Aquamarine: The Calm Blue of the Sea (March's Birthstone)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, a soft sea-blue stone that feels calm and easy to wear
It belongs to the beryl family, the same family as Emerald, but in serene blue instead of green
With a hardness of about 7.5 to 8, Aquamarine is durable enough for rings and everyday pieces
The deeper, more saturated blue is often called Santa Maria, and it is the shade I look for

What’s Inside

March’s Calm Blue Birthstone
What I Love About Aquamarine
Wearing Aquamarine
Aquamarine as a March Gift
Aquamarine FAQ

March’s Calm Blue Birthstone

If March is your month, your birthstone is Aquamarine, and its name says it all. Aqua marina means sea water, and that is exactly what this stone looks like, a clear, gentle blue you could imagine swimming in. It has always felt like the color of a deep breath to me, which is part of why the Aquamarine March birthstone suits spring so well.

Aquamarine is part of the beryl family, which the GIA notes also includes Emerald. Same mineral, completely different mood, one is lush green, the other a cool, calming blue. Sailors once carried Aquamarine for safe passage, which I love, because it still feels like a stone that soothes.

Not sure which stone matches your month? My birthstone jewelry guide covers every one.

What I Love About Aquamarine

The clarity is the first thing that catches me. Good Aquamarine is beautifully clear, so when it is faceted it holds light like a drop of clean water. The color ranges from the palest whisper of blue to a richer, more saturated tone often called Santa Maria, and that deeper blue is the one I hunt for. A well-cut Aquamarine almost disappears into pure color, which is exactly the effect I want.

It is one of the anchor stones in my Ocean Collection, where I pair it with Rainbow Moonstone for a look that really does feel like light moving on the surface of the sea.

WHAT CUSTOMERS SAY

“Extremely gorgeous Aquamarines and the charm is so cute! I look at it all the time!”

– Kate, on the Freedom Tide Bracelet

Solid Gold 14K Gemstone Beaded Bracelet with a Charm - your choice of bracelet

Wearing Aquamarine

One of the practical joys of Aquamarine is how hard it is. At roughly 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, it resists scratches better than softer stones, which makes it a lovely choice for a ring you reach for often. I would still slip it off before rough tasks or the gym.

Because it is such a soft, cool blue, it plays well with almost everything, white linen in summer, cozy cream in winter, denim year round. I like it in gold, where the warm metal keeps the blue from feeling icy. Layer it with other blues for depth, or let a single Aquamarine piece be the quiet star. It is one of those rare stones that looks equally right on a young girl and on her grandmother, which is part of why it makes such a lovely gift.

“The moment I set a clear Aquamarine into warm gold, the whole piece seems to soften. That blue starts to look like sunlight moving over the sea.”

Aquamarine as a March Gift

Aquamarine makes a beautiful March birthday gift, and its calming reputation makes it a thoughtful present for anyone going through a big change or simply craving a little peace. I have wrapped up more than a few Aquamarine pieces for expectant mothers and for friends stepping into something new and a little scary. A small blue stone can be a quiet wish for calm that someone carries with them all day.

If you want a particular blue, pale and dreamy or deep Santa Maria, I can source the stones and design a piece by hand. Just tell me the shade you love, and we can take our time getting the blue exactly right.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Aquamarine FAQ

Is Aquamarine really the March birthstone?

Yes. Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for March. Its gentle sea-blue color and calming reputation make it a favorite for spring birthdays.

Is Aquamarine durable enough for a ring?

It is one of the more durable colored stones, sitting around 7.5 to 8 on the hardness scale. That makes it a great everyday choice, including for rings, as long as you avoid hard knocks and harsh chemicals.

What is Santa Maria Aquamarine?

Santa Maria is the name for a deeper, more saturated blue Aquamarine. It is more sought after than the palest stones, and it is the richer tone I like to use when I can find it.

Can you make a custom Aquamarine piece?

Yes, gladly. Tell me your favorite blue and how you like to wear jewelry on my custom orders page, and I will hand-build an Aquamarine piece just for you.

A BREATH OF BLUE