March Birthstone Aquamarine
Aquamarines are also given as traditional gifts for 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries. Legend has it that this "mermaid's treasure" can help a husband and wife overcome their differences and forge a long-lasting and happy union. Throughout history, the jewel was also used to ward off the devil and heal anxiety. These gems are very versatile. This makes aquamarine a favorite of jewelers and jewelry designers world-wide. The gem looks great in just about any cut and is used in a wide variety of fine items ranging from rings to bracelets and everything in between. Birthstones: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - DecemberSave on March Birthstone Jewelry |
In 1912 the American National Association of Jewelers decided to name Aquamarine, a blue-green member of the beryl family of gems, as the birthstone for the month of March. Actually, aquamarine ranges in color from a very pale blue to a deep-blue aqua color. The stone is found in a variety of places including Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Russia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the most valuable stones tend to come from Brazil. Brazilian aquamarines, which are commonly known as Santa Marias, tend to be rich in color, closely resembling the ocean.
Aquamarine gems are not only colorful, they are also quite strong, registering around an 8 on the Mohs scale. In ancient times, it was believed that aquamarine, which translated from its Latin roots means "sea water," could keep sailors safe during their sojourns. It was also thought that the gem could prevent seasickness.