Aquamarine, celebrated as the birthstone for March, is a gemstone revered for its tranquil blue-green hues reminiscent of the sea. This article delves into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and symbolism of aquamarine, drawing exclusively from available sources. It explores the gemstone’s appeal in contemporary jewelry, particularly in delicate choker necklaces, and provides guidance on its care and preservation.
History and Lore
Aquamarine’s history is interwoven with maritime traditions and beliefs in its protective qualities. While specific dates regarding its initial discovery are not detailed in the provided sources, the gem has long been associated with the ocean and believed to embody the calming energy of the sea. Modern jewelry makers, like those at Summer Gems, highlight this connection, describing aquamarine as capturing “the essence of ocean waters.” The stone’s name itself, derived from the Latin “aqua marina,” meaning “seawater,” underscores this enduring association.
The sources indicate aquamarine is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for the symbolism it carries. It is considered a stone of courage, clarity, and emotional balance. IvyLaine Jewellery emphasizes this, noting aquamarine symbolizes “calmness, clarity, and courage.” This symbolism makes it a particularly meaningful gift for those born in March, or for anyone seeking these qualities in their life.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not detail the specific geological processes involved in aquamarine formation, nor do they list specific mining locations beyond a general reference to Barbados. Summer Gems notes their aquamarine necklaces are “handcrafted in Barbados where the crystal-clear Caribbean waters inspire our most treasured birthstone jewelry,” suggesting a source for some of the material. However, the sources primarily focus on the finished jewelry pieces rather than the gemstone’s origins.
Gemological Properties
Aquamarine is a variety of the mineral beryl, with its blue to blue-green color resulting from trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure. The sources provide some insight into the gemological properties of aquamarine as it appears in jewelry.
The size of aquamarine stones used in jewelry varies. Shokh Jewelry features necklaces with 8mm aquamarine beads, while IvyLaine Jewellery offers a necklace with a 3mm stone. Mighty Jewels details the dimensions of their “OFF-KILTER” rondelle, specifying a width of 3mm and a height of 2mm tapering to 1mm, with gemstones measuring 1.5mm. Honey Willow’s briolette choker features natural stones that “may vary in size, shape and shade,” highlighting the inherent uniqueness of each gem.
The sources also mention the metals used in aquamarine jewelry. Options include sterling silver, silver-plated chains, 14k gold vermeil (gold bonded to a base metal), and 14k gold-fill. Chordia Jewels offers aquamarine rings and pendants with customizable metal types, gemstone quality grades, and carat weights.
A table summarizing the gemological details mentioned in the sources is provided below:
| Property | Detail | Source(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Gemstone Type | Aquamarine (variety of beryl) | 3, 5 |
| Color | Blue to blue-green | 3, 5 |
| Bead Size | 8mm | 1 |
| Stone Size | 3mm | 3 |
| Rondelle Width | 3mm | 4 |
| Rondelle Height | 2mm tapering to 1mm | 4 |
| Gemstone Size (Rondelle) | 1.5mm | 4 |
| Metal Options | Sterling Silver, Silver-Plated, 14k Gold Vermeil, 14k Gold-Fill | 1, 2, 3, 6 |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
As previously mentioned, aquamarine is strongly associated with the sea and embodies qualities of calmness, clarity, and courage. Summer Gems highlights its “calming energy,” while IvyLaine Jewellery emphasizes its representation of these virtues. The stone is considered a beneficial gem for those seeking emotional balance and is often chosen as a gift for individuals born in March.
Chordia Jewels notes the appeal of aquamarine rings, particularly “sea aquamarine rings,” suggesting a continued connection to the ocean in modern perceptions of the stone. The sources do not detail any ancient or historical metaphysical beliefs beyond this general association with the sea and its calming properties.
Care and Cleaning
Maintaining the beauty of aquamarine jewelry requires careful handling and cleaning. Shokh Jewelry provides specific care instructions:
- Put jewelry on after applying clothes and remove before undressing.
- Avoid direct spray of perfume onto the jewelry.
- Remove all jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, or sleeping.
- Store in a zip-top plastic bag for longer storage.
These recommendations are based on the materials used in the jewelry – particularly the silver-plated chains and other metals – and aim to prevent tarnishing, scratching, and damage. Honey Willow notes that natural stones “may vary in size, shape and shade,” reinforcing the need for gentle handling to preserve the stone’s unique characteristics.
Contemporary Jewelry Styles
The provided sources showcase a variety of aquamarine jewelry styles, with a particular emphasis on necklaces. Shokh Jewelry, Honey Willow, IvyLaine Jewellery, and Summer Gems all offer aquamarine choker necklaces, demonstrating the current popularity of this style. Mighty Jewels presents a more avant-garde design with their “OFF-KILTER” rondelle necklace, while Chordia Jewels offers a broader range of aquamarine rings, earrings, and pendants.
The designs range from delicate and minimalist (Shokh Jewelry) to more elaborate and eye-catching (Mighty Jewels). The use of different metal types – silver, gold vermeil, and gold-fill – allows for customization and caters to a variety of preferences and budgets. The ability to personalize pieces, as offered by Chordia Jewels, further enhances the appeal of aquamarine jewelry.
Conclusion
Aquamarine remains a cherished gemstone, deeply connected to the serenity of the ocean and imbued with symbolism of courage, clarity, and emotional balance. Its tranquil blue-green hues and versatility in jewelry design continue to make it a popular choice, particularly for those born in March. The provided sources demonstrate the enduring appeal of aquamarine, from delicate choker necklaces to more elaborate rings and pendants, crafted with care and attention to detail. Proper care and storage, as outlined in the sources, will ensure that aquamarine jewelry retains its beauty for years to come.