Aquamarine – The March Birthstone Guide to Jewellery

Aquamarine March birthstone ring and loose Aquamarines

What is the Birthstone For March?

Firstly, aquamarine represents the birthstone for the month of March. Secondly, Aqua birthstones are the blue variety of the gemstone Beryl. And thirdly, translated, Aquamarine means “Sea water,” a gem associated with the ocean. 

However, some confusion arises between modern birthstones and the traditional birthstone system. In addition, differences occur between regions such as the United States and the UK. Most importantly, we work with traditional birthstones based on gemstones associated with Zodiac signs. Sources, including the American Gem Society, publish regional information worth referring to.

Contact us with your birth month for expert guidance on the most suitable birthstone.

Contrary to some sources, Aquamarine is not one of the December birthstones. 

Many people associate the blue of Aquamarine with water. Besides its connection as the March birthstone. Additionally, aquamarine makes a significant gemstone associated with a 19th wedding Anniversary. 

Twist engagement ring set with Aquamarine

Twist engagement ring set with an Aquamarine.

Collectors prized this Aquamarine crystal since ancient times. In addition, it makes an affordable and fascinating choice for any item of Aquamarine jewellery.

History, Origins and Cultural Significance

Aquamarine, with its name rooted in the Latin words “aqua” meaning ‘water’ and “marina” meaning ‘of the sea,’ holds a profound historical and cultural significance. This captivating gemstone transcends time, finding its place in the annals of ancient civilizations. From the Egyptians fashioning protective amulets to the Romans venerating it as sacred to Neptune, the God of the sea, Aquamarine’s allure permeated through the ages.

In the Middle Ages, Greeks, and Romans, Aqua gemstones were considered not just ornamental but sacred, symbolizing a connection to the divine powers governing the oceans. As Aquamarine graced the jewellery of medieval societies, it became more than a gemstone; it became a symbol of purity, fidelity, and the calming influence of the sea.

Today, the legacy endures, and Aquamarine stands as a testament to its enduring history, weaving a narrative of reverence and mysticism across civilizations.

Valuable examples originate from Brazil. Other locations include Australia, Kenya and Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia.

A comparison to other gemstones

This beautiful gemstone choice pairs well with other gems including blue, purple, transparent, white and green colours. The following chart compares a few popular gems suitably paired with Aqua. At the same time, the chart considers the hardness and durability based on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Gemstone Color Mohs Scale (Durability) Description
Aquamarine Blue, Blue-Green 7.5-8 Aquamarine, with its serene hues, ranges from light blue to dark greenish-blue, symbolizing purity and calmness.
Emerald Green 7.5-8 Emerald, known for its rich green color, signifies rebirth and renewal, often associated with luxury and royalty.
Sapphire Blue 9 Sapphire, available in various colors, is prized for its durability and beauty, representing wisdom and nobility.
Diamond Colorless 10 Diamond, the hardest gemstone, symbolizes eternal love and brilliance, making it the ultimate symbol of commitment.
Amethyst Purple 7 Amethyst, a purple gemstone, is associated with calmness and spirituality, often considered a protective stone.
Topaz Various Colors 8 Topaz, available in multiple colors, is known for its vibrancy and can symbolize love and affection.
Peridot Olive Green 6.5-7 Peridot, with its olive-green hues, represents warmth and vitality, believed to bring good fortune and healing.
Tourmaline Various Colors 7-7.5 Tourmaline, found in various colors, is considered a versatile gemstone with a strong grounding and protective energy.

Is Aquamarine lucky?

Sailors believed Aquamarine gemstones had a calming effect on the ocean. When confronted with the dangers of the sea, many sailors welcomed any good-luck symbol available. This beautiful gemstone carries with it luck and good fortune for many sea travellers for this reason. 

Health and Healing Gemstones

Aquamarine symbolises youth and the spirit of hope. Many people associate this beautiful gem with healing properties, faithfulness and lasting love. 

Moreover, many people carry this crystalline gemstone to cure ailments and promote good health. For example, healing conditions of the liver, jaws, throat, stomach, and toothaches.

Romantic properties of Aquamarine

This incredible gemstone brought happiness to a marriage. Aquamarine’s connection between love and Romance makes this gemstone an ideal choice for jewellery.

Clarity of thought

Aquamarine evokes purity connected with crystal-clear waters and the feeling of relaxation associated with the sea. It is said to calm, soothe and cleanse— to inspire truth and trust and promote clarity of thought.

Loose Emerald cut Aquamarine stones

Loose Emerald-cut Aquamarines photographed for client. 

Blues, hues and varieties of Aquamarine

Aquamarines vary in colour. Many blue colours exist depending on the hue and tone of the gemstone. 

Variations range from light blue to dark blue or even dark green colour with overtones of blue. Most gemstones exhibit a blue to blue-green colour. 

“The best gems combine high clarity with limpid transparency and blue to slightly greenish blue hues.” (GIA).

In conclusion, the most valuable Aqua possesses a medium tone, vivid and blue in hue.

9-carat Aquamarine ready to be set into a bespoke solitaire diamond ring setting. 

