Aquamarine and Diamond Rings: Celebrating the Serenity of March

Aquamarine, with its captivating sky-blue hues, is prominently featured as the birthstone for March. Often showcased in stunning rings, particularly when paired with diamonds, this gemstone symbolizes tranquility, hope, and protection. While diamond rings are also specifically highlighted as March birthstone options, the combination of aquamarine and diamonds appears to be a favored design, offering both beauty and symbolic resonance. This article will explore the history, gemological properties, and significance of aquamarine, with a focus on its presentation in rings, drawing exclusively from available sources.

History and Lore

The association of aquamarine with March as a birthstone is a relatively modern convention. Historically, the gemstone has been valued for its aesthetic qualities and believed metaphysical properties. Sources indicate that aquamarine is believed to symbolize peace and tranquility, and even the protection of the sea goddess. This connection to the sea is inherent in the stone’s name, derived from the Latin “aqua marina,” meaning “seawater.”

The sources highlight the enduring appeal of aquamarine in ring designs, ranging from vintage styles to modern creations. Antique rings featuring aquamarine, such as those with green aquamarine stones surrounded by mine-cut diamonds, demonstrate the gemstone’s long-standing presence in fine jewelry. The enduring popularity of aquamarine rings is further evidenced by the availability of both classic and contemporary designs.

Geological Formation and Sources

The provided sources do not detail the geological formation of aquamarine or specific mining locations. They focus instead on the finished product – the gemstone as it appears in jewelry. Therefore, information regarding its origins and formation processes cannot be included based on the available data.

Gemological Properties

Aquamarine, as presented in the sources, is primarily recognized for its serene blue color. The intensity of this color can vary, with some stones exhibiting a green tint, as seen in antique examples. The sources emphasize the visual impact of aquamarine, noting that it looks “ethereal” when set in white gold and “bright and bold” when set in yellow gold.

The sources also mention the use of aquamarine-colored cubic zirconia as a more affordable alternative in some rings. These rings typically feature a 2mm cubic zirconia set in a 1mm gold-filled band.

Diamond pairings are frequently highlighted, with rings featuring aquamarine surrounded by diamonds, or aquamarine set alongside diamond halos. The sources do not provide specific details regarding aquamarine’s hardness, refractive index, or chemical composition.

A table summarizing the properties mentioned in the sources is provided below:

Property	Description
Color	Sky blue, sometimes with a green tint
Material	Aquamarine, Cubic Zirconia (alternative)
Setting Metals	Sterling Silver, Gold Filled, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Associated Gems	Diamond

Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs

The symbolism associated with aquamarine is consistently linked to tranquility and hope. The sources state that aquamarine is believed to bring the protection of the sea goddess and represent serenity. This symbolism makes it a particularly meaningful gift for those born in March. The gemstone is also associated with protection, adding another layer to its significance.

The choice of setting metal also appears to influence the perceived symbolism. White gold settings enhance the ethereal quality of the stone, while yellow gold settings create a bolder, more vibrant appearance.

Aquamarine and Diamond Ring Styles

The sources showcase a variety of aquamarine and diamond ring styles. One example is an aquamarine diamond ring featuring an over 11-carat sky-blue aquamarine set within a marquise-cut diamond surround. Another notable design is a cocktail ring with a 34-carat green aquamarine surrounded by mine-cut diamonds.

More accessible options include rings with aquamarine-colored cubic zirconia set in gold-filled bands, and rings crafted with platinum plating over sterling silver and accented with simulated diamonds. The sources also mention halo settings, where a round aquamarine is encircled by diamonds.

Custom-made rings are also available, allowing for bespoke designs tailored to individual preferences. These rings are often crafted from ethically sourced precious metals and lab-grown diamonds or moissanite.

Care and Cleaning

The sources provide limited information regarding the care and cleaning of aquamarine rings. However, one source notes that rings with platinum plating over sterling silver require careful handling, as they cannot be resized through traditional methods. This suggests that aquamarine rings with this type of plating should be ordered in the correct size to avoid the need for resizing.

The source also indicates that gold-filled rings are safe for sensitive skin and can be worn in the shower. This suggests that aquamarine rings set in gold-filled bands are relatively durable and require minimal special care.

Diamond as a March Birthstone

While aquamarine is the primary focus, one source specifically mentions March birthstone diamond rings. These rings are described as capturing “the essence of elegance and individuality.” The source highlights the pairing of diamonds with the “serene hues associated with March,” suggesting that diamond rings can also be a meaningful way to celebrate a March birthday. The source lists several diamond band rings in various gold colors and carat weights.

Purchasing Considerations

The sources offer insights into purchasing aquamarine and diamond rings. Kendra Scott offers a range of diamond band rings, while Roman Malakov specializes in unique designs, including aquamarine and diamond rings with large carat weights. Saslow Shenebrys and Simple & Dainty offer more affordable options with simulated diamonds and gold-filled settings. TMC Fine Jewellers focuses on bespoke, ethically sourced rings. Helzberg Diamonds provides a variety of aquamarine jewelry, including rings, earrings, and necklaces.

The sources also mention various payment options, including Afterpay, ZipPay, Humm, and PayIn4, making fine jewelry more accessible.

Conclusion

Aquamarine rings, particularly those paired with diamonds, represent a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate a March birthday or to simply appreciate the gemstone’s serene beauty. Symbolizing tranquility, hope, and protection, aquamarine has a rich history and continues to be a popular choice for jewelry designers and enthusiasts alike. The available sources demonstrate the versatility of aquamarine, showcasing its presence in both vintage and modern designs, and highlighting the range of options available to suit different tastes and budgets. While the provided information is limited in scope, it effectively conveys the enduring appeal of aquamarine as a cherished birthstone.