Aquamarine: the stone of the ocean

Gemstones can be very interesting because of the different colors and meanings they have. For those born in March, aquamarine shines as their birthstone. Aquamarine has a calming blue hue and an intriguing history. In this monthly letter, we will look at its origins, meanings, cultural influences and take a look at the fascinating world of gemstones in general.

The origin of Aquamarine

The name Aquamarine is derived from the Latin words "aqua marina," meaning sea water. Aquamarine is often found in the depths of the earth. It is a variety of the mineral beryl, other gemstones also contain this mineral such as emerald. What aquamarine is often recognized by is its distinctive blue color, it can range from light blue to deep blue-green. When there is a lot of iron and titanium in the rock crystal it creates a beautiful color.

The stone is found in several countries, but the main sources of aquamarine are found in Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria and Pakistan. Brazil is best known for its aquamarine because of its high quality. But in addition to these countries, aquamarine is also mined in the United States, Russia, Afghanistan and several other parts of the world.

Meanings and Symbolism

Gemstones have often been attributed different symbolic meanings and powers by different cultures and traditions. For the gemstone Aquamarine this is no exception, this stone has been given many different meanings and symbolism over the centuries. A few will be described below:

Calming and Healing: The soothing blue hues of aquamarine are often associated with calmness and serenity. In ancient times, it was believed that Aquamarine could provide tranquility and peace to those who wore the gemstone. It was often used as a talisman for sailors to provide protection during their travels on the ocean.

Love and eternal youth: In the time of Greek mythology, aquamarine was dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite. It was believed that wearing the gemstone could bring love and harmony to relationships. In addition, it could also provide eternal youth and some people believed that a wearer of it steeds could be protected from aging.

Intellectual acuity: Aquamarine can also help with intellectual acuity and clarity of mind. In this way, the wearer of the stone would be able to think clearly, communicate better and even increase wisdom.

Healing and protection: Finally, the stone was thought by a small group of people to have healing properties, especially in the area of eye and throat ailments. In addition, it is also said to offer protection from negative energies and dangers.

History

Aquamarine's history is steeped in myths, legends and historical tales. The stone has inspired various cultures and civilizations over the centuries.

In ancient Egypt, aquamarine was primarily used in amulets and jewellery. Here it was associated with clear blue skies and was considered a symbol of purity and youth. Aquamarine was also often placed in the graves of the deceased to help guide them on their journey to the afterlife.

The Greeks and Romans were also fascinated by the beauty of aquamarine. Therefore, they believed that the stone earned the favor of sea goddesses. As mentioned earlier, the sailors of old wore aquamarine as a talisman to ask for protection during their dangerous journeys at sea.

During the Middle Ages, they used aquamarine as a stone that had powers to heal people again. It was believed that drinking some water with aquamarine in it could promote health, as well as cure diseases. The stone was also incorporated into church art, such as in reliquaries and crosses.

In the Renaissance period, aquamarine had renewed popularity. For example, it was widely used for jewellery; it was a favorite choice for royal and noble families. In addition, the stone could strengthen marriage and resolve conflicts.

The characteristics of Aquamarine

Color variations; the striking variation in color makes aquamarine a unique gemstone. From the lightest blue you can imagine to the deeper hues of the ocean. This color is influenced by traces of iron in the crystal and can vary depending on the origin of the stone.

Durability and Hardness; in addition to its aesthetic appeal, aquamarine is known for its durability. Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. This means that the stone is resistant to daily wear and tear, so it will last for years and years. This makes aquamarine a wonderful choice for jewellery, as well as a durable option because the jewellery can be passed down generation to generation.

Cuts; by cutting the aquamarine in a specific way, its brilliance is enhanced in impressive ways. For example, it can be cut on the classic brilliant cut to a more unique cut. Each choice adds a different dimension to the stone's beauty.

Maintenance and care of the aquamarine

• Avoid exposure to hard knocks: although aquamarine scores high on the Mohs scale, it can still be damaged by hard knocks. So wear the jewellery with care and try to avoid contact with hard surfaces.
• Cleaning: clean your aquamarine jewellery with a mild soap solution and a soft brush, such as a toothbrush. Then rinse them with clean water and then pat them dry with a soft cloth.
• Avoid chemicals: try to avoid chemicals such as chlorine and household cleaners, as these types of substances can damage the stone.
• Storage: put your jewellery in a safe place, preferably in a soft cloth or jewellery box to avoid scratches and damage this way as well. 

Summary

So aquamarine is an enchanting gemstone from the beryl family, is known for its serene hues from light blue to deep blue-green. Symbolically associated with the ocean, this stone has a rich history, with the Greeks and Romans believing in its protective power for sailors. With a durability and hardness that make it suitable for everyday use, aquamarine sparkles beautifully when cut in a specific way. Discover the timeless elegance of aquamarine in our unique jewellery collection, where authenticity and quality are key.