Winter fades to Spring in March, bringing with it a gem that reflects the spirit of the month - melting ice, fresh rain, flowing water and renewal - Aquamarine. With its cool, clear blue tones reminiscent of tranquil seas and open skies, aquamarine captures the promise of longer days and new beginnings. This beautiful gem, beloved for centuries, represents serenity and clarity. Beyond its soothing appearance, aquamarine carries a rich and fascinating history. Ancient sailors once believed it was the treasure of mermaids, washed ashore from the depths of the ocean.
The History of Aquamarine
The name comes from Latin aqua marina, meaning "water of the sea," and has reminded people of water for thousands of years. It’s valued for both its beauty and the legends surrounding it.In the days of the Roman Empire, aquamarine was a talisman for sailors. They believed it could protect travelers at sea with the power to calm waves and ensure safe voyages. Sailors often carried aquamarine amulets, trusting the gem to shield them from storms and misfortunes. Similarly, the Greeks associated the stone with sea gods and mermaids, saying it symbolized purity and harmony. In Ancient Egypt, aquamarine was used in jewelry and amulets, worn by those who believed it promoted happiness and eternal youth.
During the Middle Ages, it was believed to counteract poison and protect against deception. It became a symbol of truth and clear communication. Some believed it could rekindle love in marriages, strengthening relationships and restoring harmony between partners. Because of its clarity and luminous color, royalty and nobility valued aquamarine for both its beauty and symbolic meaning.
In 1912 the Jewelers of America officially named aquamarine as March’s primary birthstone. The decision reflected the gem’s wide availability, strong historical associations and symbolic connection to the fresh and cool tones of early spring. Since then, aquamarine has remained a beloved choice for March birthdays and meaningful gifts celebrating renewal and growth.
Symbolism and Meaning
Throughout time and cultures, aquamarine has consistently represented peace, clarity, protection and flowing resilience. It is often referred to as the “stone of courage,” not in a bold or dramatic sense, but as a quiet strength – the courage to speak honestly, communicate clearly and approach conflict with calm intention.As March marks the start of spring, aquamarine represents fresh starts, emotional cleansing, and moving forward with ease. Just as rivers thaw and begin to flow again, this gemstone reflects the idea of letting go of the old and welcoming the new. The ocean-like hue connects strongly with inner peace, emotional balance, stress relief and soothing energy. Some believe it helps to quiet the mind and reduce anxiety.
Choosing Aquamarine Jewelry
Aquamarine ranges from pale blue to deeper blue greens. The soft, pale blue feels delicate and versatile, pairing effortlessly with everyday wear. Icy blue stones offer crisp clarity and elegance. One of aquamarine’s most appealing qualities is its clarity. Most are “eye-clean,” meaning they have no visible blemishes or inclusions to the naked eye. The fewer inclusions a stone has equals higher quality. Gems that are light, milky or cloudy are generally less desirable, as they lack the brilliance and transparency that makes aquamarine so captivating.
When choosing a jewelry piece, think about the cut, size, metal and how the setting matches your lifestyle.
Cut:
The cut of an aquamarine significantly affects how it reflects light. Emerald cuts are timeless and sophisticated, showcasing the gem’s clarity with elegant, clean lines. Oval and round cuts offer beautiful sparkle and are perfect for everyday wear. Cushion cuts combine soft curves with modern appeal, creating a romantic and contemporary look. Because aquamarine is more affordable in larger sizes compared to many other gemstones, it is an excellent choice for those who love statement pieces. Rings are especially stunning in the 1–4 carat range, offering noticeable presence without overwhelming the hand. Pendants and earrings can beautifully accommodate even larger stones, allowing the gemstone’s color to truly shine.
Metal:
The choice of metal dramatically influences the overall look. White gold or platinum enhance aquamarine’s cool tones, creating a modern and refined appearance. Yellow gold provides warm contrast, adding vintage charm and depth. Rose gold offers a softer, romantic aesthetic with a unique blush complement to the blue stone.
Setting:
The setting impacts both durability and style. Bezel settings offer maximum protection, ideal for active lifestyles. Prong settings are classic and allow more light to enter the stone, enhancing sparkle. Halo settings surround the aquamarine with smaller diamonds, adding brilliance and visual weight while emphasizing the center gem.
Aquamarine Jewelry at Floyd & Green
At Floyd & Green, our aquamarine collection captures the essence of March – fresh, elegant and timeless. Each piece is carefully selected to highlight the gemstone’s natural beauty and calming presence.
Jolie Tennis Bracelet Aquamarine Halo Ring Aquamarine & Diamond Halo Ring
Caring for Aquamarine Jewelry
This gem is durable, about 7.5-8 on Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, like all fine jewelry, it should be handled with care to ensure a clear, bright gem for years to come.To protect your aquamarine jewelry: avoid exposure to harsh chemicals, including household cleaners and chlorine, store pieces separately to prevent scratches from harder gemstones or metals, clean gently with warm, soapy water and a soft brush and always close your drain when cleaning jewelry to prevent accidental loss.
At Floyd & Green, we offer complimentary jewelry cleaning and inspections. Visit us anytime to keep your aquamarine pieces looking their very best.
Feel Refreshed this March
As winter melts away and spring begins to bloom, let aquamarine reflect your own season of renewal. Visit us in-store or browse online to explore our aquamarine collection — and let this serene birthstone be the star of your next story symbolizing peace, clarity, and fresh beginnings.