Since the first century particular gemstones have been associated with the signs of the zodiac and have been incorporated into gold and silver birthstone jewelry. Originally birthstone schemes were based on the color of the stones and the origins are thought to be associated with the Breastplate of Aaron which held gemstones associated with the 12 tribes of Israel. Each gemstone had the name of the tribe enscribed on it and they were attached to the breastplate in four rows of three. Although the names of the gems used are known, the exact translation is debatable so the particular gems that were used is not known and has led to different gems being associated with the different months of the year.

The Modern Birthstone Scheme

In later times birthstones became associated with the months of the year rather than the signs of the zodiac and there has been some differences in which gemstone is assigned to which month. The most widely used list today is one which was proposed by the Association of Jewelers in America in 1912, and includes some alternatives to the more expensive gemstones. There has been one addition since then.  Tanzanite was added as a birthstone for December in 2002 by the American Gem Association although this is not recognized by everyone.

There are other schemes which associate particular gemstones with the birth month including mystical birthstones and Ayurvedic birthstones. The mystical birthstones scheme dates back to over 1000 years ago and is from Tibet and the Ayurvedic birthstones scheme comes from ancient Indian philosophy and dates back to around 1500 BC. Most people however use the modern scheme proposed by the Association of Jewelers.

Traditional Birthstones

• January        garnet
• February     amethyst
• March         bloodstone, jasper
• April         diamond, sapphire
• May         emerald, agate
• June         alexandrite, emerald
• July         ruby, onyx
• August         sardonyx, carnelian
• September     sapphire, peridot
• October     tourmaline, aquamarine
• November     citrine, topaz
• December     zircon, ruby

Modern Birthstones

• January     garnet , emerald
• February     amethyst
• March         aquamarine
• April         diamond, white topaz
• May         emerald
• June         moonstone, pearl
• July         ruby
• August         peridot
• September     sapphire
• October     opal, tourmaline
• November     topaz, citrine
• December     turquoise, tanzanite, blue topaz

There are therefore some alternatives to choose from. If you don’t like your birthstone from the modern scheme choose one from the traditional scheme! There are lovely examples of silver and gold birthstone jewelry to be found and they make wonderful birthday gifts for loved ones that show you put thought into choosing a gift that is special to them.

January birthstone – the garnet is the red gemstone that is believed to protect the wearer from poisoning and to have properties to purify the blood.

February birthstone – the amethyst is supposed to be a protection from intoxication and to convey peace and serenity.

March birthstone – the blue aquamarine was believed by sailors to protect against sea sickness and the dangers of the sea.

April birthstone – the diamond is the birthstone for April and symbolises true love, hence it’s use in engagement and wedding rings.

May birthstone – the beautiful green emerald is believed to impart psychic abilities to the wearer and to have magical properties.

June birthstone – the lovely pearl is the June birthstone and is a symbol of purity, love and chastity.

July birthstone – the lovely red ruby is believed to posses powers to enhance sexual love.

August birthstone – the peridot protects the bearer from nightmares and fosters good sleep.

September – the blue sapphire is a symbol of joy and peace and is believed to imbue the wearer with th powers of foresight.

October birthstone – the lovely opal is associated with purity and innocence although some cultures associate it with bad luck.

November birthstone – the topaz is reputed to have a calming effect on the ill tempered.

December birthstone – the lovely blue turquiose is used by native Americans in their jewelry and is supposed to bring the wearer good luck and to warn of approaching danger.

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.

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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.

March Birthstone Jewelry

Aquamarine is a lovely gem that can be used in gold and silver jewelry and is flattering to all skin tones. It is a very durable gem and does not need any special treatment apart from an occasional bath in soapy water. As a special gift for a march birthday it is perfect and you can be sure your loved one will appreciate the care and thought you have shown by giving them lovely March birthstone jewelry.