Aquamarine: The Birthstone for March

Aquamarine, a glittering blue gemstone evoking images of a calm ocean on a clear day, derives its name from the Latin words Aqua and Marina, meaning “Water” and “Sea”. The gemstone is perfect for people who love to be at the seaside, or indeed for those with a birthday in March. 

The distinct pastel blue colour displayed in Aquamarine has, for many centuries, been associated with youth, health and hope. Due to its reminiscence of the sky and sea, Aquamarine has also been thought to represent eternal life; it could be given on a wedding anniversary to signify a long and happy marriage.

Predominantly mined in parts of Africa, Asia and South America, Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral Beryl, the same family of minerals as emerald. Different types of Beryl are distinguished by their different colours, which are caused by a range of impurities in the stone (pure Beryl is actually colourless). Emerald is coloured green by the presence of Chromium, whereas iron is usually found in Aquamarine. Like most beryls, Aquamarine grows in large, six-sided crystals that can reach over half a metre long. The Dom Pedro obelisk, the world’s largest cut Aquamarine, is nearly 36cm long!

When it comes to finding Aquamarine jewellery, there is a great range in price depending on the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. A fine aquamarine will display an even blue colour and no inclusions, and often you will find that the larger the cut, the darker the colour. Aquamarine can be worked into just about any shape; many jewellery artists will choose a bespoke cut to showcase the stone’s best qualities. 

To find your perfect aquamarine jewellery, we recommend setting a budget, and then ascertaining what is realistic for that budget. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is, so make sure you visit a reputable jeweller with a good knowledge of gemstones. Aquamarines can range in colour, but the more valuable stones tend to be a pure, vivid blue. If you would prefer an aquamarine to have a bluey green hue, you are likely to pay comparatively less than a pure blue stone. 

If you’re looking for a birthday gift in March, Aquamarine jewellery is a fantastic choice. Its pastel tone suits both silver and gold, and with spring in the air, a bright piece of jewellery is an ideal accessory as we move away from the gloomy winter months. 

Cuttings Jewellers offers a range of birthstone jewellery including the beautiful aquamarine, so why not pop in and see what you can find?