Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Known for its clear blue colour and calm appearance, it has been valued for centuries for both its beauty and symbolic meaning. Whether you are choosing jewellery or simply exploring its significance, understanding aquamarine helps you make a more informed decision.
What Is the March Birthstone?
Aquamarine is the primary birthstone for March. It is a blue gemstone from the beryl family, known for its clarity, soft ocean-like colour, and association with calmness and balance. In some traditions, bloodstone is also considered a secondary March birthstone, but aquamarine remains the most widely recognised.
What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a semi-precious gemstone belonging to the beryl mineral group, the same family as emerald. Its name comes from the Latin words aqua marina, meaning “water of the sea,” which reflects its light blue to blue-green colour.
It is valued for its clean appearance, transparency, and ability to reflect light in a subtle but noticeable way. Unlike darker gemstones, aquamarine offers a softer look, making it suitable for both everyday jewellery and special occasions.
What Does Aquamarine Mean?
Aquamarine is often associated with calmness, clarity, and emotional balance. Historically, it has been linked to protection, especially for travellers and sailors. Many believed it could bring peace and reduce stress.
In modern interpretations, aquamarine is connected with:
-
Clear communication
-
Emotional stability
-
Inner calm
-
Confidence in expression
These meanings make it a popular choice for those who value simplicity and subtle symbolism in jewellery.
Why Is Aquamarine the Birthstone for March?
Aquamarine became associated with March due to its connection with water and renewal. March marks the transition from winter to spring, a period often linked with freshness and change.
Historically, sailors carried aquamarine as a protective stone, believing it would keep them safe at sea. Over time, this connection with water and calmness led to its recognition as the birthstone for March.
What Are the Benefits of Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is often chosen not just for its appearance but also for its symbolic value. While these benefits are not scientific, they are widely recognised in jewellery traditions.
Common associations include:
-
Promoting calm thinking
-
Supporting clear communication
-
Encouraging emotional balance
-
Reducing feelings of stress
Because of these meanings, aquamarine is often given as a thoughtful and meaningful gift.
How Durable Is Aquamarine for Jewellery?
Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for regular wear. It is resistant to scratches but still requires basic care to maintain its finish.
It is suitable for:
-
Rings (with proper setting)
-
Pendants
-
Earrings
Although durable, it should still be handled carefully to avoid impact damage, especially in exposed settings.
Is Aquamarine Expensive?
Aquamarine is generally considered an affordable gemstone compared to diamonds or sapphires. However, its price can vary depending on several factors:
-
Colour intensity (deeper blue = higher value)
-
Clarity (fewer inclusions = better quality)
-
Size (larger stones increase price)
-
Cut quality
Lighter stones are more common and budget-friendly, while darker, more vivid stones are priced higher due to rarity.
How to Choose Aquamarine Jewellery
When selecting aquamarine jewellery, focus on quality rather than size alone. A well-balanced stone will always look better than a larger but dull one.
Key factors to consider:
-
Colour: Choose a clear blue tone. Avoid stones that appear too pale or washed out.
-
Clarity: Look for stones with minimal visible inclusions. Clean stones enhance the overall appearance.
-
Cut: A well-cut aquamarine reflects light evenly and improves brilliance.
-
Jewellery Type: Aquamarine works well in:
-
Rings for everyday elegance
-
Pendants for a subtle look
-
Earrings for balanced styling
Selecting the right combination ensures both visual appeal and long-term wearability.
How to Clean and Care for Aquamarine
Aquamarine is easy to maintain with simple care routines.
-
Clean using warm water and mild soap
-
Use a soft cloth or brush
-
Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners
-
Store separately to prevent scratches
Regular care helps maintain its clarity and shine over time.
Aquamarine vs Other Blue Gemstones
Aquamarine is often compared with other blue stones such as sapphire and blue topaz.
-
Aquamarine offers a softer, lighter blue with high clarity
-
Sapphire provides a deeper, more intense blue but is usually more expensive
-
Blue Topaz is brighter but often treated and less durable in comparison
Aquamarine stands out for its natural appearance and balanced colour.
Can You Choose an Alternative to Aquamarine?
Aquamarine may not suit everyone’s preference, especially for those who prefer more brilliance or durability for everyday wear.
In such cases, many consider alternatives like moissanite, known for its strong sparkle and long-term practicality. At Franc Laurent, this includes moissanite jewellery across engagement rings, wedding rings, earrings, pendants, and necklaces, offering options that fit different styles and occasions.
The choice depends on your preference. Aquamarine suits a soft, subtle look, while alternatives like moissanite offer a brighter and more durable option.
Final Thoughts
Aquamarine remains one of the most recognised and versatile birthstones. Its clear blue colour, balanced appearance, and meaningful symbolism make it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Beyond its visual appeal, it represents calmness, clarity, and a sense of simplicity that many people value in jewellery. Whether chosen for personal use or as a gift, aquamarine offers a refined option without being overly bold or complex.
Understanding its colour, quality, and durability allows you to make a more confident choice. With the right selection and care, aquamarine jewellery can remain both visually appealing and practical for long-term wear.
FAQs
What is the birthstone for March?
Aquamarine is the primary birthstone for March, known for its light blue colour and association with calmness and clarity.
What does aquamarine symbolise?
Aquamarine symbolises peace, clear communication, and emotional balance, often linked with calm thinking and confidence.
Is aquamarine expensive?
Aquamarine is generally affordable, but prices increase with deeper colour, better clarity, and larger stone size.
Can aquamarine be worn every day?
Yes, aquamarine is suitable for daily wear, but it should be handled carefully to avoid scratches or damage.
Are there alternatives to aquamarine for jewellery?
Yes, alternatives like moissanite are often chosen for their higher brilliance and durability, depending on personal preference.
