Praised for its sparkle, luster, and brilliant blue color, the aquamarine gemstone is the birthstone for those born in March. It is also the gemstone to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary. Whether a birthday, wedding, or an “I love you” gift, aquamarine is sure to be a valued addition to any jewelry collection.
Aquamarine Origins
The aquamarine gemstone comes from a mineral called Beryl. They are considered “sisters” to the emerald gemstone that also comes from this mineral. Aquamarine stones carry brilliant hues of bright blue ranging from seafoam green to blue-green to teal. The color is most intense in larger stones. This gemstone can be found all around the world, but most come from Columbia and Brazil. The largest gemstone quality stone found weighed over 240 pounds!
The name is derived from the Latin words “aqua” meaning water and “marina” meaning the sea. Believed by sailors to be a gift from the mermaids, they often wore aquamarine around their necks while at sea to keep them safe. The color also reminds us of sparkling seawater.
The Sparkling Aquamarine Gemstone
Aquamarine is serenely colored and calming to gaze upon. It is prized for its depth, luster, size, shine, and strength. They are rated a 7.8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. The hardness of this stone allows for everyday wear with less chance of scratching. These stunning gems have a gentle sparkle due to their high refractive index. The stones are graded by their hue with the most intense hues in larger stones.
Because of their hardness, jewelers can cut them in many different styles and still maintain their integrity. While all shapes are flattering, aquamarine gemstones especially shine in round, pear, princess, marquise, and emerald cuts.
Aquamarine Gemstone Styling and Care
When choosing your aquamarine jewelry, consider metals like platinum and silver. These metals will enhance the natural sparkle and shine of the gemstone. Yellow or rose gold also pair nicely and will enhance the gorgeous blue colors. Gemstones that are often styled with aquamarine are citrine, garnet, and smoky quartz. It also looks fabulous paired with freshwater pearls. All skin tones compliment these gems, but if you have a cooler skin tone you should gravitate toward these sparkling blue colors.
As mentioned before, these gemstones are exceptionally durable with a high rating on the Mohs hardness scale, so cleaning at home with mild soap and water is fine or with an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. Since these stones are often jewelry you wear every day, dirt and grime can build up quickly. Regular cleaning is recommended to keep the gemstones sparkling!
The Perfect Birthday or Wedding Anniversary Gift
Whether you are celebrating a March birthday for yourself or your loved one, Aquamarine gemstones would be a perfect gift. Remember it is also the gift of choice to celebrate a 19th wedding anniversary! They make lovely rings, stunning earrings, and gorgeous pendants. Whatever your jewelry style of choice, Isbell Jewelers can help you find the perfect addition to your jewelry collection. Our expert team can help you choose the right cut and metal for your jewelry or work with you to create a one-of-a-kind design. Stop by our showroom today or browse some of our collection in our gallery!