Aquamarine: A March Birthstone Through the Ages

Aquamarine, a captivating gemstone of the beryl family, holds a prominent position as the recognized birthstone for March. While the provided sources primarily catalog vintage jewelry offerings featuring aquamarine, they establish its consistent association with this month and its enduring appeal in jewelry design. This article will explore the historical presence of aquamarine in jewelry, its representation within the collections of a specific vintage jewelry vendor, and its basic identification as a birthstone. Due to the limited scope of the provided sources, a comprehensive gemological and historical overview is not possible.

A Consistent Presence in Jewelry Collections

The sources consistently showcase aquamarine as a featured gemstone, particularly within birthstone jewelry. Numerous listings detail “Aquamarine BIRTHSTONE RINGS,” “SARAH’S BIRTHSTONE PENDANT - March Aquamarine,” and “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - March Aquamarine.” This repeated association firmly establishes aquamarine’s role as the traditional gemstone for those born in March, at least within the context of the jewelry offered by this vendor. The prevalence of aquamarine rings, pendants, and charms suggests a sustained demand for this gemstone as a personal and gift-giving item. The vendor also offers aquamarine in earrings, further demonstrating its versatility in jewelry design.

Vintage Styles and Settings

The catalog primarily features vintage pieces, offering a glimpse into the evolving styles in which aquamarine has been set. While specific details regarding cut and clarity are absent, the listings indicate a preference for stud earrings (“Brilliant round cut 1.25 carat (7mm) stud earrings”) and a variety of settings, including sterling silver. The presence of both goldtone and silvertone settings suggests a broad appeal across different aesthetic preferences. The frequent mention of “Sarah’s” birthstone rings and earrings implies a particular line or collection focused on birthstone jewelry, potentially catering to a specific customer base.

Aquamarine as a Simulated Gemstone

One source explicitly states that the aquamarine featured in a particular earring set is a “Stone made of simulated Aquamarine colored material (AAA CZ).” This highlights the practice of using cubic zirconia (CZ) as a more affordable alternative to natural aquamarine. The designation “AAA CZ” suggests a high quality of simulated stone, aiming to replicate the appearance of the genuine gemstone. This practice is common in the jewelry industry, offering consumers a wider range of price points. The sources do not provide information on whether other aquamarine pieces are natural or simulated.

Birthstone Traditions and Associations

The sources consistently link aquamarine to the month of March, reinforcing its status as a birthstone. The vendor’s catalog explicitly uses the term “BIRTHSTONE” in numerous product descriptions, solidifying this association. While the sources do not delve into the historical origins of this connection or the symbolism attributed to aquamarine, their consistent presentation of the gemstone as a March birthstone is noteworthy. The inclusion of other birthstone jewelry – ruby for July, amethyst for February, emerald for May, and others – demonstrates a comprehensive offering based on the traditional birthstone calendar.

Sterling Silver and Metal Choices

A significant portion of the aquamarine jewelry featured is set in sterling silver. Listings such as “STERLING BIRTH CHAIN - March Aquamarine” and “Aquamarine Birthstone Earrings in Silver” emphasize this metal choice. The use of rhodium plating on the sterling silver (“Setting made with certified 925 sterling silver, plated in real rhodium”) suggests an effort to enhance the silver’s durability and luster. The presence of goldtone options indicates a desire to cater to a broader range of customer preferences.

Aquamarine in Broader Jewelry Offerings

Beyond birthstone-specific items, aquamarine appears within broader jewelry collections. The sources mention “LADY COVENTRY BIRTHSTONE PENDANT March” and “STERLING SILVER CHARMS - March - Aquamarine,” indicating its inclusion in larger lines of jewelry. This suggests that aquamarine is not solely marketed as a birthstone but also as a desirable gemstone in its own right. The variety of jewelry types – rings, pendants, earrings, charms, pins – demonstrates the versatility of aquamarine in different design contexts.

Limited Gemological Information

The provided sources offer minimal gemological information about aquamarine. There is no discussion of its chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness, or specific geological origins. The only physical characteristic mentioned is the size of the round-cut CZ stones in the earrings (7mm, 1.25 carats). This lack of detailed gemological data limits the scope of this article.

Conclusion

The provided sources, while limited in scope, consistently present aquamarine as the established birthstone for March. The catalog of a vintage jewelry vendor showcases its enduring popularity in a variety of settings, primarily sterling silver, and styles. The inclusion of both natural and simulated aquamarine demonstrates the range of options available to consumers. While the sources lack detailed gemological information or historical context, they firmly establish aquamarine’s place within the tradition of birthstone jewelry and its continued appeal as a beautiful and cherished gemstone. The consistent association with March, as evidenced by the numerous “birthstone” listings, solidifies its position as a significant gemstone for those born in that month.

Sources

  1. Amazing Vintage Jewelry
  2. Chicaven

Related Posts