The History Behind March's Birthstone: The Aquamarine

Those of you with March birthdays are infinity blessed! Not just because you've got the luck of the Irish in your back pocket but because aquamarine as your birthstone. Not even St. Patrick was that lucky...

Named for the sea and its many shades of blue, March’s birthstone often reminds its wearers of tropical oceans and alluring lagoons. Aquamarine actually comes from the phase “water of the sea” - a name that originated in the early 1700’s during the Georgian jewelry era. It was also once know as the “Sailor’s Stone” because seafarers once believed that aquamarines would protect them from coarse seas and unendurable storms. This belief stood the test of time, well into the 20th century, as the US Navy had a coastal patrol yacht created, called the USS Aquamarine, during World War II in honor of the gemstone.

Aquamarines are most frequently found in Brazil, Africa, Asia and Colorado (where it’s the state’s gemstone). The stone naturally showcases a variety of colors, from the palest of blues to dark blue green shades, and often has excellent clarity right out of the mine. Aquamarines are usually mistaken for blue topaz but trust us that the original is far more valuable because of its rarity and natural color. In fact, the aquamarine is part of the beryl family of minerals which includes emeralds.

The gemstone has a hardness scale score of 8, meaning that they are durable enough to wear but shouldn’t be exposed to harsh conditions (leave them off the construction site!). They are also forgiving to bright lights but not to intense heat

A few of the most well-known aquamarines belong to the reigning Queen of England. She was gifted a beautiful necklace and matching earrings at her coronation in 1953 by the president of Brazil. The Queen loved the jewelry so much that she had a matching bracelet, brooch and even a tiara crafted to round out her jewelry box.

Today, aquamarines are often seen in engagement rings. In fact, one of the most trendy ring designs for millennials is an aquamarine set in rose gold as the combination of colors allows for each to thrive further. Even Justin Timberlake had two aquamarines set in his wife’s, Jessica Biel, engagement ring in honor of her March 3rd birthday (Happy Belated Birthday!).

March’s birthstone is best worn with classic, clean neutrals pieces like black, white, navy blue and camel. They are a wonderful accent if you tend to wear blouses and pencil skirts to work and your favorite LBD on a night out!

The bottom line? You can go wrong with an aquamarine - whether you are lucky to have a March birthday or not. Visit our Downtown Columbia location and see for yourself!