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March Birthstone – Aquamarine

Whether you are a sailor or not, March’s birthstone is an extraordinary choice for a gift.

March’s birthstone is Aquamarine, a great member of the beryl gemstone family. It’s been used in jewelry manufacturing since the third century BC. Because of its water like colors, it has been called for hundreds of years “The sailor’s stone”. It was thought that it protected sailors and travelers over seas.

From the first time aquamarine was discovered in India more than two thousands years ago, people have attributed various magical and spiritual properties to it. The Hindus used it to spark mental clarity and develop public speaking capabilities.

In medieval times, it was thought that this gem could prevent excessive water retention in the organism and improve intestinal transit of food. In the 19th century, the Chinese got more inventive and started carving small figurines into aquamarine stones.

Today, Aquamarine’s popularity is unprecedented, a reason for which it has become March’s birthstone in the past century. People wear it to get mental and religious inspiration and enhance communication.

Queen Elizabeth II owns a complete set aquamarine jewelry that was given to her as a gift from Brazilians at her coronation in 1953. She added some more items to the original set and she occasionally wears them at diplomatic meetings.

In the past, aquamarine was only available in small dimensions. But recently, mining in Brazil and Africa has led to the discovery of larger specimens that are now available to the jewelry industry.

This precious stone is tough, durable and takes an excellent polish. It can be worn in rings and bracelets with minimal risk if the settings are designed to protect the gems. Avoid steam cleaning or excess heat. Clear stones, called eye-clean, are free of inclusions to the naked eye and can be worn under most conditions.

Recently designers have begun combining aquamarines with golden citrines, emeralds or garnets, sapphires and pink tourmalines to create a new trend in the fashion jewelry industry.

This gemstone is available to everyone, even if you’re not a sailor or a person born in March. It’s a gem that wears well all year long.

What’s more interesting is that you can even get personalized aquamarine jewels from Gemvara. This way you make sure that the jewel you get is exactly the way you want.