March Birthstone - Aquamarine

Timeless in appeal and refreshingly versatile, aquamarine complements both classic and modern jewellery designs. Whether set in white gold, yellow gold, or platinum, this gemstone has a subtle elegance that makes it suitable for everyday wear, while being exceptional enough for special moments. 

Loved for both its beauty and symbolism, aquamarine is more than a birthstone – it’s a sign of peace, grace, and the timeless attraction of nature’s wonders.  

Historical and Cultural Significance

Aquamarine’s allure extends beyond its beauty, this fascinating gemstone also carries a rich history and significant cultural value. Tracing its roots back to ancient civilisations, aquamarine was adored not only for its appearance, but also for its believed abilities and protective qualities.

In ancient Rome and Greece, sailors believed that aquamarine was a gift from the sea God Neptune, and they carried it as a “talisman”  to protect them during the ocean voyages. It was considered to calm the waves, and bring good fortune on the open water. This maritime association continues today, with aquamarine frequently associated with notions of courage, clarity, and communication. Throughout the Middle Ages, the stone was believed to have medicinal abilities, notably for throat and eye conditions. Aquamarine was also used to revive love between married couples, which is why it has become a traditional present on 19th wedding anniversaries.

Aquamarine has been culturally accepted as a symbol of peace and purity on all continents. From Indian sages to European monarchy, its peaceful light has always been associated with wisdom, purity, and inner strength – qualities still valued by those who wear it today. More than just a beautiful adornment, aquamarine is a gemstone steeped in heritage, reminding us of the timeless bond between humanity and the natural world.

Aquamarine Care and Maintenance

Aquamarine is known for its delicate beauty, but it is also a relatively durable gemstone, which makes it an excellent choice for everyday use. However, careful maintenance is required to maintain its clarity, colour, and brilliance throughout time. 

Ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, Aquamarine is resistant to scratches and surface damage, but still needs to be handled with care. It is advised to avoid wearing it during activities that involve heavy lifting, cleaning, or being exposed to harsh chemicals, as they can dull the gem’s surface or damage the setting.

To clean your aquamarine jewellery at home, soak it in warm soapy water and scrub carefully with a gentle brush. Rinse thoroughly, then pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, especially for vintage or fragile pieces, as intense temperatures or vibrations may cause internal fractures. When not being worn, store aquamarine jewellery in a fabric-lined box or pouch away from harder gemstones like diamonds, to avoid scratching. Regular professional inspections are also recommended to assure the stone’s stability in its setting. 

With proper care and attention, Aquamarine can retain its stunning sparkle and delicate ocean-blue tint for years, which makes it a truly everlasting treasure.  

Shade and Cuts of Aquamarine

Aquamarine’s attraction stems from its stunning range of ocean-inspired hues and adaptability to a variety of sophisticated cuts.  Each stone is distinctive in its own right, combining purity, brilliance, and an obviously relaxing colour palette that expresses water’s peace.

Shades of Aquamarine

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl gemstone family, which includes emerald and morganite. Its colour comes from trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure, ranging from pale sky blue to deeper blue-green tones. While all shades are attractive, the most desirable aquamarines have a pure, medium-to-dark blue colour with great transparency and minimal imperfections.

One of the rarest and most valuable varieties is the Santa Maria Aquamarine, originally discovered in Brazil. These stones are celebrated for their intense, velvety blue colour and are highly prized by collectors and designers alike. Similar hues found in other regions are often referred to as “Santa Maria Africana,” which is typically sourced from Mozambique or Nigeria.

Many Aquamarines on the market have been lightly heat-treated to increase their blue tones and reduce greenish undertones—an industry-accepted and stable treatment that highlights the gem’s natural beauty while maintaining its integrity. Whether you’re drawn to soft, pastel blues or rich, oceanic depths, Aquamarine’s wide spectrum of shades offers a perfect match for every skin tone and personal style.

