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March Birthstone – The Icy-Elegant Aquamarine

March is a special month – and is well known for its breathtaking birthstone. The birthstone for March is the icy-blue aquamarine.

March is a month of transition – moving from the bleak grey of winter to the bright colors of spring. Aquamarine is the perfect symbol of that transition.

The month of March has historically been a month of transition. In the Roman calendar, March was once the very first month of the year because of its association with the first day of spring. January took over the first spot in the calendar around 700 B.C., but March still symbolizes spring, new life and new beginnings.


What is the Meaning of the March Birthstone?

The aquamarine gemstone gets its name from the Latin phrase "aqua marinus", meaning "water of the sea." The March birthstone displays a glistening and peaceful ocean-like blue color. Drawing into its name, the aquamarine birthstone embodies all things connected to the sea. Ancient tomes tell us the March birthstone was a treasure from mermaids. Sailors also depended upon the power of the aquamarine for good luck, fearlessness, protection, and safety while at sea. Even today, aquamarine is used as a talisman to protect those who travel by, over or near water.

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family of minerals. Colors of aquamarine range from a blue to blue-green in color. It forms in beautiful crystals that can be totally transparent, creating some of the most beautiful mineral masterpieces.

Interestingly, the aquamarine is often discovered in a completely flawless state, unlike other gemstones, like the emerald, which can be flawed.

Aquamarine is discovered as dull or greenish colored beryl. It is then exposed to a heat treatment which changes the March birthstone color to aquamarine. In fact, most aquamarine birthstone jewelry pieces use heat-treated stones to achieve that characteristic color.

Brazil is the largest producer of aquamarine. It can also be found in Russia, China, Africa and the United States, mainly Colorado and California.

Finally, aquamarine is the March birthstone and also the customary gem to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary.


Celebrate a March Birthday With Aquamarine Jewellery

A brilliant way to celebrate a March birthday is with stylish aquamarine jewellery.

The March birthstone is both fresh and modern. Additionally, aquamarine look beautiful set in any precious metal including white gold, rose gold and yellow gold.

The aquamarine is also a gorgeous option for more vintage inspired settings or when used in personalized jewelry styles. Of course, a cocktail ring or simple gemstone stud is also a beautiful way to show off your aquamarine.


Famous Aquamarines

The aquamarine birthstone has enchanted and delighted celebrities and famous icons for centuries.

Most recently and notably, the Duchess of Sussex, the former Meghan Markle, wore an eye-catching aquamarine ring to her wedding reception. That particular March birthstone piece belonged to Princess Diana.

In 1936, the Brazilian government gave Unites States First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt an aquamarine that weighed 1,298 carats. The gemstone featured a beautiful dark blue rectangular step cut and was the larger of two stones found. Together, the aquamarine stones weighed nearly three pounds! This stunning aquamarine birthstone is now housed at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York.

More recently, Justin Timberlake designed an aquamarine and diamond engagement ring for his bride, Jessica Biel. The ring features a six-carat diamond ring flanked by aquamarine gemstones set in black platinum. Timberlake included aquamarines in the design to pay tribute to his wife’s March birthday.


The Aquamarine is a Soothing, See-Worthy Gemstone

Aquamarine is thought to be a calming stone, said to bring about peace and serenity. It inspires truth and trust, which help facilitate clear, heartfelt communication. Because of this, some advise wearing aquamarine jewelry during a confrontation.

The birthstone for March is also thought to help people overcome the fear of public speaking, making it the perfect gift choice for family and friends who are teachers or presenters of some sort.

The gorgeous March birthstone also has ties to love and happiness. Historically, the aquamarine birthstone was considered a stone of eternal youth and happiness. With its deep connection to love, aquamarine jewelry is often given as a sign of affection and devotion. Aquamarine makes a beautiful eternity ring and is said to enhance commitment and fidelity.


Care of the March Birthstone

With a rating of 7.5 to 8.0 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, aquamarine is a strong gem that shines in all types of jewellery.

The March gemstone is also easy to care for. Aquamarine jewellery should be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Dry your jewellery with a soft cloth or polishing cloth. Aquamarines should not be subjected to heat cleaning and should not be steam cleaned. Keep aquamarine jewellery apart from diamonds, pearls and other gemstones, as they may scratch the aquamarines, or the aquamarines may scratch them.


Shop for Aquamarine Jewellery at Peoples

You can always count on Peoples Jewellers for a great selection of aquamarine gemstone jewellery and aquamarine birthstone jewellery.

Visit your local Peoples Jewellers retail store to shop aquamarine jewellery or visit online to find a beautiful array of aquamarine gemstone jewellery online. You can count on Peoples for both traditional and contemporary styles of aquamarine jewellery that promotes happiness, captures attention and refreshes like springtime.