March Birthstone: Aquamarine
We love this gemstone for its captivating color and versatility, but aquamarine also has great Biblical, historical and mythical significance.
Aquamarine comes from the gemstone family of beryl. Beryl is a naturally colorless stone but minerals and impurities that have mixed with the stone during the process of its formation produce a variety of different colored gemstones. In the case of aquamarine, the oceanic color comes from iron. Other members of the beryl family include gems such as heliodor, red beryl, emerald, and goshenite—all inheriting their vibrant colors from elements present in the mines where they are produced. What beauty God can bring out of the things we would discard as impurities!
The Story of Aquamarine
Legend has long tied aquamarine with the sea. Meaning “water of the sea” in Latin, aquamarine calls to mind the sparkling green-blue waters of the Mediterranean. Aquamarine was the stone of Neptune, the Roman mythical god of the sea, and it was believed to have fallen out of mermaids’ treasure chests and washed to shore.
Sailors have employed this watery-colored stone as a token of protection on their seaward journeys. Holding the stone under water was thought to enhance its healing properties even being able to cure a victim of poisoning. Aquamarine has also been said to ensure joyful, prosperous marriages!
Like many of the birthstone gems aquamarine, or beryl, was used in the decoration of the priestly garments for ministering in the temple. Each of the stones represented one of the tribes of Israel. These same stones will also decorate the walls of the New Jerusalem.
But beryl is also a stone that makes a unique appearance in prophetic visions. It appears three times in the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel’s vision that opens the chapter features a series of wheels—“their appearance was like the gleaming of beryl” (Ezek. 1:16).
Daniel also has a beryl-studded vision: “I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sounds of his words like the sounds of a multitude” (Dan. 10:5-6).
Aquamarine Gifts for March Birthdays
Any time of year can be a perfect occasion for giving this beautiful stone, but as the traditional March birthstone, it is an especially perfect gift for those born this month. Here are a few of our most sought-after aquamarine pieces.
Natural Aquamarine Moon Ring in Sterling Silver. (Shown above left) For those who love a bold, eye-catching piece of jewelry, this aquamarine moon ring by David Tishbi is too sensational to resist. Handcrafted in Israel, this ring, made of sterling silver and crowned with a large, dome-shaped aquamarine gemstone, places a vision of the Mediterranean sea right around your finger.
Aquamarine and Black Diamond Royal Pendant. (Shown left) Love the classic, antique style? This stunning pendant features a 3.97 carat aquamarine stone encircled by 22 round black diamonds and set in sterling silver. This pendant comes with a sterling silver chain. An extra-special birthday gift this March.
Aquamarine Stud Earrings. (shown above right) For aquamarine enthusiasts that want the straight stone and nothing else, these aquamarine stud earrings are the best choice. Shown here in a 14K white gold setting, they are also available in yellow gold and platinum. These earrings are classic, elegant, and becoming on women (and girls!) of all ages.
Click here for the complete Apples of Gold line of March birthstone aquamarine.
Category: Jewelry History
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