Aquamarine Oval Cut

A versatile and flattering choice that enhances sparkle while maintaining a timeless appeal.

Famous Aquamarine Pieces

Aquamarine has long held a place in the world of fine jewellery, adored not just for its soothing colour and symbolic value, but also for its regal and red-carpet-worthy appearance. It has been included in the collections of royalty, luxury designers, and global celebrities over the years, reinforcing its reputation as a gemstone of quiet sophistication and long-lasting significance.

Perhaps one of the most famous Aquamarine pieces in history belongs to Queen Elizabeth II, who was gifted a stunning Aquamarine Necklace and matching earrings by the President of Brazil in 1953.  The stones were of exceptional quality, sourced from Brazilian mines, and later inspired the Queen to commission a custom tiara to complete the set. This suite of Aquamarine jewels remains one of the most recognisable in the British Royal Collection, highlighting the gemstone’s timeless elegance.

In the world of Hollywood glamour, Aquamarine has also made a statement. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, famously wore Princess Diana’s Aquamarine cocktail ring on her wedding day reception—an iconic piece set in yellow gold with a large emerald-cut Aquamarine stone. The ring was originally designed by Asprey and remains a beloved symbol of timeless style and sentimental value.

Aquamarine has become a popular choice in high-end and bespoke jewellery collections around the world. Its delicate yet vibrant colour lends itself beautifully to bold cocktail rings, vintage-style pendants, and Art Deco-inspired designs. The gem’s versatility allows it to shine in both statement pieces and subtle settings, offering designers endless creative possibilities. Its cool blue tones pair effortlessly with platinum and white gold, creating a fresh, modern look that still carries a sense of classic refinement.

Today, Aquamarine continues to shine in both bespoke pieces and designer collections, worn by style icons who appreciate its unique balance of softness and sophistication. Whether gracing a royal gala or adding sparkle to a modern bride’s ensemble, aquamarine jewellery holds a special place in the world of luxury adornment.

Astrological and Spiritual Connections

Beyond its beauty, Aquamarine has long been cherished for its deeper, symbolic significance. In astrology and spiritual traditions, this tranquil gemstone is believed to carry calming and cleansing energies—offering emotional clarity, inner peace, and balance to those who wear it.

As the birthstone for March, Aquamarine is closely connected with the Pisces zodiac sign, known for its sensitivity, empathy, and intuition. Many people feel that wearing Aquamarine enhances these natural traits, while also helping to calm with anxiety, improve communication, and bring a sense of emotional harmony. For those born under Aries, which follows Pisces later in March, Aquamarine is said to encourage courage, self-expression, and a balanced mind, which makes it a meaningful stone for both signs.

Spiritually, Aquamarine is often associated with the “throat chakra”, which governs communication and truth. In crystal healing, it’s believed to support clear, heartfelt expression and to dissolve fear or judgement when speaking one’s mind. It has also been used in meditation practices to promote mental clarity and reconnect with the soothing energy of water. Throughout history, Aquamarine has represented purity, protection, and serenity.   Ancient cultures saw it as a protective stone for travellers, particularly those crossing the sea. Today, it continues to be worn as a talisman of peace, emotional resilience, and spiritual renewal. Whether you believe in astrology or crystal healing, there is no doubting the calming effect that aquamarine provides. Its soft glow and peaceful energy make it not only a beautiful addition to your jewellery collection, but also a meaningful one.

Birthstones Alternatives

While Aquamarine is the official birthstone for March, there are a few meaningful alternatives that also carry their own beauty and symbolism. Whether you’re looking for something that better suits your personal style, budget, or spiritual connection, there are lovely options to consider.

One of the most traditional alternatives is the bloodstone, a dark green jasper flecked with red or brown inclusions of iron oxide. Known since ancient times, bloodstone was once considered a powerful healing stone, believed to purify the blood and offer protection. With its earthy tones and bold appearance, it provides a striking contrast to Aquamarine’s delicate blues—appealing to those who prefer something more grounded and dramatic.