Aquamarine vs Moissanite: March's Birthstone

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and has long been admired for its delicate, ocean-like hues and serene presence. This gemstone is instantly recognizable by its pale green-blue color, which evokes the calm, flowing beauty of the sea.

Throughout history, aquamarine has been associated with tranquility, protection, and clarity of mind, making it not only visually captivating but also rich in symbolic meaning. As a birthstone, it carries a personal connection to those born in March, often used in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or milestones.

Understanding its origins, significance, and characteristics helps in appreciating why aquamarine remains a timeless favorite for jewellery enthusiasts.

What is the March Birthstone?

The March birthstone, aquamarine, is a variety of the mineral beryl, belonging to the same family as emerald. Its distinctive green-blue shade comes from traces of iron within the crystal structure, resulting in a color that ranges from subtle pastels to more intense oceanic tones.

Aquamarine is deeply connected with the zodiac sign Pisces, a water sign symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions. This connection underscores the gemstone’s ties to the sea, reflecting a sense of harmony, emotional balance, and intuition.

Traditionally, aquamarine is also given as a gift for a 19th wedding anniversary, highlighting its association with long-lasting relationships, loyalty, and devotion, making it a meaningful choice for commemorative jewellery.

What is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is a semi-precious gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, meaning it is durable enough for daily wear while retaining a delicate elegance. Its sea-blue color has inspired myths and legends throughout history.

Roman sailors believed aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea, and carried the stone on voyages to ensure protection and good fortune. Over the centuries, aquamarine has also been associated with calming energy, clarity of thought, and protection from negative influences.

As a member of the beryl family, aquamarine shares characteristics with emerald, including clarity and the ability to take a high polish, making it suitable for a wide variety of jewellery designs, from engagement rings to statement pendants.

Where is Aquamarine Found?

Aquamarine is mined in several regions around the world, with Brazil being the most prominent source of large, high-quality stones. Historically, Brazil has produced some of the most famous aquamarine gemstones, including a 1,298-carat stone gifted to Eleanor Roosevelt in 1936.

Other notable sources include Pakistan, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Madagascar, Zambia, the United States, China, Myanmar, Russia, and Ukraine. Each origin can produce slight variations in color and clarity, allowing collectors and jewellery enthusiasts to select pieces that suit their aesthetic preferences.

Understanding the source and geological background of aquamarine enhances its appreciation, offering insight into its rarity, quality, and cultural significance across different regions.

Symbolism and Meaning

Aquamarine has long been regarded as a gemstone of the sea, embodying calm, balance, and serenity. Ancient legends describe sailors casting aquamarine into the waves to appease the gods during storms, reflecting its symbolic power to protect and guide.

The stone is also believed to promote clarity of thought, emotional stability, and harmony in personal relationships. Beyond its maritime associations, aquamarine is a stone that inspires confidence, courage, and inner strength.

Its tranquil color encourages a sense of peace and balance, making it a thoughtful and meaningful choice for jewellery gifted on occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or as tokens of affection and commitment.

Choosing Aquamarine Jewellery

Selecting the perfect aquamarine piece involves considering the four key factors: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Deeper shades of blue are generally the most valued, while stones above five carats often display more intense saturation.

Clarity is crucial, as high-quality stones have minimal visible inclusions and a consistent tone. The cut also affects how light interacts with the stone, enhancing its brilliance and perceived size. Aquamarine jewellery can be worn as rings, earrings, bracelets, or necklaces, offering versatility for everyday use or special occasions.

Understanding these characteristics ensures that the chosen piece is both visually stunning and meaningful to the wearer.

Aquamarine Jewellery Styles

Aquamarine is incredibly versatile in jewellery design, allowing for both subtle and statement pieces. Rings often showcase oval or cushion cuts to highlight the stone’s color and clarity, pairing beautifully with diamonds or other complementary gemstones. 

Earrings range from simple studs that emphasize the stone’s purity to more elaborate dangling designs. Bracelets can feature single stones for understated elegance or multiple matched stones for a more striking effect.

Necklaces and pendants allow aquamarine to serve as the centerpiece, with both minimalist and intricate designs creating unique focal points. Each style enhances the gemstone’s natural beauty, making aquamarine suitable for any personal taste or fashion preference.

Caring for Aquamarine

Despite being relatively hard, aquamarine requires careful maintenance to preserve its brilliance. Cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush is recommended, while avoiding harsh chemicals, swimming pools, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Regular professional cleaning can restore its luster, and storing aquamarine separately from harder gemstones prevents scratches and damage. Proper care ensures that aquamarine jewellery remains a cherished accessory for years to come, retaining both its aesthetic appeal and symbolic value as a stone of tranquility and clarity.

Storing Aquamarine Jewellery

Storing aquamarine properly protects it from scratches and damage. Soft pouches, original boxes, or padded compartments in a jewellery case are ideal for individual pieces. Avoid placing aquamarine in direct contact with harder gemstones like diamonds or rubies.

A cool, dry environment, away from sunlight and heat, preserves the stone’s color and clarity. Thoughtful storage not only maintains the piece’s physical beauty but also safeguards its sentimental and symbolic significance, allowing it to be passed down and treasured for generations.

Aquamarine vs Moissanite: Understanding the Key Differences

Aquamarine and moissanite are both admired in the world of fine jewellery, yet they differ in origin, appearance, and overall characteristics. Aquamarine is a natural gemstone known for its soft ocean-blue tones and its role as the traditional birthstone for March.

Moissanite, on the other hand, is a modern gemstone created in laboratories and valued for its remarkable brilliance and durability. While aquamarine is often chosen for its calming color and symbolism, moissanite is widely appreciated for its sparkle and strength, making it a popular option in contemporary jewellery designs.

Understanding these differences can help jewellery enthusiasts appreciate the unique qualities each gemstone offers.

Final Thought

Gemstones carry timeless beauty and personal meaning. At Franc Laurent, the moissanite jewellery collection captures that same brilliance and elegance, offering jewellery that combines style, durability, and significance.

Whether you are searching for a meaningful gift or adding a statement piece to your personal collection, our experts can guide you in selecting jewellery that embodies both beauty and purpose. 

Contact us today to connect with our team and discover pieces that resonate with your taste and intentions, ensuring every selection is as remarkable as the wearer.