Aquamarine: March’s Birthstone

March’s birthstone reflects the new spring season perfectly. Aquamarine, with its clear blue tones and luminous quality, has long been admired for both its beauty and its strength, making it a gemstone of enduring appeal to everyone.

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family, alongside emeralds and morganite. Its colour ranges from pale blue to soft greenish-blue, caused by trace amounts of iron within the crystal structure. The most valued stones display a clean, even blue with excellent transparency. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, aquamarine is a durable gemstone, well suited to everyday jewellery when properly set and cared for.

Aquamarines are typically found in Brazil, which remains the largest source, as well as Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Pakistan. The gemstone is often naturally clear, with fewer inclusions than emerald, making it particularly attractive for faceted cuts that maximise brilliance and light return. Gentle heat treatment is commonly used to enhance colour stability, a standard and accepted practice within the jewellery industry.

Aquamarine has been used in jewellery for centuries and was particularly favoured during the Art Deco period, when its clarity and subtle colour suited clean lines and elegant designs. The stone’s name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning “sea water,” a reference to its ocean-like hues. So historically, aquamarine was believed to protect sailors and travellers in particular.

Aquamarine's soft airy colour pairs beautifully with white gold and platinum, while also offering a softer contrast when set in yellow gold.

If you are looking for a gemstone that combines elegance, strength, and natural beauty, and is just a bit different, aquamarine is a wonderful choice. We can work with you to create a bespoke piece featuring this gemstone, or you can look online to see any aquamarine we may have in stock.