Discover the most serene gemstone of them all: aquamarine. Distinguished by its green-blue color, the birthstone for March is named after seawater and has a calming quality that reflects its association with the ocean. Aquamarine jewelry makes the perfect birthday or anniversary gift for anyone celebrating a milestone this month, but you’ll appreciate this beautiful gemstone all year round. Here’s what you need to know about March birthstone jewelry.
What is the March birthstone?
The March birthstone is aquamarine, a green-blue variety of the mineral beryl. It aligns very nicely with the corresponding sign of the zodiac, which is also inspired by the ocean: Pisces (19th February – 20th March) is a water sign symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions. As well as the March birthstone, aquamarine is the traditional gemstone to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary.
What is aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a green-blue semi-precious gemstone. It’s a member of the beryl family, just like emerald, and shares many characteristics with its vivid green cousin. Beryl comes in a variety of different colors depending on trace impurities in the crystal structure, and the aquamarine variety owes its sea-blue color to traces of iron. With a moderate hardness, rating 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is a durable choice for birthstone jewelry.
Thanks to its color, aquamarine has long been a symbol of the ocean. It’s named after the Latin words for ‘water of the sea’, and has a seafaring history dating back to ancient times: Roman fishermen associated the gemstone with the god Neptune and believed that it brought protection and good luck.
Aquamarine is mined mainly in Brazil, the source of one of the most famous aquamarine gemstones in history. Weighing in at 1, 298 carats, it was a gift from the Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas to Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the United States, in 1936. Aquamarine is also found in Pakistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Madagascar and Zambia, as well as the US, China, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine.
What does aquamarine symbolize?
Sea-blue in color, it’s no surprise that aquamarine is a symbol of the sea. It’s said that Roman sailors who were caught in a storm would throw aquamarines overboard into the water in a bid to appease the gods. The Romans also believed that aquamarine had healing properties, particularly when it came to matters of digestion.
Generally, aquamarine is associated with calm and clarity. Thought to promote happiness and harmony in marriage, aquamarine makes a meaningful addition to a personalized anniversary gift or even a wedding ring. And as a member of the beryl family, aquamarine is believed to provide protection in battle, too.
What to look for when buying aquamarine jewelry
Looking to buy aquamarine jewelry? Like any gemstone, aquamarine is rated according to its color, clarity, cut and carat weight. When it comes to color, aquamarine in darker shades of blue is generally considered more valuable. The carat weight can have an impact on the color: smaller stones tend to be paler, while more intense color is found in aquamarines weighing 5 carats or more. Clarity is also an important factor. Look for aquamarines that are even in tone with no visible inclusions.
What is birthstone jewelry?
Birthstone jewelry refers to earrings, necklaces, rings or bracelets that incorporate the wearer’s birthstone – a lovely way to make a gift more personal. Every month of the year is associated with its own gemstone. Aquamarine, for example, is the birthstone for March, while May shines the spotlight on emerald, another variety of beryl. More birthstones by month include garnet for January, ruby for July and topaz for November.
While birthstone jewelry gifts are a popular way to celebrate a birthday, they’ll add a thoughtful touch to any piece of jewelry. Many couples add each other’s birthstones to their wedding bands or have them set into anniversary gifts to commemorate the month they got married.
Popular aquamarine jewelry styles
Looking for birthstone jewelry gift ideas that feature the March birthstone? We’ve rounded up some of our most popular aquamarine jewelry to highlight the beauty of this light blue gemstone. Take inspiration from the ocean and dive into our soothing selection.
Aquamarine rings
You’ll often find aquamarine cut into an oval shape to show off the pale blue color, and its cool tone pairs perfectly with diamonds. Durable enough to wear every day, aquamarine is a popular choice for engagement rings, as well as aquamarine stacking rings that add a subtle pop of color to your look. Our Serenata ring is a beautiful example. With a smooth band, this three-stone ring puts the focus on the gemstones at the center: an oval shaped aquamarine framed by two smaller diamonds and held in a prong setting to maximize the light entering the stone.
Aquamarine birthstone earrings make a thoughtful gift for a March birthday, as well as a style signature for your own collection. You can choose from studs, hoops and huggies set with aquamarine gemstones, as well as aquamarine earring charms to add to a pair of hoops that you already own. Meanwhile, if you’re on the hunt for minimalist aquamarine jewelry, you’re not alone. Showcasing round or oval aquamarines in a simple four-prong setting, our Nori earrings are always among our bestsellers.
While birthstone jewelry is ideal for marking a special occasion, it can also make a style statement in its own right. At Austen & Blake, our collection includes birthstone bracelets that replace the usual diamonds with aquamarine gemstones to put a new twist on jewelry staples. Choose a chain bracelet with a single aquamarine for a discreet hint of color, or opt for a neat row of matching aquamarine gemstones to update the classic tennis bracelet. Our Positano bracelet is a popular style that lets the signature shade of aquamarine blue do the talking.
