Get Your Vitamin “Sea” with the Aquamarine, March’s Birthstone

Calling all modern mermaids

Ahh…the aquamarine. When you wear this blue-green gemstone, you can get lost in its cool, transparent ocean-like depths. Named after the Latin for “seawater,” this semi-precious gem comes from a high-class family—beryl, which also produces emeralds. It’s the perfect stone to flash on your finger or around your neck, especially in the spring and summer when we’re dreaming of the sea.

Aquamarine highlights

• In ancient Roman times, they were believed to keep sailors safe by calming the waters.
• They can be found in large crystals (one of which was 243 pounds!), which lend themselves to statement pieces and carvings.
• The gemstone has a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, which makes it fairly durable for all types of jewelry.
• Its color comes from iron within the beryl; there are also cat’s eye aquamarines.
• One of most famous engagement rings was the Justin Timberlake/Jessica Biel 6-carat diamond circled by aquamarine stones set in blackened platinum.

Healing properties

• It’s associated with the fifth chakra, the throat.
• The stone is believed to calm one’s energy, “washing away” stress and quieting the mind, leaving peace and tranquility.
• Like those under the Pisces sign, it’s said to promote self-expression and sharpen intuition.

Buying and taking care of aquamarine jewelry

• Aquamarines are moderately priced—and available in large sizes—so according to the Gem Society, there’s no incremental increase in value per carat for large gems. Price depends on clarity, depth of color, and to a lesser degree, purity of color.
• Keep your jewels in separate bags or compartments so they don’t scratch one another.
• Avoid sonic cleaners; stick with warm, soapy water and a soft or microfiber cloth.

Protecting your jewelry

Always insure your fine jewelry from loss or damage. The first step is to get an up-to-date appraisal. Then you can safeguard it within your insurance policy, or get a special rider for all of your valuable pendants, rings, earrings, pins, and watches.

So, March birthday boys and girls, enjoy your cool, clear, mesmerizing aquamarine baubles. And when you’re ready to have me appraise your jewelry, watches, and silver, call me at 617-304-0174 or drop me a line at aimee@ambappraisal.com.

Brilliantly yours, Aimee