Jewellery & Watch News
Those that share their birthday month with Mothering Sunday and National Peanut Butter Lover's Day are treated to the stunning Aquamarine birthstone. This magical gemstone evokes the colours of the sea, varying from deep green to light blue. Faceted Aquamarine is renowned for being largely free of inclusions, becoming just as pure as the water is personifies.
As well as being the March birthstone, Aquamarine is the gem given as a present on a 19th wedding anniversary and is part of the Beryl family, just like that of the Emerald. It’s breathtaking blue and green hues are named after the Latin word for sea water and its associations with happiness, protection and security derive back from ancient times when mariners kept hold of Aquamarine to keep them safe at sea.
History of Aquamarine
The origins of Aquamarine are unclear, but its name is cited in an important gemmological work by Anselmus de Boodt in his “Gemmarum et Lapidum Historiia,” published in 1609. It’s ocean-inspired name hints most at its past, however, with ancient Greeks believing the God of Poseidon created the stone out of seawater. Roman fisherman called the gemstone “water of the sea” for its protective abilities while they travelled by boat. They also believed the Aquamarine gemstone could bring them luck while fishing and Roman physicians also used it to treat overeating and bloating.
The Sumerians, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Greeks also admired Aquamarine with beads famously discovered with Egyptian mummies. In 1910, the largest ever Aquamarine gemstone was found in Brazil weighing over 200,000 carats. Other famous examples of the March birhstone include that given to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt by the Brazilian government. It weighed 1,298 carats in total and is now kept at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York.
Where is Aquamarine found?
As its history attests, the March birthstone of Aquamarine is sourced predominantly in Brazil, in the state of Minas Gerais. It can also be found in the Karakorum foothills of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Russia, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Properties of Aquamarine
Like the stunning Emerald, Aquamarine belongs to the Beryl family, a collection of gemstones that contain a significant amount of beryllium. Aquamarine is most notably defined by its breathtaking light blue to deep green colour and comes with a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. As one of the hardest gem materials, Aquamarine is the perfect adornment to jewellery.
Powers of Aquamarine
As a sea water stone, Aquamarine has long been associated with a soothing, peaceful energy which can help protect and purify your own. It is believed to bring a sense of joy and harmony to its possessor and offer protection and security to those in need of it. In ancient times, many people would wear Aquamarine to fight of forces of darkness and bring forward spirits of light. Today, this has evolved to many people wearing Aquamarine jewellery for help with negative emotions, and mental health disorders.
During the middle ages, Aquamarine was used widely as oracle crystals and cut into a smooth crystal ball. They believed the stone was superior for fortune telling and in ancient literature, one method is described as hanging a piece of Aquamarine stone by a thread over a ball of water, just touching the surface. The diviner then asked an important question, and the Aquamarine would answer hit by spelling out letters within the water.
Aquamarine Jewellery
Whether you’re simply in love with the stunning blue hues of Aquamarine, celebrating a February birthday or buying for your partner for your 19th wedding anniversary, the March birthstone is the perfect adornment to fine jewellery. It’s crisp clarity and breathtaking ocean colour pair perfectly with stainless steel or 18 carat white gold settings and look even more spectacular when set beside sparkling diamonds. Aquamarine jewellery is a must-have for every women’s jewellery collection and can be worn on all occasions.
You can shop a huge range of Aquamarine jewellery and March birthstone jewellery on the C W Sellors website including Aquamarine necklaces, Aquamarine pendants, Aquamarine bracelets, Aquamarine earrings and Aquamarine rings. Get in touch with the team today on 01335 453453 or at sales@cwsellors.com for more information on the Aquamarine gemstone and the interest free finance and free next day delivery available.