A well-chosen necklace has the power to elevate any outfit, and aquamarine birthstone necklaces add another layer of meaning to something you reach for day after day. At Austen & Blake, our collection includes a wide variety of styles, from simple solitaire pendants to halo styles that surround the hero gemstone in a frame of sparkling diamonds. Right now, the Hayden pendant is the one topping everyone’s wishlist. This romantic pendant features a pear shaped aquamarine with a halo of diamonds for a vintage-inspired look, and can be ordered with or without the matching chain.
Aquamarine is classified as a semi-precious gemstone, and it’s more affordable than precious gemstones such as emerald, ruby, sapphire or diamond. While emerald is also a variety of beryl, it commands a higher price than aquamarine because of its rarity. Aquamarine, on the other hand, is relatively abundant. As with any kind of gemstone, the cost of aquamarine is ultimately determined by the quality of the individual gemstone and the interplay between color, clarity, cut and carat.
How to care for aquamarine
Aquamarine has a Mohs rating of 7.5 to 8, making it durable enough to take its place in jewelry that you wear every day. Here’s how to keep it looking its best:
Wash your aquamarine pieces in warm, soapy water
Clean your jewelry gently with a soft cloth or a very soft toothbrush if required
Dry with a lint-free cloth and make sure that it is thoroughly dry before storing
Treat your aquamarine birthstone jewelry to a professional clean every year or so
Remove aquamarine jewelry before swimming, showering or applying lotion
As with any fine jewelry, keep aquamarine pieces away from harsh chemicals
Head over to our education center for more tips on how to care for your aquamarine jewelry.
How to store aquamarine jewelry
While aquamarine is a relatively hard gemstone, it can be damaged if it comes into contact with other gemstones such as diamond. To protect your aquamarine jewelry, store each piece separately in its own soft pouch in its original box or in a dedicated compartment in a padded jewelry box. Finally, store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from excessive heat and light.
A final thought
Hearing the call of the ocean? Discover luxury aquamarine jewelry at Austen & Blake. Whether you’re searching for an aquamarine necklace to give as a gift or a simple pair of studs to add to your own rotation, our March birthstone jewelry has you covered. Explore our collection online and get in touch with our Jewelry Experts for help and advice.
By Anna Aldridge
link copied
Request an appointment
Discover the most serene gemstone of them all: aquamarine. Distinguished by its green-blue color, the birthstone for March is named after seawater and has a calming quality that reflects its association with the ocean. Aquamarine jewelry makes the perfect birthday or anniversary gift for anyone celebrating a milestone this month, but you’ll appreciate this beautiful gemstone all year round. Here’s what you need to know about March birthstone jewelry.
What is the March birthstone?
The March birthstone is aquamarine, a green-blue variety of the mineral beryl. It aligns very nicely with the corresponding sign of the zodiac, which is also inspired by the ocean: Pisces (19th February – 20th March) is a water sign symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions. As well as the March birthstone, aquamarine is the traditional gemstone to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary.
What is aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a green-blue semi-precious gemstone. It’s a member of the beryl family, just like emerald, and shares many characteristics with its vivid green cousin. Beryl comes in a variety of different colors depending on trace impurities in the crystal structure, and the aquamarine variety owes its sea-blue color to traces of iron. With a moderate hardness, rating 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, aquamarine is a durable choice for birthstone jewelry.
Thanks to its color, aquamarine has long been a symbol of the ocean. It’s named after the Latin words for ‘water of the sea’, and has a seafaring history dating back to ancient times: Roman fishermen associated the gemstone with the god Neptune and believed that it brought protection and good luck.
Where are aquamarines from?
Aquamarine is mined mainly in Brazil, the source of one of the most famous aquamarine gemstones in history. Weighing in at 1, 298 carats, it was a gift from the Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas to Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the United States, in 1936. Aquamarine is also found in Pakistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Madagascar and Zambia, as well as the US, China, Myanmar, Russia and Ukraine.
What does aquamarine symbolize?
Sea-blue in color, it’s no surprise that aquamarine is a symbol of the sea. It’s said that Roman sailors who were caught in a storm would throw aquamarines overboard into the water in a bid to appease the gods. The Romans also believed that aquamarine had healing properties, particularly when it came to matters of digestion.
Generally, aquamarine is associated with calm and clarity. Thought to promote happiness and harmony in marriage, aquamarine makes a meaningful addition to a personalized anniversary gift or even a wedding ring. And as a member of the beryl family, aquamarine is believed to provide protection in battle, too.
