captivating, this gemstone is one of the brightest and most evocative of water among all birthstones, distinguished by its unique crystalline reflections.
History, colors, properties, symbolism and price: discover everything you need to know about this March birthstone, its traditional properties and its special connection with people born in March.
What Does Aquamarine Represent?
While garnet is the January birthstone and amethyst symbolizes February, the gemstone associated with March is aquamarine, also known as the “sailor’s stone.” Its origins date back to Antiquity: this birthstone was already revered by the Egyptians and Sumerians, while the Romans and Greeks associated it with sea voyages and the ocean.
Etymologically, the name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin words aqua, meaning “water,” and marinus, meaning “of the sea.” The gemstone owes its name to its color, reminiscent of the soothing and distinctive blue-green shades of the sea. Aquamarine was believed to protect sailors and sea travelers from various dangers and to help those seeking the blessings of the gods and abundant catches.
Today, Brazil remains the world's leading producer of aquamarine, although this gemstone is mined across all five continents.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF AQUAMARINE?
Both Greek and Roman mythology were fascinated by this remarkable gemstone. Its beautiful, deep blue-green color, reminiscent of dancing ocean waves, gave aquamarine a reputation as a protective stone for sailors and travelers during sea voyages. It was also believed to protect navigators from the wrath of Poseidon, the god of the sea and oceans. According to Pliny the Elder, author of one of the earliest encyclopedic works, aquamarine gemstones were even believed to come from the hidden treasures of mermaids.
This March birthstone is distinguished by its remarkable transparency and clarity. During the Middle Ages, aquamarine was used to make crystal balls for mediums, as the gemstone was believed to enhance their powers of clairvoyance. It was also thought to ward off malicious intentions, protect against poisoning attempts and facilitate reconciliation with enemies.
In China, these uniquely radiant blue gemstones were traditionally believed to help people facing illness or misfortune. Aquamarine was also associated with Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion and mercy and the protector of children.
Does Aquamarine Have a Special Meaning or Properties?
The tradition of birthstones reflects the symbolic connection between people born in a particular month and their corresponding gemstone. Set in a necklace, pendant, earrings, bracelet or ring, aquamarine is traditionally associated with inner balance and clarity of mind.
According to crystal healing beliefs, this blue gemstone, whether worn as jewelry or simply placed in contact with the skin, is said to have several properties:
- Soothing tension around the throat area, which is associated with the throat chakra
- Supporting both inner and interpersonal communication
- Acting on the heart chakra, traditionally associated with comfort, love and tenderness
- Helping couples overcome conflicts
- Strengthening self-esteem
These properties are based on traditional beliefs and crystal healing practices and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, particularly regarding skin, eyesight or any other health concern.
What Colors Does Aquamarine Come In?
A member of the beryl family, aquamarine is known for its translucency and relatively light range of blue hues. This March birthstone has a crystalline, transparent appearance, with shades ranging from pale blue to deep blue and blue-green. Its degree of transparency can also vary depending on the clarity and quality of the gemstone.
One of the most sought-after varieties is the deep blue aquamarine mined in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais: Santa Maria aquamarine. Jewelers also often favor lagoon-blue aquamarine, a particularly desirable shade prized for its luminosity. Earrings, rings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets set with Santa Maria aquamarine are therefore among the most coveted pieces of aquamarine jewelry.
How to Wear Aquamarine Jewelry
Precious and refined, aquamarine brings light and softness to any piece of jewelry, with a subtle and delicate character that is particularly suited to the final month of winter. This March birthstone can be cut and set beautifully in white gold, yellow gold or platinum, making it ideal for both contemporary and classic jewelry designs. When paired with diamonds, aquamarine reveals an exceptionally luminous sparkle.
Maison Celinni offers a wide selection of birthstones at accessible prices, whether you are looking for the gemstone associated with your birth month or a meaningful gift for someone special: garnet, emerald, citrine, topaz, peridot, pink sapphire, white sapphire, blue sapphire, ruby, tanzanite, pink tourmaline, amethyst and many more.
