March Birthstone Jewelry – Aquamarine

The gemstone used in our lovely March birthstone jewelry is the lovely aquamarine. We have a huge range of jewelry at affordable prices using this lovely gemstone. It’s name comes from the lovely transparent sea blue color of the gems and it is a form of beryl which can also be found in green (emeralds), yellow (heliodor), rose pink (morganite), red (red beryl) or white (goshenite) varieties. As a beryl it is composed chemically of beryllium, aluminum and silicon and has a hexagonal crystal structure.

Sources of Aquamarine

In the past the major source of aquamarine was Madagascar which produced gems with a darker blue color. Today most aquamarine gems come from Brazil and is bluish green in color. Aquamarine is also produced in Tanzania, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Russia and Afghanistan. It is also found in the US in Colorado, and Wyoming.

Colors of Aquamarine Gemstones

Aquamarine can be found in a range of shades of blue from very deep blue to a very pale pastel shade. Some gemstones are greenish and the deep blue colors are usually only found in larger stones. The most expensive and highly prized stones have a pure blue color with no hints of green. Beryl that is light green or greener hued aquamarine is regularly heat treated to yield a bluer color and many of the gems you will find for sale have undergone this treatment. irradiating some forms of beryl yields a stone with a very deep blue color that is similar in appearance to sapphire and is called ‘blue beryl’

Aquamarine Quality

Pale, transparent gems such as aquamarine should have no visible inclusions – they should be ‘eye clear’. Most aquamarine stones are flawless and larger stones can be cut with large steps to revel their surfaces. As there are very few inclusions or flaws a larger proportion of the stone can be exposed in jewelry settings as there is less chance of damage occurring than in many other gemstones. The stones are also hard so they are very durable and are suitable for everyday use.

Aquamarine Sizes

Aquamarine crystals have been found in huge sizes. The largest ever found was in Brazil in 1920 and weighed 243 pounds! It was an enormous 19″ long and 16″ wide. You can see a lovely, flawless sea green aquamarine gemstone of 879.5 carats at The British Museum of Natural History and a large piece of uncut crystal at the American Museum of Natural History.

Aquamarine History and Myths

In common with many other gemstones there are many myths associated with aquamarine. As it is the color of the sea it was favored by ancient mariners who believed it would ensure a safe journey and they often placed aquamarine crystals beneath their pillows. They also believed that a mermaid’s tail was comprised of aquamarine. In the Middle Ages it was a common belief that aquamarine could cure poisoning. Other myths include it’s ability to protect against evil, cure headaches and insomnia and many other illnesses. It is often used as a symbol for health, youth, and hope.

Oval Cut Aquamarine Gem Gold Ring
List Price: $351.84
Put you best foot forward with this trend setting ladies gemstone design. Polished and primped the illustrious colour of 10K white gold displays the glorious oval cut aquamarine centre. Sparkle is added through this rings shoulders were illusion set diamonds radiate in the surrounding light. Give yourself or someone special something to smile about when you select this lavish gemstone and diamond ring.

Click here for more information on theOval Cut Aquamarine Gem Gold Ring

Caring for Aquamarine Jewelry

Aquamarine gemstones should be cleaned often, as much as every four or fives times worn to ensure they keep their sparkle. A soft brush and a liquid soap or a commercial jewelry cleaner can be used.