Aquamarine – The birthstone of March
Legend and Myth of Aquamarine
The name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin for “ocean” and “water”, referring to its blue color. It’s the gem for the star sign of Pisces. In ancient times, aquamarine was said to calm waves and the Birthstone of March.
Sailors also wore aquamarine amulets to ward off the treacherous calls of mythical sea sirens. People would bathe aquamarine in seawater, believing this enhanced its magical properties.
Nowadays the aquamarine stone can be use in 18K white gold, yellow gold as well it widely usable in form of earrings, necklace, bracelet or even ring.
Read here more about top 8 Aquamarine and Diamond jewelries of all time:
Modern History of Aquamarine
Aquamarine stated as jewelry since the beginning of recorded history. Today it remains an ever popular accessory because of its beautiful, glimmering blue color.
Princess Diana famously wore a large aquamarine ring during her visit to Sydney, Australia. The ring is emerald cut with loose diamonds on setting. The Princess had commissioned the ring herself and would often wear it together with a diamond bracelet.
Hard Facts About Aquamarine
The aquamarine derives from the mineral beryl, like emeralds. Its color varies from pale blue or turquoise to deep blue, depending on the amount of iron present in the crystal.
On the Mohs scale of hardness aquamarine rates 7.5 – 8. The word “aquamarine” comes from the Latin words “aqua” and “mare”, meaning “water” and “sea”.
Where Aquamarine minded?
Brazil is the source of the finest aquamarines in the world.
The gem mines in the states of Minas Gerais, Espirito Santo and Bahia produce vibrantly colored, pure blue beryl. The Brazilian government applies measures to protect indigenous people and the environment from exploitative mechanized mining.
Birthstone and Anniversary
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. It is said to encourage understanding between people, give its wearer courage and inspire creativity.
Traditionally the aquamarine gifted on 19th weddings anniversaries. Its clear blue color makes it a very desirable and popular gift.
Famous Aquamarine
In the late 80’s, miners in the Pedra Azul gem mine in Brazil found an enormous aquamarine crystal. A gem sculptor called Bernd Munsteiner bought it.
He studied the enormous crystal for six months and then faceted it into a magnificent 10,363-carat obelisk. Named the “Dom Pedro” aquamarine, it’s now on display at the Smithsonian National Gem Collection Gallery in Washington DC, USA.
Care and Cleaning
Aquamarine is relatively hard and therefore a good gem for daily wear, although you should avoid knocking it hard.
Store it separately, away from harder gems like diamonds which can scratch it. Washing it in warm soapy water is usually the safest and cheapest way to clean it.
