​Aquamarine, March’s Magnificent Birthstone

The translucent, elegant Aquamarine is one of my favorite gemstones. Its rich understated splendor holds its own against any gem, and its cool glow enhances other stones special qualities. In my own collection, I particularly like to mix fine aquamarines with opals and tourmalines for an effect perfect any time of the year. I've culled pictures of some stunning natural specimens as well as aquamarines still available in my own collection. Click on each picture to see the design.

                                         Aquamarine spray from Pakistan, Museum of Natural History, Lebanon

 Do you know...?

• Aquamarine is a member of the exclusive Beryl family (at the highest end of the gemstone register) rivaled only by its famous relatives Emerald (green beryl), and Morganite (rose beryl). They are costly and travel in the finest circles.

• Depending on the amount of iron in each stone, Aquamarines range in hue from transparent light blue to sky blue to sea-green. The more intense the color the higher the value.  

• Legends claim that this mystical stone, Latin for water of the sea, came from mermaids’ treasure chests and had the power to keep sailors safe at sea (where they were most of the time anyhow).
• Aquamarine has been credited with providing courage, curing laziness and quickening the intellect. In the Middle Ages it was believed to give the wearer both insight and foresight.

                                              Aquamarine specimen from China in Denver Museum

• Water soaked in aquamarine was believed to cure eye troubles, improve breathing, and stop hiccups, reduce fluid retention, relieve anxiety, banish laziness, cure indigestion, insomnia, and seasickness (if you don’t have the gemstone on hand try your local pharmacy for their recommended potion).     

• For deep meditation, aquamarine is the stone of choice bringing great peace and serenity.
• This powerful gemstone also helps couples work out their differences and ensures a long happy marriage. It’s an ideal anniversary gift. In fact, it's the official gemstone for the 19th year of marriage. So if you are celebrating your 19th wedding anniversary and/or got married in March, this is the time to snag some aquamarines for your loved one.

                                                       Brazilian Tourmaline and Aquamarine Pendant

• Aquamarine has been found in incredible sizes and quality. 
• Brazil is the primary source for the finest aquamarines, but fabulous specimens have also been found in Pakistan
• Washington's Museum of Natural History is the new home of the Dom Pedro -- the world's largest aquamarine gem, cut from what was believed to have been the largest gem-quality crystal ever found. Discovered in Brazil, the crystal was then taken to Germany where it was transformed into its current shape by world-renowned gem artist Bernd Munsteiner.      
• Watch a video about this amazing specimen here: