If you were born in March, you're fortunate to claim aquamarine as your birthstone, a gemstone as captivating as the ocean itself. With its tranquil blue-green hues and fascinating history, aquamarine has enchanted jewellery lovers for centuries.
Whether you're celebrating a March birthday, seeking a meaningful gift, or simply drawn to this stunning gem, here's everything you need to know about aquamarine.
What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, the same family that includes emerald. Its name derives from the Latin words aqua marina, meaning "water of the sea", a fitting description for its beautiful oceanic colours ranging from pale blue to deep blue-green.
Key Characteristics
Colour: Light blue to blue-green, with the most prized stones displaying a pure, deep blue
Hardness: 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale (durable and suitable for everyday wear)
Clarity: Typically eye-clean with excellent transparency
Origins: Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique
The History and Symbolism of Aquamarine
Throughout history, aquamarine has been treasured for both its beauty and its symbolic meaning.
Ancient Beliefs
Ancient mariners believed aquamarine was the treasure of mermaids and carried it as a talisman for safe passage across the seas. Roman fishermen called it aqua marinus and used it to ensure bountiful catches and protection from ocean dangers.
Symbolism and Meaning
Aquamarine symbolizes:
- Tranquility and calm: Its soothing blue tones evoke peace and serenity
- Courage and clarity: Believed to bring mental clarity and courage to overcome fears
- Youth and renewal: Associated with spring, new beginnings, and eternal youth
- Marital harmony: Traditionally given as a gift to ensure a happy marriage
Why Aquamarine Makes Exceptional Jewellery
1. Versatile Beauty
Aquamarine's soft, cool tones complement all skin tones and pair beautifully with both white and yellow metals. Its understated elegance works equally well for everyday wear and special occasions.
2. Durability
With a hardness of 7.5-8, aquamarine is durable enough for rings, including engagement rings, as well as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that can be worn daily without worry.
3. Excellent Clarity
Unlike emeralds, which often contain visible inclusions, aquamarines are typically very clean and transparent, allowing light to pass through beautifully and creating exceptional brilliance.
4. Affordability
Compared to sapphires and diamonds, aquamarine offers remarkable value, allowing you to choose larger, more impressive stones within your budget.
Popular Aquamarine Jewellery Styles
Aquamarine Engagement Rings
Aquamarine engagement rings have grown in popularity as couples seek unique, meaningful alternatives to traditional diamond rings. The gemstone's association with calm, clarity, and lasting love makes it a beautiful symbol of commitment.
Popular settings:
- Solitaire settings that showcase the stone's natural beauty
- Halo designs with diamonds to enhance brilliance
- Vintage-inspired settings with intricate detailing
- Three-stone designs representing past, present, and future
Aquamarine Earrings
From delicate studs to dramatic drops, aquamarine earrings add a touch of elegance and colour. The gemstone's clarity and brilliance make it perfect for earrings that catch the light beautifully.
Aquamarine Necklaces and Pendants
A single aquamarine pendant on a delicate chain creates a timeless, sophisticated look. Larger statement pieces showcase the gemstone's captivating colour and make stunning focal points.
Aquamarine Rings
Beyond engagement rings, aquamarine cocktail rings and stackable bands offer versatile styling options for those who love coloured gemstones.
Choosing the Perfect Aquamarine
Colour
The most valuable aquamarines display a rich, saturated blue without green or grey undertones. However, lighter stones with a delicate blue-green hue have their own romantic appeal and are often more affordable.
Expert tip: Choose the colour that speaks to you personally—there's no "wrong" shade of aquamarine.
Clarity
Look for eye-clean stones with no visible inclusions. Aquamarine's natural clarity is one of its greatest assets, so avoid stones with noticeable flaws.
Cut
Aquamarine is often cut in emerald (rectangular step-cut) or oval shapes to maximize its colour and brilliance. Round, cushion, and pear cuts are also popular.
Expert tip: A well-cut aquamarine will display even colour throughout and excellent light return.
Carat Weight
Aquamarine is available in a wide range of sizes. Larger stones (5+ carats) are relatively affordable compared to other gemstones, making aquamarine an excellent choice for statement pieces.
Caring for Your Aquamarine Jewellery
Aquamarine is relatively low-maintenance, but proper care ensures it remains beautiful for generations.
Cleaning
- Use warm soapy water and a soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaners if the stone has inclusions or fractures
- Professional cleaning once a year is recommended
Storage
- Store separately from harder gemstones (like diamonds) to prevent scratching
- Keep in a fabric-lined jewellery box or soft pouch
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can fade colour over time
Wearing
- Remove before vigorous activities, cleaning, or swimming
- Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes
- Put jewellery on last when getting ready to avoid contact with cosmetics and perfumes
Aquamarine vs Other Blue Gemstones
Aquamarine vs Blue Topaz
While both are blue, aquamarine has a softer, more natural colour, whereas blue topaz (often treated) displays a more vivid, electric blue. Aquamarine is also more valuable and durable.
Aquamarine vs Sapphire
Sapphires are harder (9 on the Mohs scale) and more expensive. Aquamarine offers a lighter, more delicate blue and is more affordable, making it accessible for larger stones.
Aquamarine vs Blue Zircon
Blue zircon has more brilliance and fire but is less durable. Aquamarine's superior hardness makes it better suited for everyday jewellery.
Aquamarine as a Meaningful Gift
Aquamarine makes a thoughtful gift for:
March birthdays: A personalized birthstone gift shows care and consideration
19th wedding anniversaries: Aquamarine is the traditional gemstone for this milestone
New beginnings: Symbolizing renewal and clarity, it's perfect for graduations, new jobs, or fresh starts
Calming influence: For someone who appreciates tranquility and peace
Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
At Shralite London, we prioritize ethical sourcing for all our gemstones, including aquamarine. We work with trusted suppliers who adhere to responsible mining practices, ensuring that your jewellery is as ethically beautiful as it is visually stunning.
What to Look For
- Transparent supply chains
- Conflict-free certification
- Fair labor practices
- Environmentally responsible mining
Final Thoughts
Aquamarine's serene beauty, rich symbolism, and exceptional wearability make it one of the most beloved gemstones in fine jewellery. Whether you're celebrating a March birthday, seeking a unique engagement ring, or simply drawn to its tranquil oceanic hues, aquamarine offers timeless elegance and meaning.
From delicate everyday pieces to show-stopping statement jewellery, aquamarine's versatility ensures there's a perfect piece for everyone.
Explore Our Aquamarine Collection
Discover our curated selection of aquamarine jewellery, or work with our expert team to create a bespoke piece that captures the serene beauty of this remarkable gemstone.
Browse our gemstone collection or book a consultation to design your perfect aquamarine piece.