March Birthstone
Sailors once carried aquamarine on long voyages, believing it could calm rough seas and protect them from danger. However, Aquamarine's association with the sea goes beyond folklore. Ancient Romans even believed the stone was a gift from Neptune himself, washed ashore from mermaids' treasure, and carried it as a talisman for safe travel over open water. That maritime symbolism has followed aquamarine through the centuries, even as its use shifted from protective charm to popular birthstone. Today, aquamarine remains one of the most requested gemstones for March birthdays and beyond, prized as much for its soft, wearable color as for the sense of calm it's said to bring. At JTV, we've spent years sourcing genuine aquamarine, cut into pieces that carry that same sense of calm into everyday jewelry. Here's the story behind March's birthstone, and how its color still feels like water centuries later.
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The Stone Sailors Once Carried For Protection
Long before aquamarine became a birthstone, it carried a reputation as a protective talisman for anyone headed out to sea. Here's some information on the mythology behind this amazing gem:
Where Aquamarine's Name Actually Comes From
The name aquamarine comes directly from the Latin words for water and sea, a fitting description for its pale to deep blue coloring. Ancient sailors believed the stone could calm rough waters and guarantee a safe return home.
Why Ancient Sailors Trusted This Gem With Their Lives
Aquamarine was often carried or worn during long sea voyages, treated less like jewelry and more like a piece of protective equipment. That belief in the stone's calming power followed it for centuries, long before it was formally recognized as March's birthstone.
The Beryl Family Aquamarine Belongs To
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family of minerals, the same family that produces emerald, though the two stones look nothing alike. Read our full Birthstone Guide by Month to see how other months' stones compare within their own mineral families.
Choosing A March Birthstone Ring With Real Meaning
A March birthstone ring carries that same centuries-old symbolism of calm and protection, making it more than just a pretty accessory. It's a fitting choice for anyone who wants a gemstone with a story behind it.
Aquamarine Facts Worth Knowing
A few details make aquamarine easier to understand and shop for:
- Its Place On The Hardness Scale: Aquamarine ranks a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it fairly durable.
- How Its Color Range Varies: The stone spans pale sky blue to deeper, more saturated sea-blue tones.
- Understanding Gemstone Terminology: Learn more helpful terms in our Gemstone Glossary, a useful shopping resource.
- Shopping Every Birth Month: Explore the full year in Shop All Birthstone Jewelry, all in one place.
These details add helpful context as you shop for a gemstone with real history behind it.
Styling Ocean-Inspired Color Into Everyday Life
Aquamarine's calm, water-like color makes it one of the more versatile gemstones to wear day to day. Here are some ideas for styling it:
Pairing Aquamarine With Warm And Cool Metals
White gold and silver settings let aquamarine's cool blue tone take center stage, while yellow gold adds warmth and contrast against the color. Both looks work depending on the rest of your jewelry.
Everyday March Birthstone Jewelry That Still Feels Special
March birthstone jewelry in aquamarine tends to feel light and wearable, rather than heavy or formal, which makes it a good fit for daily wear. A simple pendant or pair of studs is often the easiest starting point.
The Blue Tones Behind Our March Collection
From everyday pieces to rarer, more saturated varieties, our March collection covers a genuine range of what aquamarine has to offer.
Aquamarine Jewelry
Our aquamarine collection spans rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in shades ranging from pale blue to deeper sea-blue tones. We carry both natural and lab-created stones, giving shoppers options across a range of budgets.
March Birthstone Jewelry
This collection is curated specifically around aquamarine as March's official birthstone, separate from our wider aquamarine catalog. It's the natural starting point if you're shopping for a March birthday rather than aquamarine in general.
Santa Maria Aquamarine Jewelry
Santa Maria aquamarine is one of the most prized varieties we carry, known for a deeper, more saturated blue than standard aquamarine typically shows.
Frequently Asked Questions About The March Birthstone
Aquamarine's name comes from Latin words meaning "water of the sea," reflecting its blue coloring.
Yes, aquamarine ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it suitable for daily wear.
Brazil has long been the world's leading source of aquamarine, though it's also mined in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, and a handful of other countries. JTV sources aquamarine from multiple origins to bring in a range of quality and price points.
Yes, both stones belong to the beryl mineral family, despite their very different colors.
It displays a deeper, more saturated blue color than typical aquamarine varieties.
Yes, we carry both natural and lab-created aquamarine across our March birthstone collection.