Santa Maria Aquamarine

Santa Maria Aquamarines feature the highest intensity of colour. Rich in blue colour, originating from Brazil. A genuine Santa Maria Aqua has a colour nearing the depth of Blue Topaz. 

Many buyers value this unusual gemstone in naturally occurring deep blue colours. 

Also, Santa Maria varieties typically fetch higher prices owing to their rarity and prized colour.

Pale blue Aquamarine stones

Paler blue varieties are generally more affordable than equivalent stones of a deeper colour. For example, light blue shades come from Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique. Owing to large crystal formations, typical for Beryl crystals, it is possible to source Aquamarines in large gemstone sizes.

aquamarine and diamond engagement ring

Aqua and diamond engagement ring featured in our ready-to-wear collection.

Aquamarine gems – a perfect gemstone for all special occasions

For anyone born in March, there is a fantastic opportunity to create a unique and affordable item of jewellery. The birthstone for March comes in most sizes, gemstone cuts and a variety of hues. Regularly, we create individual pieces of jewellery as part of our customised jewellery design service

Colourless Aqua

In addition to many colour variations in natural aquamarines. Aquas exist without an absence of colour. Bright white gemstones exist and make cheaper alternatives to a diamond. 

For this reason, some favour aquamarines that have received heat treatment to achieve a particular shade. Although our Aquas are supplied as natural gemstones, treated gemstones can be available on request. 

Bespoke ring featuring a solitaire Emerald cut Aquamarine

9-carat Aquamarine set into an 18ct White Gold setting. Bespoke design from our bespoke collection of jewellery. 

Aquamarine perfectly suits special occasions celebrated in March. Birthdays, anniversaries and Mother’s Day to name just a few. Many buyers favour Aquamarine owing to its cost.

Compared to diamonds, this gemstone is far more affordable in large sizes. Furthermore, it is possible to source diamond-cut varieties of this gemstone.
For most buyers, the most affordable option provides a pale blue gemstone cut in an assortment of shapes.

Platinum Aquamarine Ring

Bespoke Aquamarine Platinum ring

For instance, the sizeable Emerald-cut gemstone ring above went into a bespoke solitaire ring commission. Our client received a wide choice of different sizes. We presented several options to view during a showroom appointment in Ryde.
Other clients living further afield benefit from our photographic service. We regularly send colour-balanced photos of gemstones in addition to short video clips.
Working remotely, we guide, inform and arrange new jewellery by phone and email using photography as an ideal tool.

Bespoke Design 

A client approached us and specifically requested a bespoke engagement ring set with a central Aqua in a particular shade. From conversions with our client, we sourced three stones in different hues of blue and quality. 

Our client benefitted from photography and a video of the gemstone. Above all, I am confident in the selection of an 8mm sky-blue stone weighing 1.54 carats. 

Bespoke twisting shoulders design

Is Aquamarine a durable gemstone for jewellery?

Aquamarines possess a ‘good’ toughness for jewellery in general. In addition, this popular gemstone suits rings, earrings and pendants. 

Like many gemstones, this gemstone can chip. But, consider the hardest gem diamond. Even diamond chips and breaks with sufficient force. 

Wedding Day uses for a blue gemstone.

One of our unique pendants perfectly fits one of the most popular wedding day traditions. The concept of finding something blue makes it a perfect choice added to a necklace for the big day. (Read more about the Something-Blue pendant).

The something blue pendant shown in its box ready to be sent.

The ‘Something Blue’ aquamarine and diamond pendant is engraved on the reverse of the necklace. 

Diamonds are the perfect companion gemstone for Aquamarine rings.

Diamonds make a great choice to set with an Aquamarine. We choose the whitest possible colour grade for each stone to contrast with the cool blue of the gemstone. For example, D to F colour diamonds provide a perfect whiteness grade.

A beautiful chunky ring design with a halo of diamonds around the gemstone.

Ready-made Aquamarine and diamond halo engagement ring in Platinum.

Similarly, we set Aquamarines with diamonds in White Gold or Platinum. Aquamarine and diamond engagement rings often feature round or fancy-shaped stones held between diamond shoulders. At the same time, it makes an excellent choice for a halo diamond engagement ring. This gemstone looks very similar to the colour of a high-quality ice-blue diamond.

Three-stone Aquamarine and diamond engagement rings

Three-stone Aquamarine and diamond rings make a popular choice for engagement. For example, two bright, white diamonds add contrast on either side of the cool blue colour. In addition, the larger centre stone provides a less expensive alternative to a diamond.

Matching blue gemstones with yellow gold and diamonds, square cut.

3-stone Aquamarine and diamond ring crafted by bespoke design.

Alternative birthstones for March

Bloodstone is very different when it comes to appearance. However, it shares a similar reputation for protecting well-being.

The aquamarine birthstone evokes the colours of the sea. Colours vary from deep green-blue to light, slightly greenish and blue hues. In fact, faceted aquamarines are often transparent, without inclusions and as clear as water. Symbolising the purity of spirit and soul.

In conclusion, the bloodstone birthstone is typically a dark-green cabochon that contains red spots of iron oxide. The “blood” that brings health and strength to the wearer. Read on to learn more about these two March birthstones – what they mean and where they can be found.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.

About Mark Johnson

My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.