Finding the right gifts for a family member or friend can be tough. One gift idea that's always sure to leave a smile is an aquamarine gemstone.
Aquamarine is a color that conjures images of the pure, blue-green waters of the Mediterranean, sparkling in the sun. More than just a beautiful hue, aquamarine is the official birthstone for the month of March, and is a member of the beryl family, which includes the famous emerald.
According to myth, aquamarine was kept hidden in the treasure chest of a mermaid, after which Neptune, the ruler of the seas, blessed the stone to keep harm from befalling sailors. Travelers and sailors alike have been rumored to have carried it with them on long travels, with the belief that it would provide a safe journey. In Roman culture, the belief was that the stone was held sacred to Neptune, that it was a symbol of the power of the sea. Aquamarine stones were usually carved in the image of Neptune and worn by sailors as they went out to sea. Ancient peoples believed also that when immersed in water, aquamarine would impart healing properties, curing the heart, mouth, liver, and throat.
Aquamarine is found in all parts of the world, from Africa to the jungles of Brazil and even to Russia. Stateside, aquamarines are often mined in the Midwest mountain areas. The largest producer of aquamarines in the world is Brazil. Often confused with topaz, aquamarine is actually more closer to emeralds. Green aquamarine, as a matter of fact, is more rare than emeralds. These stones receive more of a green hue from iron deposits trapped in the crystal.
If you are shopping for an aquamarine bracelet, you should choose one with fewer streaks, making it more beautiful. The richer the color of the stone, the more expensive it will be. A stone with a good cut and clarity will be around $500, while an average stone will cost closer to $200. An aquamarine from Brazil may in fact be a topaz, and a blue Siam stone can often be confused with a zircon.
Unlike other Beryl family members, aquamarine is more hardy and emanates a gorgeous bluish green tint when cut properly. Just as with any precious stone, an aquamarine bracelet needs to be handled carefully. Cleaning can be as simple as soaking your bracelet in warm, sudsy water. It needs to be treated gently, and an ultrasonic cleaner can be very hard on the stone.
Since aquamarine is the birthstone of March, they make excellent birthday gifts for people born in March. Also exemplified by the zodiac sign Pisces, March is a month of water, and water symbolism. A thoughtful gift to personify this month could be a likeness of Pisces carved out of an aquamarine. Women love the beautiful aquamarine because of its breathtaking array of colors and its uniqueness. Aquamarine, set into a bracelet amongst other semi precious stones can be either elegant, or casual; it is whatever the situation calls for.