These gemstones can then be set into a variety of jewelry pieces — earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings and bracelets — crafted in gold, silver or platinum, creating a memorable and meaningful gift for a wedding, birthday or other special occasion.
How to Choose a High-Quality Aquamarine
Several criteria can be used to assess the quality of an aquamarine gemstone, based on principles similar to the 4Cs used for diamonds:
- Color: deep blue and lagoon-blue shades are the most sought-after and highly valued, while very pale or grayish hues tend to be more affordable.
- Clarity: a high-quality aquamarine should have few inclusions visible to the naked eye, ensuring excellent transparency.
- Cut: emerald and cushion cuts are particularly well suited to highlighting the clarity and depth of color of this gemstone.
- Carat weight: for stones of comparable quality, carat weight has a direct impact on price, with larger aquamarines displaying intense color being rarer.
- Origin: aquamarines mined in Minas Gerais, Brazil, particularly the renowned Santa Maria variety, are considered a benchmark for quality on the gemstone market.
At Celinni, our gemologists select each aquamarine according to these quality criteria, sourcing directly from international diamond and gemstone markets to offer our clients beautiful stones at the best possible price.
How to Care for Aquamarine Jewelry
With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is a relatively durable gemstone that does not require extensive everyday care. However, a few simple precautions will help preserve the brilliance of your aquamarine jewelry over time:
- Avoid prolonged contact with chemicals such as perfume, cosmetics and household cleaning products.
- Remove your jewelry before strenuous physical activity, showering or swimming.
- Clean it gently with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then dry it with a soft cloth.
- Store it separately from other jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry box or case to help prevent scratches.
Choose Your Aquamarine Gemstone at Celinni
Drawing on its extensive experience and jewelry expertise, Maison Celinni offers one of the widest selections of aquamarine gemstones and diamonds online. Our passionate and experienced diamond experts guide you through every stage of choosing your stone, helping you find the ideal gemstone. Renowned for its unique brilliance, round-cut aquamarine is particularly striking.
Our diamond experts welcome you to our jewelry stores across France, Morocco and Switzerland, where you can discover the fascinating history of this gemstone and explore aquamarine in all its forms through our bespoke jewelry creations.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
Find the perfect aquamarine with expert guidance. Book an appointment at one of our jewelry stores in France, Morocco or Switzerland and meet our team of diamond experts trained in gemology. They will guide you toward the finest aquamarines and help you select the shape and color that best suit your preferences and budget, so you can create the perfect piece of jewelry together.
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FAQ — Your Questions About Aquamarine
What exactly is aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a blue variety of beryl, the same mineral family as emerald. Its color ranges from pale blue to deep blue-green, and it is the official birthstone for March.
What is the difference between aquamarine and blue sapphire?
Although both gemstones are blue, they belong to completely different mineral families. Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, while sapphire belongs to the corundum family. Sapphire is also harder, scoring 9 on the Mohs scale compared with 7.5 to 8 for aquamarine.
What is Santa Maria aquamarine?
Santa Maria aquamarine is one of the most sought-after varieties of aquamarine. Originally associated with deposits in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, it is renowned for its particularly intense, deep blue color.
How much does aquamarine cost?
The price of aquamarine varies depending on its color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Deep blue stones, particularly fine Santa Maria aquamarines, generally command higher prices than more common pale blue varieties.
How can you identify a high-quality aquamarine?
A high-quality aquamarine typically displays an intense, even blue color, excellent transparency and few inclusions visible to the naked eye. Lagoon-blue shades are particularly sought after by jewelers.
What metal goes best with aquamarine?
Aquamarine pairs beautifully with white gold, yellow gold and platinum in both classic and contemporary jewelry designs. When combined with diamonds, its delicate blue color creates an especially luminous effect.
How should you care for aquamarine jewelry?
Aquamarine is a relatively durable gemstone and requires little special care for everyday wear. If your jewelry begins to look dull, soak it for a few minutes in warm, soapy water, rinse it carefully and dry it with a soft cloth.
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