Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is a gemstone steeped in legend and admired for its serene beauty. Representing hope, love, and spirited adventure, this pale blue gem has captivated cultures for centuries. This article will explore the history, lore, and characteristics of aquamarine, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Aquamarine’s history is interwoven with maritime traditions and ancient beliefs. Legend holds that aquamarine possessed the power to calm the waters, a belief stemming from its association with the Greek god Poseidon. Sailors carried aquamarine on voyages, believing it would ensure a safe passage and ward off seasickness. This connection to the sea is reflected in the stone’s name, derived from the Latin “aqua marina,” meaning “seawater.”
The sources indicate that aquamarine represents hope and love, and is associated with spirited and adventurous individuals. Those born in March, like the astrological sign Aries, are often described as embodying these qualities. While the origins of these associations are not detailed in the provided materials, the consistent link between aquamarine and positive attributes suggests a long-held cultural perception.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources do not detail the gemological properties of aquamarine, such as its chemical composition, hardness, or refractive index. Therefore, this information cannot be included in this article. The sources do, however, identify aquamarine as a pale blue gemstone.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Aquamarine is strongly linked to symbolism of hope and love. Individuals associated with this birthstone are described as spirited and adventurous, yet capable of being calming and protective forces. The stone is also linked to picking one’s moments, suggesting a balance between boldness and careful consideration.
The sources highlight the personality traits associated with those born in March, suggesting they are akin to the qualities embodied by the stone itself: adventurous, spirited, and hopeful. This connection between the birthstone and the individual’s character is a recurring theme in birthstone lore.
Aquamarine in Jewelry
The provided sources showcase aquamarine primarily in the context of jewelry, specifically in expandable bangles and rings. Alex and Ani offers expandable bangles featuring aquamarine crystals, marketed for women. Rings featuring aquamarine are available in both silver and 18kt gold plated settings. The sources indicate that these rings are often sold out, suggesting a demand for aquamarine jewelry.
The price point for aquamarine jewelry, as indicated by the provided sources, is consistently $26.00 for rings, regardless of the metal used (silver or gold plated). This suggests a relatively accessible price point for this birthstone.
Aquamarine and Alternative Birthstones
While aquamarine is the primary birthstone for March, the sources mention bloodstone as an alternative. This suggests that individuals born in March have a choice of gemstones to represent their birth month. The sources do not provide any information about the properties or symbolism of bloodstone, so further details cannot be included.
Purchasing Aquamarine Jewelry: A Note on Quality
One source highlights potential inconsistencies in the quality of aquamarine jewelry purchased online. A customer review details receiving bracelets that differed in quality from those advertised on the brand’s website, citing issues with size, charm quality, and packaging. The review recommends purchasing directly from the brand to ensure quality and avoid receiving products in substandard condition. This underscores the importance of careful consideration when purchasing jewelry online and the potential benefits of buying directly from the manufacturer.
Aquamarine and Other Gemstones
The sources briefly mention peridot, opal, topaz, and turquoise in relation to other birthstones. However, no comparative information about aquamarine and these other gems is provided. The sources do not offer any insights into how aquamarine differs from or relates to these other gemstones in terms of geological formation, gemological properties, or cultural significance.
Conclusion
Aquamarine, the birthstone of March, is a gemstone rich in history and symbolism. Representing hope, love, and adventure, it has long been associated with the sea and the qualities of those born in its month. While the provided sources offer limited detail regarding its scientific properties, they clearly establish aquamarine as a cherished gemstone with a captivating allure. The popularity of aquamarine jewelry, as evidenced by frequent sell-outs, and the cautionary tale regarding online purchases, highlight the ongoing demand for and careful consideration required when acquiring this beautiful stone.