March babies, it’s your time to shine! After what feels like the longest February on record (complete with one extra day!), March is finally here, bringing spring and good luck with it.
March’s birthstone is aquamarine, a gem with an absolutely gorgeous color. Looking at this stone has us dreaming about a vacation to the beach! If you’re as obsessed with aquamarine as we are, read on to learn all about the stone and how to rock it this spring.
Fun Facts
Did you know that the name ‘aquamarine’ comes from the Latin for seawater? Ancient Romans believed this gem could keep sailors out of harm’s way and make marriages stronger because it was a prized gem of Neptune, the god of the sea. That’s a tall order, but one that a gem this beautiful could have lived up to!
Ancient Romans were certainly enamoured with aquamarine. They also believed that the gem could “lose its power” but gain it back if it was left out in water all night under a full moon. (Dickinson Jewelers can’t endorse that theory, but we can clean your jewelry for you if you bring it in.)
If you have a job interview coming up, make sure to wear some aquamarine. It’s believed that it can make you smarter and more charismatic. It’s been used in jewelry since 550 B.C., so it must have some staying power!
People often associate aquamarine with the country of Brazil. After a 243-pound aquamarine was found there, it’s easy to understand why! Madagascar, Nigeria, India, and Australia are also notable aquamarine producers.
Although the Dom Pedro aquamarine started in Brazil, it now lives closer to home in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. This piece of art is the largest cut aquamarine in the world, standing 14 inches tall. It joined the collection in DC in 2012, and museum curators have said it rivals the Hope Diamond in its importance.
Dressing Up Your Aquamarine
Aquamarine is neat because its color can vary greatly. It can be virtually clear or a deep blue - or somewhere in between - depending on the heat it’s exposed to.
When putting aquamarine into a setting, you should definitely consider additional stones. Aquamarine looks especially good with diamonds as the latter’s clear color really allows the gem to shine. This Allison Kaufman necklace is a great example of the delicate beauty created when diamonds and aquamarines combine.
If you’re feeling a bit daring, look no further than the color wheel for inspiration. That’s right: the mainstay of your high school art class can help you design beautiful jewelry, too! Complementary colors are those right across from each other on the wheel. As you can see, orange and yellow are across from blue. Why not try out an aquamarine set in yellow gold?
Not ready to make that leap? Consider pairing aquamarine with colors near it on the color wheel. Call our jewelers today to talk about designing your own custom piece that pairs aquamarine with a purple stone, like amethyst, or a green one, like emerald. You might also think about a monochromatic look and pair your aquamarine with another blue stone. Sapphire or tanzanite could make a really gorgeous secondary look as well.
Aquamarine is truly one of the most versatile gemstones out there! There are so many unique ways to make this stone your own. From a custom design to an estate ring like this one, there’s an aquamarine piece for everyone. Whether you’re headed in to Prince Frederick or Dunkirk, our jewelry stylists are waiting to help you find the perfect aquamarine!