The world's largest aquamarine measures 14 inches long and 4 inches wide and weighs 10,363 carats.
While this stone is too large to wear, plenty of aquamarine birthstones are perfect for mounting in jewelry. These beautiful stones have a rich history and more significance than what many people know.
Learn about this tranquil-looking sea blue stone and how it became one of the most loved stones used for jewelry.
Aquamarine Meaning
Aquamarine is a word made from two Latin words. Aqua means water, and mare means sea in Latin. So aquamarine stones are called seawater because they look like ocean water.
While the official birthstone for March is aquamarine, it was not always this way. Bloodstone used to be the official birthstone for March. This was because March comes from the Roman god of war, Mars.
In ancient times, war stopped when winter came. The month of March signaled the start of spring and brought the return of war. Bloodstone symbolized this.
Around the mid-1900s, bloodstones became scarce, and prices rose. In 1952 jewelers agreed to make aquamarine the official march birthstone.
Astrology Significance
The Pisces astrological sign is from February 19 to March 20, taking up most of March. The symbol of Pisces is the fish, a water sign. This makes the aquamarine stone even more appropriate as the birthstone for March.
Aquamarine Significance
The aquamarine stone brings plenty of positive energy to the wearer. People believe it symbolizes honesty, faithfulness, and loyalty. This makes it a popular option when buying birthstone engagement rings.
The stone also symbolizes courage, beauty, and friendship. Wearing the stone will improve communication and bring positivity to the wearer.
Aquamarine Historical Use
Sailors depended on aquamarine stones to protect them while out at sea. They believed the stone calmed the waves and made for tranquil sailing waters. People also wore the stone to drive out negative emotions and enhance the happiness of their marriage.
Aquamarine Coloring
Aquamarine stones are aptly named as they are the color of the ocean. They range in hue from deep blue to pale green-blue. We see similar colors in the ocean and gulf waters that line the Florida coast.
The stones appear as though they just washed up on the beaches of Clearwater, FL. This is probably why sailors believed they were the stones of the sea sirens and could keep them safe.
The stones naturally have great clarity and transparency. Adding them to gemstone jewelry is easier because of this.
Aquamarine Care
Caring for your aquamarine jewelry is relatively simple. Aquamarine stones have a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8. Use warm soapy water to clean the stone.
Be careful to protect your aquamarine stone from extreme temperatures. Thermal shock can happen that will crack the stone.
Don't leave the stone exposed to intense light, as it can cause the stone to change color. Also, don't wear aquamarine jewelry while cleaning, as harsh chemicals can damage the stone.
Own the Aquamarine Birthstone
Aquamarine birthstones have a beautiful color and look stunning when mounted in jewelry. The gentle blue hues complement skin tone and pair beautifully with silver or white gold. They are the perfect stone for a modern engagement or wedding jewelry piece.
Visit our Largo store and let our friendly staff show you a selection of aquamarine jewelry.