Born on Mars, aquamarine is your birthstone. And did you know that? It belongs to the beryl family, like the fantastic emerald. However, you will see that aquamarine has nothing to envy to this sexy big sister!
Origin and etymology of aquamarines
If you're a regular reader of our articles, you'll know that aquamarine has a strong link with the sea, starting with its name. It comes from the Latin " aqua marina ", which literally means "sea water" and evokes the stone's hue - think Caribbean rather than North Sea. In fact, aquamarine is a privileged symbol of protection for sailors. In the past, they believed the stone would bring them luck on their journeys on the water and prevent them from drowning. To find out more about the symbolic virtues of aquamarine, we refer you to our summary of birthstones. birthstones.
Aquamarine characteristics
Transparent to translucent, aquamarine colors from blue to blue-green depending on the oxidation stage of the iron naturally present in the stone: sufficiently oxidized, it adds a hint of yellow to the blue. And blue + yellow? Green! The stone can be heated to remove the yellow or to accentuate the blue color, the most prized aquamarines being of a deep blue hue.
Meghan Markle's jewelry
In fact, the latest aquamarine to turn the world's head was the one that belonged to Lady Diana, given to Meghan Markle by Harry. The Duchess wore it on her finger at their wedding reception, which the Sussexes attended in a vintage Jaguar.
This imposing jewel is part of a set that also includes a bracelet (adorning Diana's wrist in the photo). Meghan's appearance sparked a veritable frenzy around cocktail rings adorned with an aquamarine. If you too want to be a princess for a day, we've unearthed one that escaped the global enthusiasm... until now!
Aquamarine cocktail ring on white gold and platinum
An ideal choice for an engagement ring
Meghan's ring is made of diamonds, but before diamonds supplanted aquamarine as a popular choice for engagement rings. The stone is indeed a symbol of happiness in marriage.
Do you know the belief that the bride should wear "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue" on the big day to help her wedding go well? Let's decipher this superstition together:
- Something new, like the new chapter you are about to write together. Usually it's the dress!
- Something old, that symbolises the past. Often a family jewel of the bride
- Something borrowed, preferably from someone who is happily married so that their happiness will reflect on the young couple
- Something blue, closely linked to the colour's symbolism of wisdom and faithfulness. Think for example of the Virgin's cloak.
Traditionally, a blue ribbon garter was chosen to respect the custom without spoiling your beautiful white dress. Take a look at our daisy ring, which not only ticks two boxes at once (something old-fashioned and blue) but will keep your garter from being auctioned off during dinner! 😬
Aquamarine and diamond Art Deco ring
Where aquamarine comes from
In jewellery, aquamarines are often set in white gold or platinum, whose colour matches the blue hue of the stone. They can be found in all periods.
The main places of extraction of the gem are as follows: Africa (Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe), Brazil, Pakistan, Ukraine and Vietnam. Among the most famous aquamarines, the intense blue Santa Maria comes from the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil, discovered in the early 20th century.
Gold and aquamarine lion pendant
And while we're on the subject of Brazil, do you know Dom Pedro? It is the largest known aquamarine, cut in the shape of an obelisk. Since 2012, it has been part of the collections of the Smithsonian Institute, Washington's Museum of Natural History, joining the famous "blue diamond"... but that's another story!
No jealousy if the Mars stone, symbol of eternal youth, is not your birthstone. Discover here the equally cool properties of yours.
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