Aquamarine for March

Posted by Hannah - 17 January 2017

Large concave cut Aquamarine.

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. It is a semi-precious gem in the beryl family (same family as emeralds). The gem measures 7.5 to 8 on Mohs hardness scale. 

The Meadow collar in 18ct Fairtrade white gold.

Jon's Meadow collar was set mainly with beryls. The light blue and green - cabochon and carved, are aquamarines. The yellow stones are just plain old yellow beryl - they obviously weren't classed as being exciting enough to have a name of their own, like emerald or aquamarine! The darker blue stones are tourmaline.

Aquamarine's name comes from the Latin for seawater (due to its colour). It was believed to calm waves and keep sailers safe at sea. March's birthstone is apparently meant to help promote happiness in marriages (very useful then!). The best gems combine high clarity with clear transparency and blue to slightly greenish hues. Alhough most aquamarine gems are eye clean. 

Like many beryls, aquamarine form large prismatic crystals which are suitable to be cut into large gems.  The crystal size ranges from very small, up to pieces weighing a couple of 100lbs.

Cushion cut aquamarine in a platinum Fourclaw ring.

Aquamarine is also the stone for the 19th wedding anniversary.

Let us know if you would like to have a closer look at some of the beautiful examples we have here.

Bye for now,

Hannah