Aquamarine, celebrated as the birthstone for March, is a gemstone steeped in history and admired for its serene beauty. This article delves into the characteristics of aquamarine, its historical significance, and its contemporary appeal as a favored gemstone in jewelry, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Aquamarine’s association with the month of March is well-established, with multiple sources confirming its status as the designated birthstone. Honey Willow notes that aquamarine is “the birthstone for March,” a sentiment echoed by Chordia Jewels, which features a dedicated collection of “March Birthstone Jewelry Sets.” The name itself, derived from the Latin “aqua marina,” meaning “seawater,” alludes to its captivating blue hues, reminiscent of the ocean.
Historically, aquamarine was believed to possess various protective and healing properties. Chordia Jewels states that it “heals the wearer from sinusitis,” and offers relief related to “lungs, and respiratory system problems.” Furthermore, the gemstone is believed to enhance confidence and wisdom, particularly beneficial for those with a fear of public speaking. Eyeful notes that aquamarine is “known to help with public speaking, emotional balance, and safe travel,” characterizing it as a “calming stone for anxious minds.” While the scientific basis for these claims remains unverified, they demonstrate the enduring cultural significance and perceived metaphysical benefits attributed to aquamarine throughout history.
Geological Formation and Sources
The provided sources do not detail the geological formation of aquamarine or specific mining locations. They focus primarily on the gemstone’s use in jewelry and its symbolic meaning.
Gemological Properties
Aquamarine, as presented in the sources, is a versatile gemstone available in various cuts and settings. ALOA Jewelry specifies that the aquamarine stones they use are “rose-cut and are 4mm in size.” The availability of aquamarine in different metal settings is also highlighted, with ALOA Jewelry offering options in “Sterling Silver, Gold Filled, and Solid 14K Gold.”
Jax Kelly describes the earrings as featuring a “Petite 3 mm Triangular CZ - Aquamarine” and a “Petite 2 mm Solitar CZ - Aquamarine,” indicating the use of cubic zirconia as an alternative or accent stone. However, ALOA Jewelry explicitly states they use “Genuine Aquamarine stones.” This suggests a range in quality and price points within the aquamarine jewelry market.
The sources do not provide details regarding aquamarine’s hardness, chemical composition, refractive index, or other detailed gemological properties.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The symbolism associated with aquamarine centers around themes of tranquility, courage, and clarity. As noted by Eyeful, aquamarine is believed to promote “emotional balance” and provide a sense of calm. The connection to the sea reinforces its association with fluidity, adaptability, and emotional depth. Chordia Jewels emphasizes the gemstone’s ability to instill confidence, making it a particularly meaningful gift for those facing challenges in communication or self-expression.
The use of aquamarine in jewelry, particularly earrings, is presented as a way to incorporate these positive attributes into everyday life. Kremp.com describes the “March Aquamarine Birthstone Earrings” as “pastel pretties” and “the perfect birthday gift for March babies,” highlighting its aesthetic appeal and celebratory significance. Honey Willow positions aquamarine earrings as a way to “celebrate her March birthday,” pairing the gemstone with freshwater pearls for an elegant and timeless look.
Care and Cleaning
The sources do not provide specific instructions for the care and cleaning of aquamarine jewelry. However, given that several sources mention sterling silver and gold-filled settings (ALOA Jewelry, Honey Willow, Jax Kelly), standard jewelry care practices for these metals would apply. This includes avoiding harsh chemicals, storing jewelry in a dry place, and gently cleaning with a soft cloth. The durability of aquamarine itself is not addressed in the provided materials.
Market and Availability
The sources indicate a readily available market for aquamarine jewelry, particularly earrings. Multiple vendors (Kremp, Jax Kelly, ALOA Jewelry, Honey Willow, Chordia Jewels, and Eyeful) offer aquamarine earrings in various styles and price ranges. The availability of different metal options (sterling silver, gold-filled, solid gold) caters to diverse preferences and budgets.
Chordia Jewels offers a comprehensive range of aquamarine jewelry, including rings, earrings, and pendants, suggesting a broad consumer demand for this gemstone. The sources also highlight the convenience of online purchasing, with details regarding shipping options and processing times provided by ALOA Jewelry and Honey Willow.
Aquamarine in Modern Jewelry
The sources demonstrate the continued popularity of aquamarine in contemporary jewelry design. The variety of styles offered – from simple stud earrings (Jax Kelly, ALOA Jewelry) to more elaborate halo designs (Chordia Jewels) – reflects the gemstone’s versatility and appeal to a wide range of tastes. The use of modern materials, such as cubic zirconia accents (Jax Kelly), alongside genuine aquamarine (ALOA Jewelry) indicates a dynamic and evolving market.
The emphasis on handcrafted pieces, as exemplified by Honey Willow’s “handmade in Bath, England” earrings, adds a touch of exclusivity and artisanal quality to the aquamarine jewelry offerings. The inclusion of detailed product information, such as stone size and metal options, empowers consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Summary of Available Aquamarine Options
The following table summarizes the aquamarine earring options presented in the provided sources:
| Vendor | Style | Stone Type | Metal Options | Stone Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kremp | Stud Earrings | Aquamarine | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Jax Kelly | Stud Earrings (Set) | CZ Aquamarine | Sterling Silver/Brass | 3mm, 2mm |
| ALOA Jewelry | Stud Earrings | Genuine Aquamarine | Sterling Silver, Gold Filled, 14K Gold | 4mm |
| Honey Willow | Drop Earrings | Aquamarine | Sterling Silver, 14k Gold-fill | ~2cm length |
| Chordia Jewels | Halo/Stud Earrings | Aquamarine | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Eyeful | Various (Earring Sets) | Aquamarine | Not Specified | Not Specified |
Conclusion
Aquamarine remains a cherished gemstone, deeply rooted in history and symbolism. As the birthstone for March, it represents tranquility, courage, and clarity, qualities that resonate with individuals seeking emotional balance and self-expression. The readily available market for aquamarine jewelry, coupled with its versatile design options, ensures its continued popularity among gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry buyers alike. While the provided sources do not offer a comprehensive overview of aquamarine’s gemological properties or geological origins, they provide valuable insights into its cultural significance and contemporary appeal.