Do you get confused while opting for an ideal gemstone for your ring, bracelet, necklace, or any other piece of jewelry? Consider choosing your birthstone, as they carry the reputation of ushering in prime health and fortune. Birthstones, classified as traditional and modern, are classy fashion statements renowned for embodying magical healing properties. March's birthstone, Aquamarine, is among these modern semi-precious stones you can purchase from Diamondrensu.
Aquamarine is a transparent and light-colored gemstone, though purer varieties exhibit a darker shade. It dazzles vividly, and the intrinsic sparkling qualities make it shimmer irrespective of illumination. This gemstone is an integral part of the beryl family of gems, the same mineral group that hosts emeralds.
Aquamarine pairs well with Moissanite stones, and this duo becomes the perfect choice for wedding rings. Additionally, if you are born in March, you can sport this gemstone to inculcate some spirituality in your life and get more connected with your inner self. If you wish to know more about this March birthstone's color, history, properties, and other facets, stay tuned till the end.
Aquamarine Birthstone Meaning and History
Derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (related to sea), Aquamarine translates to 'seawater' and personifies its tranquility—the calmness defined by gentle waves. Its bluish-green color creates an image of a vast and expansive sea before the eyes, and this beryl-based stone occupies a prominent place in history across cultures. Aquamarine's usage in jewelry dates back to 500 BC; therefore, it is not just a passing trend.
In the yesteryears, the Greeks and Romans believed this gemstone guarded the lives of seafarers. It protected them from unrelenting storms as they travelled, countering harsh weather and wave surges for trade and fishing purposes. Moreover, they linked it to smiling fortune and considered it lucky for a good catch.
A Roman legend connects the Aquamarine birthstone to the energy surrounding love and blissful marriage, while some stories link the gemstone to the dreamy world of mermaids. Greek mythology credits Poseidon, one of the members of the ancient Greek pantheon, as the creator of this stunning semi-precious stone. In the Middle Ages, people believed it possessed prophetic powers that helped them predict their future.
Where is Aquamarine Found? What are its Properties?
Aquamarine deposits are not limited to a single country or one geographical region. Miners procure them from pegmatite igneous rocks from various locations worldwide, from Russia to the African country Madagascar. China, the US states of California, and Colorado also add to the world's collection, but they are most concentrated in Brazil and the mountainous parts of Pakistan in South Asia.
This March birthstone's color varies from pale blue to hues of deep blue with a tinge of green. The darker the shade of the blue, the purer the gemstone's quality and the higher its price. The intensity and saturation of the blue color increase with the size of the crystal, implying that you should opt for pieces measuring 5 carats and more. However, the African countries of Mozambique, Nigeria, and Madagascar, among others, offer small stones with higher color saturation on rare occasions.
Aquamarine gemstones are primarily hexagonal, but lapidarist cut and polish them into various shapes. Among them, oval, round, and emerald cuts are highly sought-after by jewelry enthusiasts.
These gemstones are tough and measure between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. While they are extensively resistant to scratches, you need to protect them from unprecedented harm and deal with them with utmost care. They are not as resilient and tough as precious stones in diamonds and sapphires but are durable enough to withstand extended hours of usage.
What to Look for in an Aquamarine Birthstone
If you are an absolute novice with little or no knowledge of jewels, it can get extremely challenging to buy a superior-quality Aquamarine gemstone. Here's what you need to look for:
Color
You need to keep an eye on the march birthstone color with a highly saturated bluish shade. The color intensity not only hints at high iron content but is also symbolic of its purity. The deep blue hue finds its true expression in larger crystals of more than 5 carats.
Clarity
Clarity is another pivotal factor you cannot ignore while purchasing a piece of Aquamarine jewelry. While the trend suggests the use of liquid inclusions in gemstones, they are not as valuable as a clean and transparent variant.
Cut
While Aquamarine stones are cut and polished into numerous shapes and sizes, a few cuts stand above the rest. Emerald cuts, radiant, oval, and round-shaped variants should be on your list.
