Aquamarine, the captivating gemstone associated with the month of March, has long been cherished for its serene blue hues and symbolic representation of tranquility and protection. Derived from the Latin words “aqua” and “marina,” meaning “water of the sea,” aquamarine evokes the clarity and calming essence of the ocean. This gemstone holds a significant place in both history and modern jewelry, serving as a beloved choice for rings, pendants, and earrings, particularly for those celebrating March birthdays or commemorating the 19th wedding anniversary.
History and Lore
Throughout history, aquamarine has been steeped in lore and believed to possess protective qualities. Ancient mariners, as noted in available sources, held the belief that aquamarine safeguarded sailors on their voyages, ensuring a safe passage across the open ocean. Beyond seafaring protection, the gemstone was also thought to enhance the happiness of marriages, making it a traditional gift for newlyweds. More recently, aquamarine has gained royal recognition, notably through its association with Princess Diana and Meghan Markle, further elevating its prestige and desirability. Princess Diana was famously fond of aquamarine jewelry, and a piece from her private collection was incorporated into Meghan Markle’s engagement ring, creating a link between generations through this striking stone.
Geological Formation and Sources
While the provided sources do not detail the geological formation of aquamarine, they do highlight its presence in various jewelry designs. The sources focus on the finished product rather than the mining locations or geological processes. However, they do indicate that aquamarine is a popular choice for rings, earrings, and pendants, crafted by skilled artisans using the finest gemstones and metals. The sources mention a variety of metal settings, including sterling silver, and 10K, 14K, 18K yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum.
Gemological Properties
Aquamarine boasts a remarkable combination of clarity and brilliance, making it a highly sought-after gemstone. Its hardness, ranging from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, contributes to its durability, making it suitable for everyday wear, even in engagement rings. The color of aquamarine varies from light blue to aqua blue, with higher saturation generally increasing its value. Clarity is also a crucial factor, as high-quality aquamarine should be as free as possible from inclusions, with greater transparency also enhancing its value. Jewelers consider the cut of the gemstone essential, as a well-executed cut maximizes brilliance.
The sources mention a variety of cuts available, including oval, pear, emerald, marquise, and heart-shaped aquamarine. Emerald cut aquamarine rings are specifically highlighted for their ability to effectively reflect light, emphasizing the gemstone’s color and transparency. Designs range from simple solitaire settings to more elaborate vintage styles featuring intricate metal carvings and settings, and combinations with diamonds, such as halo designs and side stone arrangements.
A table summarizing key gemological properties, based on the provided sources, is as follows:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 7.5-8 |
| Color | Light blue to aqua blue |
| Clarity | High transparency, minimal inclusions preferred |
| Cut | Oval, pear, emerald, marquise, heart-shaped, solitaire, halo, side stone |
| Metal Settings | Sterling silver, 10K, 14K, 18K yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, aquamarine is imbued with symbolic meaning and metaphysical properties. According to some beliefs, aquamarine is related to the “vishuddha chakra” or “Throat Chakra,” and is thought to relieve throat infections. It is also believed to help restore hormonal balance, promoting calmness and mental focus. Furthermore, aquamarine is associated with relief from thyroid-related and pituitary gland-related issues, reducing gland inflammation and aiding in the healing of sinusitis. Individuals wearing aquamarine are believed to experience relief from lung and respiratory system problems, and the gemstone is said to enhance confidence and wisdom, particularly for those with a fear of public speaking.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its relatively high hardness, aquamarine is a durable gemstone that can withstand regular wear. However, proper care is essential to maintain its brilliance. The sources do not provide specific cleaning instructions, but given its composition and hardness, gentle cleaning with warm, soapy water and a soft brush is recommended. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, as these may damage the gemstone or its setting.
Aquamarine Jewelry Styles
The sources showcase a diverse range of aquamarine jewelry styles. Rings are a prominent feature, ranging from simple aquamarine solitaire rings to more elaborate aquamarine diamond rings. Earrings are also popular, with options including solitaire aquamarine earrings and designs featuring aquamarine surrounded by diamond halos. Pendants are available in various shapes, including solitaires, hearts, and radiances, and can be customized to suit individual preferences. Necklaces featuring aquamarine are also available, offering a touch of blue elegance to any ensemble. MollyJewelryUS offers customization options, allowing customers to specify their preferred style, metal type, gemstone quality grade, and carat weight.
Conclusion
Aquamarine stands as a captivating gemstone, celebrated for its serene beauty, historical significance, and symbolic meaning. From its ancient origins as a protector of sailors to its modern-day status as a beloved birthstone and anniversary gift, aquamarine continues to enchant and inspire. Its durability, clarity, and range of available cuts and settings make it a versatile choice for a variety of jewelry designs. Whether adorning a ring, pendant, or earrings, aquamarine adds a touch of tranquil elegance to any collection, embodying the essence of the sea and the promise of serenity.