Flawless Aquamarine: March Birthstone

Derived from the Roman word "Aqua," meaning water, and "mare," meaning sea, this gorgeous blue gem does indeed resemble the color of seawater. True to its name, the march birthstone - aquamarine is found in a variety of stunning blues.


Legends
The ancient Romans believed that the aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, having fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore. Early sailors wore aquamarine talismans, engraved with the likeness of Neptune, as protection against dangers at sea.

The association with water led to the belief that the aquamarine was particularly powerful when immersed. Water in which this gemstone had been submerged was used in ancient times to heal a variety of illnesses of the heart, liver, stomach, mouth and throat.


Qualities of a good gemstone
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family of minerals--the same family that produced clear to vibrantly colored gemstones such as the emeralds. Beryl was used as far back as 2,000 years ago to correct vision, and it continues to be used today in the manufacture of eyeglasses. It is a very hard mineral, making the aquamarine a durable gemstone for use in jewelry, be it a ring, pendant, earring or bracelet.

Aquamarine varies in color from blue-green to a light sky blue, but gems containing green are often heat-treated to remove this less desirable color. The majority of aquamarines, unlike other gemstones, are flawless.

It is a relatively abundant gem, the largest deposits being in Brazil, but other sources of aquamarine are in China, India, Australia, Africa, and the United States.


A good gift
A gift of aquamarine symbolizes both safety and security, especially within long standing relationships. Some people even say that the aquamarine reawakens love in a tired marriage.

So if you want to bring back that spark in your partner's eyes, you might consider this gem as an anniversary gift! And anyways, aquamarine is also the gemstone for 19th Anniversary and also makes for a perfect march birthstone jewelry gift.


Dazzle on a Diva

It's truly a beautiful gemstone, and you don't have to be born in March to enjoy this March Birthstone.

Just like how Charlize Theron flashed the aquamarine drops at the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards. Sparkling like the night sky, Charlize Theron accessorized her electric midnight blue Christian Dior gown with aquamarine drops, totaling 36.6 carats, by Chopard.


The biggest Aquamarine

A step-cut aquamarine weighing 1000 carats. Aquamarine tends to be a lighter sky-blue color. This is a very large example of a fine aquamarine. It's part of the Smithsonian Museum's collection.

Keywords:  Aquamarine,  March Birthstone,  Charlize Theron,  Anniversary Gift,  Gemstone