Birth stone 925 sterling silver jewelry-March birth stone Aquamarine

Aquamarine, reminiscent of the of the sea and believed to be a powerfully soothing influence on relationships, hence why it is considered to be such a perfect gift and one of the world's favorites.

HOW DOES AQUAMARINE FORM?

Aquamarine is from the Latin: aqua marina, “sea water”, and is a blue variety of Beryl.  A gorgeous light blue gemstone that has captured our hearts and desires for centuries. They are known for forming in spectacular hexagonal crystals/pencils in the host rock.

AQUAMARINE QUALITY? … What should I look out for?

Aquamarine Color - The best Aquamarines are a stunning very slightly greenish blue color with a moderately strong color saturation/intensity.  Some Aquamarine is naturally a more yellow/green color, this green hue can sometimes be removed by heating the gemstone. This is a routine treatment for some Aquamarine to remove the greener hues and to bring out or enhance the blue hues. You will often see in the market ‘heat treated (routine)’ and this perfectly accepted in the gem trade. However, a fine, natural, untreated Aquamarine will command a higher value. 

Aquamarine Clarity - Unlike Emerald which is usually heavily included or flawed, making them look ‘sleepy’, Aquamarine is commonly more ‘clean’ by comparison and therefore has higher clarity. As with all gemstones, the best stones are those that have the best/top color and saturation combined with the highest clarity.

Aquamarine is a very popular gemstone and widely accessible. It is very affordable in lighter colors but the more cleaner, deeper colors command higher prices.

WHERE IS AQUAMARINE FROM?

The largest and best know deposit of Aquamarine is found in Brazil but other areas include Pakistan, China, Myanmar, Russia, Ukraine and more recently in Africa. Nigeria and Mozambique have been mining some Aquamarine until it was also discovered in Kenya and Zambia in the 1980’s and Mozambique in the 90’s. 

AQUAMARINE LORE AND LEGEND

The Romans called Aquamarine "water of the sea". They used it as protection over the water as they believed it guarantee safety whist travelling by sea. They also believed it to aid in digestion and fluid retention because of its purification properties, and made drinking goblets out of it to purify the liquid in it before it was consumed.

In ancient lore, Aquamarine was believed to be ‘the treasure of Mermaids’ possessing the power to guard and protect sailors at sea and to counteract the forces of darkness and procure favor from the spirits of light.

In Medieval times, the stone was thought to reawaken the love of married couples and in folklore to render soldiers invincible and bring victory in battles and legal disputes.

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