' Aquamarine’s meaning, styling, and care
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A Rosecliff Small Circle necklace, a Newport necklace, and Rosecliff earrings, all featuring sustainably grown Aquamarines.
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Aquamarine’s meaning, styling, and care

The Meaning of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is pale blue, often with an undertone of green or gray, and the stone’s calming color reflects its reputation as a gem that can soothe, comfort, and support during times of stress. Legend has it that soldiers would carry this semi-precious stone into battle with them so they could fight with courage.

Greenwich Solitaire necklace in 14k yellow gold featuring one 4mm aquamarine and one 2.1mm diamond on a 1.17mm cable chain.

Connected to the heart and throat chakras, Aquamarine has been used for centuries as a balm for feelings of worry and melancholy. It’s also said to both stimulate and calm the mind, allowing one to express oneself more clearly. In this regard, it’s a great gemstone to strengthen emotional connections in a relationship. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and the zodiac signs of Pisces and Aries.

Woman wearing a Bristol Bead necklace featuring one center 8mm Milky Aquamarine bead and two 6mm gold beads on either side.

Since ancient times, humans have associated gemstones with healing properties and spiritual significance.

Aquamarine – gemstone knowledge

The name Aquamarine comes from the Latin words aqua (“water”) and marina (“sea”). The stone’s light blue color has long been admired for its soothing, comforting vibe. It’s part of the Beryl family of minerals, which includes Emeralds as well. Trace amounts of iron give semi-precious Aquamarine its trademark blue color.

Grand ring featuring one 6mm briolette cut, bezel set stone, and a Rosecliff Stackable ring featuring eleven 2mm Aquamarines.

Caring for your Aquamarine jewelry

Aquamarine is quite durable and a great choice for everyday wear. You can wear your Aquamarine jewelry in the shower, while swimming, sleeping, and exercising. Just keep it away from extreme heat and be sure not to strike it against hard surfaces.

Pair of Rosecliff earrings, each featuring nine 2mm faceted round cut, prong set, sustainably grown Aquamarine gemstones.

Occasional cleaning with a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner or mild, dye-free dish soap and water is a simple way to maintain the beauty of your Aquamarine jewelry. Let the jewelry soak in a small bowl for a few minutes (away from the sink drain), then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it completely, and blot dry with a chamois cloth.

A Grand ring, a Rosecliff Bar necklace with alternating diamonds, and a Newport necklace, all featuring Aquamarines.

Styling tips for Aquamarine

Woman wearing 3 layered Newport Grand bracelets in 14k yellow gold featuring aquamarine, pink opal, and emerald gemstones.
Woman wearing a Grand 6 Birthstone necklace with alternating 6mm briolette cut moonstones, aquamarines, and pink opals.

Aquamarine and Nantucket Blue Topaz

These two gemstones are very similar in color. Aquamarine (top bracelet) is pale blue with a slight gray undertone. Nantucket Blue Topaz (bottom bracelet) is more of a Caribbean blue with a very slight hint of green.

Woman wearing two Grand 1 Birthstone bracelets, each on a 1.17mm cable chain featuring aquamarine and Nantucket blue topaz.

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FAQ

Are all Aquamarines the same color?

Aquamarines can range from pale to medium blue, and can have undertones of green or gray. “True blue” Aquamarines are very popular, and the stone is often heat-treated to intensify the hue. When creating jewelry with multiple stones, HAVERHILL stone selectors choose gems that match as closely as possible. However, because our Aquamarines are naturally mined stones, they may be slightly lighter or darker than they appear online.

What’s the difference between Aquamarine and Milky Aquamarine?

Aquamarine and Milky Aquamarine are two types of the same stone. Aquamarine is pale to medium blue in color, sometimes with a green or gray undertone, and appears transparent. Milky Aquamarine is grayish-blue in color, and can appear opaque or translucent; it’s often shaped and polished into cabochons. Both stones rate 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them well suited to jewelry.

Should I wear Aquamarine only if it’s my birthstone?

People wear gemstones for many reasons, not just because it’s the birthstone for the month they were born. You may choose to wear a stone because you feel a connection to the color, because its traditional meaning resonates with you, or because it reminds you of someone you love, such as a child, friend, or loved one who’s passed away. Jewelry is extremely personal and you should feel free to wear any gemstone that speaks to you.