Aquamarine Birthstone: Meaning, Colours and Facts

Aquamarine is the March birthstone and the gemstone traditionally associated with the 19th wedding anniversary. Learn about its sea-blue colours, symbolism, history and place in jewellery.

Aquamarine Colours

Aquamarine is most often light in tone and ranges from greenish blue to blue-green. The colour is usually more intense in larger stones.

Aquamarine Meaning

The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin words aqua, meaning water, and marina, meaning the sea. Aquamarine was believed to protect sailors and guarantee a safe voyage. Its beautiful blue colour is also said to give the wearer protection against foes in battle or litigation, as well as unconquerable and amiable powers.

Aquamarine is traditionally associated with a calm temperament, clear thinking and happiness in marriage. As well as being the birthstone for March, aquamarine is the gemstone of the 19th wedding anniversary.

What Is Aquamarine?

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl and is mined mainly in Brazil. It is also found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, Mozambique, Colombia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya. The best gems combine high clarity with limpid transparency and blue to slightly greenish-blue hues.

The central gemstone in the Queen’s Brazilian tiara is an aquamarine gifted to her by the Brazilian people in 1953. It was worn at her 60th Coronation Anniversary in 2013.

Aquamarine Jewellery Inspiration

Kate Middleton has worn aquamarine chandelier earrings, showing how the gemstone’s clear blue tones can bring colour and elegance to an occasion look.