Aquamarine: March’s Stone of Beauty and the Sea

Aquamarine, celebrated as the birthstone for March, holds a place of beauty and historical significance. This gemstone, whose name evokes the ocean, has been associated with sailors, happiness in marriage, and the arrival of spring. While primarily recognized for its captivating blue hue, the available sources detail its modern presentation in eternity rings, its symbolic meanings, and practical considerations for purchase and care. This article will explore the history, symbolism, and current market presence of aquamarine, drawing solely from the provided materials.

History and Lore

The name “aquamarine” itself is derived from the Latin words “aqua” and “marina,” meaning “water of the sea.” This etymology directly reflects the gem’s most striking characteristic – its blue to blue-green coloration, reminiscent of seawater. Sources indicate that aquamarine was historically believed to protect sailors on their voyages. Beyond maritime protection, the gemstone was also thought to enhance the happiness of marriages, suggesting a connection to love and commitment. The sources do not provide details on ancient civilizations’ use of aquamarine, but its association with water implies a long-held reverence for its calming and protective qualities. The modern resurgence of aquamarine is evident in its popularity as a featured stone in contemporary jewelry designs, particularly in eternity rings.

Modern Presentation: The Aquamarine Eternity Ring

The provided sources highlight the current trend of aquamarine being showcased in eternity rings. These rings, characterized by a continuous circle of gemstones, symbolize everlasting love and commitment. Several retailers offer aquamarine eternity rings, featuring Asscher-cut cubic zirconia as a more affordable alternative to natural aquamarine. These rings are often crafted in gold vermeil or sterling silver, offering a range of aesthetic choices. The design emphasizes a “full circle” of stones, creating a luminous and captivating band. The popularity of stacking rings also extends to aquamarine, allowing for personalized and meaningful jewelry combinations.

Purchasing Considerations and Customization

The sources emphasize the importance of accurate sizing when purchasing an aquamarine ring, particularly eternity bands. Rings with eternity designs or stone settings are often not resizable, making precise measurements crucial. It is recommended to be sized by a professional jeweler before making a purchase. Retailers acknowledge the potential for errors in online orders and offer return policies, though custom commissions and eternity rings are frequently final sale and non-refundable.

One retailer specifically addresses the challenges customers face when finding settings for uniquely shaped stones. They highlight their ability to design custom settings to accommodate stones with unusual dimensions, offering a solution for those with heirloom gems or stones that don’t fit standard settings. This demonstrates a growing demand for personalized jewelry and the willingness of retailers to cater to individual needs.

Practical Considerations: Shipping and Returns

Several sources address logistical aspects of purchasing aquamarine jewelry online. Delays in shipping can occur due to customs regulations, and retailers commit to keeping customers informed about any such delays. Free shipping is often offered, though exceptions may apply to remote locations, where courier fees are significantly higher. Engraved or personalized items are typically non-exchangeable, reinforcing the need for careful order review. Restocking fees may apply to changes requested after an order is completed, or for resizing attempts on eternity rings.

Customer Experiences

Customer testimonials included in the sources provide positive feedback on the quality and craftsmanship of aquamarine rings. One customer praised the ring’s beauty and secure stone setting, while another highlighted the retailer’s responsiveness and problem-solving skills regarding a delivery mix-up. A third customer expressed gratitude for the retailer’s ability to create a custom setting for a uniquely shaped pear-cut stone, resolving a frustrating experience with other retailers. These testimonials suggest a high level of customer satisfaction and a commitment to quality service.

Gemological Properties (Limited by Sources)

The provided sources do not contain detailed gemological information about aquamarine, such as its chemical composition, hardness, or refractive index. However, they do establish that aquamarine is a blue gemstone, associated with the color of the sea. The rings featured utilize cubic zirconia as an alternative, indicating a focus on aesthetic appeal and affordability rather than strict gemological accuracy in the presented examples. The sources do not provide information on clarity, cut grades, or carat weights.

Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs (Based on Limited Data)

The sources primarily link aquamarine to symbolism related to the sea and marriage. Its association with sailors suggests a belief in its protective qualities, while its connection to marital happiness implies a symbolism of enduring love and commitment. The arrival of spring, linked to the month of March, further reinforces the gemstone’s association with renewal and fresh beginnings. The sources do not elaborate on other potential metaphysical beliefs or cultural interpretations of aquamarine.

Care and Cleaning (Inferred from Hardness Considerations)

While the sources do not explicitly provide care instructions, the fact that the rings are made with materials designed to never fade, rust, or tarnish suggests a degree of durability. However, given the potential use of cubic zirconia, which is softer than natural aquamarine, gentle cleaning with mild soap and water is advisable. The sources do not mention specific cleaning solutions or precautions.

Table: Aquamarine Ring Features from Provided Sources

Feature	Source 1	Source 4	Source 5
Gemstone	Cubic Zirconia (simulating Aquamarine)	Aquamarine (implied)	Cubic Zirconia (simulating Aquamarine)
Ring Style	Eternity	Eternity/Stacking	Eternity
Metal	Gold Vermeil or Sterling Silver	Not Specified	Gold Vermeil or Sterling Silver
Price	$94	$49 (Sale Price)	Not Specified
Cut	Asscher	Not Specified	Bezel-Set

Conclusion

Aquamarine, the birthstone of March, continues to captivate with its serene blue hue and symbolic associations. The provided sources demonstrate its current popularity in eternity ring designs, offering a modern expression of enduring love and commitment. While detailed gemological information is limited, the sources highlight the importance of accurate sizing, careful order review, and the availability of customization options. Customer testimonials attest to the quality and craftsmanship of aquamarine jewelry, reinforcing its appeal as a cherished gemstone. The enduring connection between aquamarine and the sea, coupled with its association with happiness and renewal, ensures its continued significance for generations to come.