Aquamarines: The Meaning of March's Birthstone

All of those with March birthdays are infinity lucky. St. Patrick's Day, leprechauns, pots of gold and four leaf clovers decorate homes, classrooms and coffee shops across the world all in honor of this month's heritage. But that’s not the only reason March babies are lucky - they get to claim the aquamarine as their birthstone.

The aquamarine's name was inspired by the ocean at it's shades of blue often reminds our customers of tropical waters and enchanting lagoons. Aquamarine actually translates to “water of the sea” - a term that was coined in the early 1700’s during the Georgian era. It is also referred to as the “Sailor’s Stone” because sailors once thought that March’s gemstone would steer them clear of rough waters and unbearable storms. This notion carried far into the 20th century when the US Navy commissioned a coastal patrol yacht called the USS Aquamarine during World War II - in honor of the previous stone and it long standing history with the ocean.

Charles Krypell Aquamarine Ring

Aquamarines are often mined for in Brazil, Africa, Asia and in Colorado (where it’s the state’s gemstone). This gemstone’s color ranges from light blue to dark blue green and has impeccable clarity right out of the Earth’s crust. Aquamarines tend to get mixed up with blue topaz but trust us that the original is far more valuable due to it rarity and natural color. In fact, the aquamarine is a member of the beryl family of minerals which is also includes emeralds and morganite.

This gemstone also features a hardness scale score of 8 meaning that they are tough enough to wear everyday but shouldn’t be exposed to extreme conditions (leave them off the construction site!). They are also intolerant of high heats.

Aquamarine Stud Earrings from our Colored Stones Collection

Many of the most renowned aquamarines belong to Queen of England, Elizabeth II. She was given a stunning necklace and matching earrings in honor of her coronation in 1953 by the president of Brazil. The queen adored the gift so much that she ha a matching bracelet, brooch and even a tiara made by the royal jeweler to round out her collection.

Today, aquamarines seen often as the center stone in engagement rings. In fact, aquamarines set in rose gold are one of the most popular engagement ring designs for millennials as the color combination is so extraordinary. Even Justin Timberlake had two aquamarines set in his wife’s, Jessica Biel, engagement ring to compliment her March 3rd birthday (Happy Belated Birthday!).

Marco Bicego Paradise Necklace

Our customers think that March’s birthstone is best paired with crisp clean neutrals like black and white, navy blue and camel - and we agree. They are a great accessory if your work attire includes blouses, pencil skirts and even out to dinner with your favorite little black dress and heels.

The bottom line? Whether you have a March birthday or not, you can go wrong with in adding an aquamarine to your jewelry collection.