Benefits of Wearing This March Birthstone
This March birthstone exhibits a ton of benefits that can transform your life for the better. If you are a March baby, you should not leave this opportunity of connecting intimately with Mother Nature and experience the healing powers of this birthstone.
Physical Health
Aquamarine is associated with relieving people from the nuisance caused by blocked sinuses and sore throats. The respiratory system receives a much-needed boost when you wear it. Additionally, it helps prevent disorders caused by hormonal imbalances and allows the body to maintain a desired state of equilibrium.
Emotional Well-Being
In these current times, meeting expectations and keeping up with the fast-paced world can take a toll on your emotional health. Stress, anxiety, and insomnia can render your daily life unbearable. With its healing properties, Aquamarine extends relief from such pressing and challenging circumstances. You can rely on it to overcome traumas and lead a more peaceful, soothing, and self-contented life.
Promotes Healthy Marital Relations
Aquamarine fosters love between couples and lays the foundation for a blissful and happy married life. Designated as the official 19th wedding anniversary gemstone, it is the symbol of healthy marital relations. Dealing with people's anger issues and effecting a change in their demeanor, the gemstone limits disagreements and fights between the couple.
Metaphysical Attributes
On a metaphysical level, Aquamarine leads you to become more self-aware. You develop the confidence and attitude to speak on a public platform. It boosts communication and makes you more empathetic toward others.
Financial Abundance
Since ancient times, people have identified Aquamarine as a gemstone that ushers in good fortune. Wearing it can undoubtedly guide you toward wealth and prosperity, allowing you to avail yourself of the luxurious amenities in the material world.
Aquamarine Birthstone Care and Cleaning
The March birthstone, Aquamarine, demands comprehensive care and protection like all other gemstones. While compact and durable, their crystal structure often renders them brittle. Hence, you should avoid wearing them while performing activities like gardening and outdoor sports, as there is a risk of damaging the stone.
If you do not attend to Aquamarine's maintenance, it can lose its shine and luster over time. You have to wipe off the accumulated dirt at least once a month to allow the jewelry piece to last long. Follow these steps to clean your Aquamarine semi-precious stone:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and pour a mild soap solution or jewelry cleaning liquid into it.
- Submerge and soak the gemstone in the concocted solution for some time.
- Dip a soft brush into the solution and clean the gemstone thoroughly on all sides.
- Handle gently without inducing any unwanted marks or blemishes.
- Dry it using a clean and soft cloth.
Now that you know the procedure of removing all the dirt and grime from your birthstone, here are some aspects you need to be wary of.
- Ensure that your cleaning solution does not contain ammonia or alcohol.
- Avoid using rough and abrasive materials to rub, clean, and dry the gemstone.
Besides self-cleaning, you can also invest in and employ other safe and secure methods like ultrasonic and steam cleaning. The former engages high-frequency waves to create enough heat and pressure to purge the stone of all particulates, even from spots your hand cannot reach.
Caution! Do not use ultrasonic cleaners if the gemstone features cracks or liquid inclusions. Hand cleaning works best in cases where the stone is not transparent and you can see some foreign particles through the naked eye.
Final Words
While Aquamarine is not the conventionally preferred gemstone compared to sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds, it is an affordable option. However, their comparatively lower prices are no testament to their beauty and elegance. Despite not burning a hole in your pocket like other precious stones, these March birthstones attract and shimmer even from a distance. If you are born in March, consider gifting yourself your birthstone to improve your physical and psychological health.
For purchasing Aquamarine based jewelry at competitive rates, you need not look further than Diamondrensu, your one-stop solution to all your jewelry requirements. You get a spectrum of options, from rings to pendants, at Diamondrensu at the best market rates. Moreover, you can customize your chosen jewelry as per your preferences and get free shipping worldwide. Diamondrensu also promises a lifetime warranty and 24*7 customer support if you have any queries. Get your birthstone-etched ornament today!
