A Definitive Guide to the March Birthstone: Aquamarine

THE BASICS --

Offering clarity, coolness, and distinction, aquamarine is the perfect birthstone for March. Symbolic of water, aquamarine is well-honored in a month that includes all types of water, from the last of winter’s snow and ice to the first rains of spring.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• About the March Birthstone
• Aquamarine
• Factors to Consider When Choosing the February Birthstone
• Aquamarine Color
• March Birthstone Healing Properties
• March Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism
• March Birthstone Crystal Uses
• Aquamarine Healing Properties
• Vintage Aquamarine Rings 
• Other March Birthstones
• Choosing the March Birthstone

About the March Birthstone

Aquamarine

Aquamarine, one of the most sought-after semi-precious gemstones, is admired for its serene blue hue and remarkable clarity. Here are some key facts about aquamarine:

• Unique Composition: Aquamarine is a variety of the silicate mineral beryl, sharing its composition with emerald.
• Unique Color: Its light blue to bluish-green hue comes from traces of iron within its hexagonal crystalline structure.
• Unique Structure: Often naturally flawless, its clarity and hardness (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale) make it ideal for larger carat sizes.
• Unique Abundance: Found worldwide, aquamarine is mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Kenya, Russia, Pakistan, Madagascar, Vietnam, India, China, and the United States.

Whether valued for its stunning color, exceptional clarity, or widespread availability, aquamarine remains a timeless and treasured gemstone.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the February Birthstone

Aquamarine Color

Depending on chemical inclusions – typically aluminum, iron, or silicon – in the stone’s crystalline structure, aquamarine ranges from very light, watery blue to delicate blue-green hues. In general, the gem is always a lighter shade, but darker, deeper shades are found on rare occasions. The deepest blue aquamarine is classified as maxixe.

Heat treatments can deepen color shades of aquamarine, and while this can create more desirable, richer colors, treated stones may be considered less valuable than naturally colored aquamarines.

“My experience with Vintage Diamond Ring was so excellent I really had to think about it for a while. First their selection of jewelry is profound. The quality is superior.”

—Claude P verified buyer

March Birthstone Healing Properties

The March birthstone, traditionally associated with amethyst is believed to possess various healing properties and benefits.

Aquamarine Healing Properties

Aquamarine is celebrated for its calming energy, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of tranquility. It is believed to enhance emotional balance, clear communication, and inner peace, making it a powerful stone for soothing the mind and heart. Additionally, aquamarine is thought to strengthen intuition, encourage self-reflection, and inspire a deeper connection to one's inner wisdom.

Aquamarine Inclusions

Aquamarine inclusions, like those in any gemstone, are unique features, imperfections, or foreign materials naturally trapped during its formation. These inclusions can vary in size, shape, and visibility, giving each aquamarine specimen its own distinct character. One common type of inclusion in aquamarine is the presence of long, tubular formations or liquid-filled cavities, which can create interesting internal patterns and enhance the stone's natural beauty.

March Birthstone Meaning & Symbolism

Aquamarines are intimately associated with the tranquility of the sea, both by oceanic color tones and nearly flawless beauty, reminiscent of peering into a clear pool of water or into the depths of a pristine droplet. Aquamarine has been used as a protective talisman for sailors and passengers on ocean liners or any vessel, as long ago as in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations and continuing to this day.

As an ocean-associated stone, aquamarine is the birthstone associated not only with the watery month of March, but also with the zodiac sign for the fish, Pisces (February 19 through March 20). The gem is also the symbolic stone for the nineteenth wedding anniversary, and an alternative choice for the eighteenth wedding anniversary.

In 1971, aquamarine was selected as the official state gem of Colorado, a state well known for its rushing waters and rapids, as well as amazing snowfall – representing water in all its forms. In general, aquamarine is also considered a stone of harmony and peace, symbolizing the unspoiled freshness of youth and the rebirth of spring.

March Birthstone Crystal Uses

Aquamarine is often used for meditation and reflection, as it promotes harmony, peace, and trust. The crystal is also said to ease communication and improve public speaking, as well as enhance inner courage and permit one to truly follow their deepest values. Aquamarine shields the aura, opening intuition and providing overall protection. Because it washes away concerns and anxiety, aquamarine is also believed to help overcome procrastination and laziness.

Aquamarine Healing Properties

Apart from its psychological properties, aquamarine is also believed to have a variety of physical healing properties. This crystal is said to contribute to eye health and visual clarity because of the stone’s own open and nearly flawless crystal structure, and its association with the sea is believed to have given aquamarine the power to prevent or alleviate seasickness.

Pregnant women may wish to wear aquamarine to lessen unpleasant pregnancy symptoms and provide protection to the waters of womb cradling the unborn child.

Aquamarine is also believed to have some healing affect on sore throats and swollen glands, and when worn against the throat and touching the skin, aquamarine will have the strongest curative properties. 

Vintage Aquamarine Rings 

With so much symbolism and useful properties for meditation and healing, it is no surprise that aquamarine has been used in amazing jewelry pieces for centuries. The gem’s large crystals and generally flawless quality make it suitable for larger pieces such as brooches, pendants, and rings, and aquamarine was particularly popular in the Art Deco period in larger pieces and flashy cocktail rings.

Aquamarine looks best when mounted in white gold or silver to protect its pure color, though the stone is occasionally mounted in yellow gold as well. Diamond accents, such as in a halo setting, increase aquamarine’s sparkle, and open metalwork, popular in Victorian and Edwardian designs, brings additional light into the gem so its color is more intense.

Because aquamarine is relatively abundant and mined all over the world, it has been a popular gemstone for many years, and is easy to find in vintage and period pieces. Relatively inexpensive for its size and quality, aquamarine can make a stunning statement in a favorite piece, or can be a popular accent throughout any jewelry collection.

 “Suzanne was amazing! I utilized the layaway service and it was a breeze. Ring made its way to Texas and was even more gorgeous in person."
— Chloe G verified buyer

Other March Birthstones

While aquamarine is the traditional March birthstone, alternative gemstones include bloodstone and jasper. These stones are often associated with vitality, courage, and strength, complementing the traits of March-born individuals, particularly those under the sign of Pisces. These alternatives provide unique options for anyone seeking a more personalized connection to the month of March.

Choosing The March Birthstone

Discover the beauty in the March birthstone and you'll soon agree that every aquamarine ring has precious qualities that make it charming and unique. Explore our collection of vintage aquamarine rings and find the perfect piece that reflects your unique style and story.

Vintage Engagement Rings For Everyone:

No matter which era is your favorite, these time-honored rings have a rich history and individualized character and will continue to have a timeless beauty and elegant appeal that is part of a legacy to pass on to future generations.

Find The Perfect Engagement Ring:

Vintage rings are prized not only for their beauty but also for their exquisite attention to detailing and faceting. If you’re looking for a ring with a sense of glamour, sophistication and vintage charm, explore our collection of March Birthstone Rings today!

Suzanne Sachs

Suzanne has always believed vintage rings can change lives. She's been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.