What to look for when buying aquamarine jewelry
Looking to buy aquamarine jewelry? Like any gemstone, aquamarine is rated according to its color, clarity, cut and carat weight. When it comes to color, aquamarine in darker shades of blue is generally considered more valuable. The carat weight can have an impact on the color: smaller stones tend to be paler, while more intense color is found in aquamarines weighing 5 carats or more. Clarity is also an important factor. Look for aquamarines that are even in tone with no visible inclusions.
What is birthstone jewelry?
Birthstone jewelry refers to earrings, necklaces, rings or bracelets that incorporate the wearer’s birthstone – a lovely way to make a gift more personal. Every month of the year is associated with its own gemstone. Aquamarine, for example, is the birthstone for March, while May shines the spotlight on emerald, another variety of beryl. More birthstones by month include garnet for January, ruby for July and topaz for November.
While birthstone jewelry gifts are a popular way to celebrate a birthday, they’ll add a thoughtful touch to any piece of jewelry. Many couples add each other’s birthstones to their wedding bands or have them set into anniversary gifts to commemorate the month they got married.
Popular aquamarine jewelry styles
Looking for birthstone jewelry gift ideas that feature the March birthstone? We’ve rounded up some of our most popular aquamarine jewelry to highlight the beauty of this light blue gemstone. Take inspiration from the ocean and dive into our soothing selection.
Aquamarine rings
You’ll often find aquamarine cut into an oval shape to show off the pale blue color, and its cool tone pairs perfectly with diamonds. Durable enough to wear every day, aquamarine is a popular choice for engagement rings, as well as aquamarine stacking rings that add a subtle pop of color to your look. Our Serenata ring is a beautiful example. With a smooth band, this three-stone ring puts the focus on the gemstones at the center: an oval shaped aquamarine framed by two smaller diamonds and held in a prong setting to maximize the light entering the stone.
Aquamarine earrings
Aquamarine birthstone earrings make a thoughtful gift for a March birthday, as well as a style signature for your own collection. You can choose from studs, hoops and huggies set with aquamarine gemstones, as well as aquamarine earring charms to add to a pair of hoops that you already own. Meanwhile, if you’re on the hunt for minimalist aquamarine jewelry, you’re not alone. Showcasing round or oval aquamarines in a simple four-prong setting, our Nori earrings are always among our bestsellers.
Aquamarine bracelets
While birthstone jewelry is ideal for marking a special occasion, it can also make a style statement in its own right. At Austen & Blake, our collection includes birthstone bracelets that replace the usual diamonds with aquamarine gemstones to put a new twist on jewelry staples. Choose a chain bracelet with a single aquamarine for a discreet hint of color, or opt for a neat row of matching aquamarine gemstones to update the classic tennis bracelet. Our Positano bracelet is a popular style that lets the signature shade of aquamarine blue do the talking.
Aquamarine necklaces
A well-chosen necklace has the power to elevate any outfit, and aquamarine birthstone necklaces add another layer of meaning to something you reach for day after day. At Austen & Blake, our collection includes a wide variety of styles, from simple solitaire pendants to halo styles that surround the hero gemstone in a frame of sparkling diamonds. Right now, the Hayden pendant is the one topping everyone’s wishlist. This romantic pendant features a pear shaped aquamarine with a halo of diamonds for a vintage-inspired look, and can be ordered with or without the matching chain.
Is aquamarine expensive?
Aquamarine is classified as a semi-precious gemstone, and it’s more affordable than precious gemstones such as emerald, ruby, sapphire or diamond. While emerald is also a variety of beryl, it commands a higher price than aquamarine because of its rarity. Aquamarine, on the other hand, is relatively abundant. As with any kind of gemstone, the cost of aquamarine is ultimately determined by the quality of the individual gemstone and the interplay between color, clarity, cut and carat.
How to care for aquamarine
Aquamarine has a Mohs rating of 7.5 to 8, making it durable enough to take its place in jewelry that you wear every day. Here’s how to keep it looking its best:
Head over to our education center for more tips on how to care for your aquamarine jewelry.
How to store aquamarine jewelry
While aquamarine is a relatively hard gemstone, it can be damaged if it comes into contact with other gemstones such as diamond. To protect your aquamarine jewelry, store each piece separately in its own soft pouch in its original box or in a dedicated compartment in a padded jewelry box. Finally, store your jewelry in a cool, dry place, away from excessive heat and light.
A final thought
Hearing the call of the ocean? Discover luxury aquamarine jewelry at Austen & Blake. Whether you’re searching for an aquamarine necklace to give as a gift or a simple pair of studs to add to your own rotation, our March birthstone jewelry has you covered. Explore our collection online and get in touch with our Jewelry Experts for help and advice.
Shop our collection of aquamarine jewelry now