Aquamarine’s name comes from the Latin for seawater and it was said to calm waves and keep sailors safe at sea. March’s birthstone was also thought to enhance the happiness of marriages. The best gems combine high clarity with limpid transparency and blue to slightly greenish blue hues. Like many beryls, aquamarine forms large crystals suitable for sizable fashioned gems and carvings.

Aquamarine is the green-blue to blue variety of the mineral beryl. (Emerald is the green to bluish green variety of the same mineral.) Its color is usually a light pastel greenish blue .

Few people outside the gem industry realize the true nature of a gemstone’s journey from the mine to the counter of a store. Whether the gem is being offered to consumer’s at a traditional jewelry store’s counter, an internet shopping site, or a television broadcast the journey always involves a great deal of effort. Tons of earth and countless hours of labor are needed to being a gem from mine to market.

It’s no surprise that royal ladies around the world have an affection for aquamarines, the clear and bright gemstone beloved by those born in March.

Aquamarine has been associated with royalty in India and other cultures, and is sometimes worn as a symbol of wealth and prosperity: 

Aquamarine is a popular gem that has been worn by many members of the royal family, including the Queen, Princess Diana, and Meghan Markle.

The aquamarine gemstone comes in a light blue hue with transparency, giving it a crystal-like look. Birthstone of March borns, the stone with the calmness and fierceness of Sea compliments the bright light blue hue of the gem. An aquamarine gemstone, aka Beruj in Hindi, has many amazing healing properties. The gem is known to enhance leadership skills, harmonize the mental and emotional state of the person, and align the energies of the person. Eliminating the feelings of insecurity and greed is also a benefit of aquamarine.

HOW TO CLEAN AQUAMARINE

Aquamarine is near the top of the hardness scale, so warm soapy water (mild washing up liquid will do the trick) and a soft brush or cloth should be sufficient to get your gem clean. Make sure to clean underneath the stone too, as tricky as this can be, as a build-up of dirt on the underside of the gem can dullen an otherwise bright, sparkly stone.

HOW TO CARE FOR AQUAMARINE

Keep Aquamarine stored away from any gem with a higher hardness on the Mohs scale as these could scratch your gem. Remember too that it will scratch other gems with a lower hardness. Keep Aquamarine away from heat exposure, as it doesn't take much heat for it to begin to permanently change colour.

Always put jewellery away when you aren't wearing it, and never wear pieces when doing household chores or gardening, etc. Caring for your Aquamarine jewellery will keep it looking its best for many years to come.