Birthstones are gemstones that represent the month of a person’s birth – possessing attributes that are unique to each gemstone, the countless myths and legends associated with them appeal to audiences around the world.
If you were born in March, your birthstone is Aquamarine.
Fine jewellery and engagement ring experts at Steven Stone have revealed everything you need to know about the stone.
What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is the soft pale blue variety of the Beryl family of gemstones.
Mostly found in light blue, but also available in blue-green, the gemstone gets its colour from the traces of iron that get into the crystal structure – there is a huge price difference between a stone with a faint blue color and a similar stone with a vibrant blue color.
Due to its pleasant colour that resembles the sea, the gemstones name derives from the Latin for sea water.
Most aquamarine crystals are found in pegmatite veins, which are inside metamorphic rocks.
What’s the history of Aquamarine?
Aquamarine has a long history. The ancient Greeks associated it with power and wisdom, believing that it enabled the wearer to see into the future.
Both the Ancient Greeks and Romans admired the stones beauty and attributed its existence to their gods. In one story, Poseidon is said to have made it out of seawater.
Others saw it as a lucky stone that brought safety to those working at sea. Navies, traders and fishermen saw aquamarine as protective of them.
In Christian tradition, aquamarine is the stone of Saint Thomas because he is the saint of mariners. Some Christians once believed that aquamarine jewellery to provided safety on the seas.
What does Aquamarine symbolise?
Thanks to its beautiful blue hues, aquamarine has long been associated with water. In ancient times, it was worn as a protective talisman for those who travelled by sea.
From its calming blue colour to the way it triggers our parasympathetic nervous system to relax, water is inherently soothing – as the gemstone incarnation of this effect, aquamarine is believed to have a calming effect, relieving the stress and worries of those who wear the stone.
As the official stone for 19th wedding anniversaries, it’s also a symbol for a happy and committed married life and promotes faithfulness, courage and friendship.
Association with Royalty
Since aquamarine has been considered auspicious for so long, its use in jewellery has likewise remained popular and it’s long been associated with royalty.
One of the most famous royal aquamarines is Princess Diana’s Asprey aquamarine ring, which Prince Harry gave to Meghan Markle on the day of their wedding. Megan last wore the sentimental jewel to the Ripple of Hope Gala in New York City in December 2022, where the couple were honoured with the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award.
A big fan of aquamarines, Sophie Wessex, stunned in a tiara with five show-stopping aquamarines for the wedding of Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Christopher O’Neill in 2013. She also wore an aquamarine tiara and matching necklace to the wedding of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Sofia Hellqvist in 2015.
Queen Elizabeth II owned an aquamarine brooch that she was particularly fond of, which belonged to her Mother, who wore it throughout the 1930’s and 1940’s. One of its first documented appearances was in 1939, when the Queen Mother wore the jewel to meet with President Lebrun of France at Windsor Castle. The late monarch wore it in her final portrait, which was released in September 2022.
If you’re looking for some jewellery inspiration, why not take a look at our full collection? Whether you’re after a necklace or some diamond earrings, we’ve got you covered. We also have a vast range of engagement and wedding rings.
If you don’t see anything that takes your fancy, we also offer a bespoke service, where our designers will create a unique piece of jewellery that ticks all the boxes.
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