Let's Talk: Aquamarine

Much like the ocean, the colour of an aquamarine stone can range from light to dark blue, though most are a beautiful light blue, like the colour reflected on the waves that hit the shore. Some are often so light that the colour is almost unnoticeable. It may be obvious to state, but the name aquamarine comes from Latin words “aqua” meaning water and “marina” meaning sea.

Time to Celebrate

We typically celebrate with aquamarine in March as it is the official birthstone of the month! This is a great transitional colour for going from winter to spring, trading the icy blue snow for clear blue skies. Many also celebrate with aquamarine for their 19th wedding anniversary. Getting married? It’s also a great idea for that “something blue” on your wedding day and can make for a unique and special addition to your wedding day look.

A Global Stone

Aquamarine stones have been found in several countries all over the world, but are most commonly mined in Brazil, Madagascar and Nigeria. It is quite an abundant stone which makes getting your hands on one an easy task as most jewellery stores will carry a wide variety of aqua pieces. You can also often find them in a less translucent style, which are used more for fashion jewellery and the ever popular, beaded bracelet.

Light in Colour, Strong in Durability

Many gemstones are quite soft making them less desirable for everyday wear. Aquamarine, on the other hand, is a harder stone that can withstand a bit more wear and tear than the average gemstone. Hardness in gemstones is measured by The Mohs Hardness Scale, ranging from 1-10, 10 being the hardest. Aquamarine lands in and around a 7.5-8. Diamonds, sapphires and rubies are all commonly known stones that are higher up on the scale than aqua. This is a good thing to note when deciding how often you wear your gemstone jewellery, diamonds are perfect for engagement and wedding rings because they are a 10 on the Mohs scale and can withstand getting scratched or knocked, but lower rated gemstones should be worn selectively and with care to ensure their longevity.

The Meaning Behind It All

Like all gemstones, many believe aquamarine carries special traits and properties that can be beneficial to the wearer of the stone. Aquamarine is a calming stone, and is believed to relieve people of their fears and bring peace in stressful situations. It also encourages relaxation and a reflective mind, helping to clear your thoughts and bring clarity to oneself. In Ancient Rome they took the “aqua-marina” to heart, believing it would help fishermen have a good catch. Ancient Egyptians, however, favoured it for the benefits of healing and strength, which many still believe in today.

Regardless of why you might choose to don an aquamarine stone, at the end of the day it is truly a stunning stone that is perfect for celebrating all of life's milestones! Shop aquamarine jewellery here: www.silverijewellers.ca/shop-colouredstone ∆