The birthstone for March is the aquamarine. This delicate blue gemstone has an ancient lineage, with a history going back to classical Greece or beyond.
Named for the sea, inspired by colours in which it is found, aquamarine is believed to have been worn by sailors to help prevent sea-sickness. Both the Greeks and the Romans believed that wearing aquamarines would ensure a safe journey across the sea and that it would render soldiers invincible. I have to ask – surely this belief would have become immediately apparent as misplaced?!
The gemstone of romance
Aquamarine is also a gemstone of romance. Roman bridegrooms gave the gem to their new brides, in the belief that the stone would absorb the atmosphere of their young love and carry it into their relationship for the rest of their lives.
This belief that the aquamarine was imbued with love carried through into the Middle Ages, when couples seeking to re-ignite their romance would wear the gemstone. Larger stones would often be cut into crystal balls as it was believed to help focus the mind of those who sought to see the future.
The stone’s popularity as a healing crystal was strengthened by the belief that wearing the stone would endow the owner with foresight, courage, intelligence and youthfulness.
We’re not sure about all that, but we do know it makes the most beautiful jewellery and as the birthstone for March, is quite a popular choice at this time of year!
Aquamarine has a variety of shades
This fabulous gemstone comes in a range of shades from an almost colourless pale blue to a deep, rich tropical sea-green. In previous centuries, the most sought-after colour was sea green, though today it is the tropical sea-blue that is most desired.
Most aquamarines are cut to sparkle, some are polished to create a cabochon, and this can lead to the gemstone displaying the cat’s eye effect. This shows as what seems to be a living star, buried just below the surface of the gem, flashing and dashing as you move it around. This unusual effects is quite captivating and can bewitch you for hours.
If this is your birthstone, you’re very lucky indeed, as it is without doubt one of our favourite stones to work with and, as you can see here, we have had the joy of creating some beautiful and unusual rings.
If you think an aquamarine all of your very own is something you really need to do, call us or call in, we’re reasy and able to inspire and delight.
