March Birthstone - Aquamarine
Dear March,
You are a month where most cities on the East Coast are still buried in winter snow, it really doesn’t matter if the groundhog has seen his shadow or not, you know what is still to come… 6 more weeks of mittens and toques.
On the west coast you’ve either lost or the wind has turned dozens of umbrellas inside out (nothing but umbrella carcasses everywhere you turn!) and please, give us a little sun!!! But no, 6 more weeks of rain.
To be honest, I don’t really know how the Easter Bunny finds us!
Then March, you magically present to us a bright and shining beauty…one of the most stunning and rare birthstones.
AQUAMARINE
Part of the beryl family and closely related to emeralds, the birthstone for March is the Aquamarine.
A fine Aquamarine has the perfect combination of color and clarity. Most sought after are the gems with a dark blue to a faint greenish blue with no eye visible inclusions. The best cutters will take into consideration all of these attributes to create the most beautiful gem possible!
Did you know Aquamarines are named after seawater? It is derived from two Latin words, aqua, meaning “water,” and marina, meaning “of the sea.”
Beware the foe in combat against the wearer of Aquamarine. This gemstone is believed to give one quick intellect and although good natured person, absolutely unconquerable if forced to do battle!
The largest Aquamarine ever discovered weighed 110 kilograms or just under 5 pounds and was 19 inches long… that was in 1910. Most are mined in Brazil however Angola, Kenya, Madagascar, Pakistan, The Ural Mountains in Russia and yes….Colorado, USA are other important deposits.
Just who are the March babies wearing Aquamarine?
Pisces Feb’ 19-Mar’ 20
Pisces are very artistic with an amazing imagination. What story tellers they are, you can easily fall under their spell as they weave their words into fantastical tales. You have a great capacity for love, so much so it can make you extremely sensitive. Be very careful when relating to a Pisces, an innocent remark can prove to be incredibly wounding.
Aries March 21 – April 19
Aries are born with a sense of adventure and a sparkling energy for life. You will not step away from risk, and are always wanting to take the road less travelled. Undaunted by challenges, Aries can come up with the solution for almost any problem!
Did you know Aquamarine is thought to enhance the happiness of marriage? It is also the gem representing the 19th wedding anniversary.
How durable is Aquamarine?
Putting this in relative terms, a diamond is known to be the hardest gem and measures 10 on the Mohs scale for hardness**. An Aquamarine measures 7.5 to 8 on the same scale. What this means is the more durable a gem is, the more suitable it is for use in frequently worn jewelry.
An Aquamarine placed into a ring setting is not recommended for everyday wear as it is not able to handle sharp blows. Gradually, over time depending on the wearer, the gem will become abraded or scratched. The once sharp facets will begin to dull creating almost a blurred line effect. Happily it can be re-polished to new condition but will need to be re-polished frequently. Again this depends on the wearer.
***This scale identifies the level of hardness of a gem ranging from the softest at 1 which is talc to 10 which is diamond.
Did you know, as a healing stone, Aquamarine is said to be effective as a treatment for anxiety and in the Middle Ages it was thought that Aquamarine would reduce the effect of poisons.
What is the best way to care for your Aquamarine jewelry?
Aquamarines are not recommended to be cleaned in an ultrasonic machine. At home, care is as simple as using warm soapy water with a soft brush (to get into all the spaces creams and soaps can hide) then wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Did you know, Jade is the Mystical birthstone for March?
Aquamarines have been adored by Kings and Queens, in fact Queen Elizabeth II has adored these beautiful gems since her coronation in 1953. Presented with a spectacular necklace and earrings she later added a bracelet and even an Aquamarine tiara to her fine collection of jewels.
Termed as “semi-precious”, Aquamarines are actually very precious and a must for every jewelry wardrobe. They are stunningly beautiful, can protect the wearer and if you suffer from sea sickness, this is the gem sailors wore to prevent this affliction on long voyages…so the stories are told.
Well, I guess we have to say “thanks” March, despite your ability to drench us and make our teeth chatter….you’re not so bad after all!!