Aquamarine is a beautiful blue-green gemstone we often use in jewelry design. Its soft blue color makes it a popular choice for those looking for a unique and elegant piece of jewelry. Let's enjoy exploring the history, properties, and uses of aquamarine jewelry.
History of Aquamarine Jewelry
Aquamarine appears in jewelry throughout history and for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that the stone had the power to calm the waves and protect sailors at sea. In medieval times, it was believed to have healing properties and was used to treat various ailments.
During the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s, aquamarine became a popular choice for jewelry designers. The clean lines and geometric shapes of Art Deco design were a perfect match for the simple elegance of the aquamarine stone.
Today, aquamarine continues to be a popular choice for jewelry designers and consumers alike. Its beauty and versatility make it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Properties of Aquamarine Jewelry
Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family of minerals, which also includes emerald, aquamarine, morganite, goshenite, bixbite (red beryl), heliodor, and yellow beryl. The stone's name comes from the Latin words "aqua" and "mare," which mean water and sea, respectively. That’s why you often see it paired with jewelry designs that evoke memories of visits to the ocean.
Aquamarine is typically light blue to greenish-blue in color, although it can range from almost colorless to deep blue. The amount of iron present in the crystal determines the intensity of the stone's color. The most valuable aquamarines are a deep, pure blue color.
Aquamarine is a relatively hard stone, with a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale. This rating level makes it a durable choice for any jewelry you plan to wear regularly as long as it is treated with care to protect against scratching and hard knocks.
Uses of Aquamarine Stones
Aquamarine is so versatile that it appears in a wide range of jewelry designs. You’ll find it everywhere: engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Art Deco and Art Nouveau pieces often feature aquamarine in intricate designs. Vintage aquamarine jewelry is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Aquamarine is also a popular choice for birthstone jewelry. It is the birthstone for March. They say it can bring courage, clarity, and inner peace to those who wear it.
Aquamarine Crystals in Your Space
If you practice Fung Shui, you could place a piece of aquamarine in a particular area of the feng shui bagua map. The bagua is an energetic map that feng shui practitioners lay over a space, allowing you to see more connections between your home and what's happening in your life.
Practitioners will place this stone in the money or love corners of the map to facilitate love, softness, and compassion for themselves and others. Amplifying these qualities releases any old patterns that might be holding you back regarding self-love or abundance so that you can make room for new, supportive beliefs and actions.
Ready to Add Aquamarine Jewelry to Your Collection?
Aquamarine is a stunning gemstone whose color, durability, and versatility make it popular for a wide range of designs. Whether you are looking for a vintage piece or a modern design, Daniel Diamonds have deep family connections in the gemstone wholesale business. We can source the perfect aquamarine gemstone for your next custom jewelry piece.
Schedule a complimentary consultation today.