Aquamarine: Colours of the Sea

Known as the gem of the sea, even the name ‘Aquamarine’ comes from the Latin ‘aqua’ for ‘water’ and ‘marina’ for ‘of the sea’. With its cool and tranquil colour ranging from light blue to dark blue and even blue-green, Aquamarine has been linked to water and the seas throughout history, it can have wonderful clarity, meaning that it dazzles with a bright, energetic sparkle. It’s the perfect complement to any skin tone or setting.

THE HISTORY OF AQUAMARINE

Aquamarine is the soft pale blue variety of the Beryl family (which includes Emerald).

It is easy to see why Aquamarine has always been associated with the sea, as one of the most popular of blue gemstones it is steeped in myth and legend. Used in jewellery since at least 500 BC, its tropical ocean blue tones effortlessly invoke images of landless skies and the waters below. Once believed to be the treasure of mermaids, it was often worn by sailors and travellers as a talisman to protect against being shipwrecked and to ward off sea sickness. Pliny the Elder (23 AD – 79 AD) said of the gem, The lovely Aquamarine, which seems to have come from some mermaid’s treasure house, in the depths of the summer sea, has charms not to be denied.

Many superstitions and legends told throughout the long history of Aquamarine relate to water and the oceans. One such legend states that the qualities of the gem are especially strong when it has been submerged in water and when it’s perceived powers appeared to dwindle, it would be placed in water on the night of a sparkling full moon in order to revitalize it. In times gone by, as a very last resort, sailors caught in a storm were believed to have thrown their Aquamarines overboard in an attempt to calm the gods. The Romans and Greeks both revered the stone and thought of it as the ‘sailor’s gem’. The Romans even thought it could heal medical ailments of the throat, stomach and liver.

Back on dry land, Aquamarine was believed to both soothe and prolong relationships and for this reason has often been given as an anniversary gift, way before its official listing for the 19th wedding anniversary!  Or if you’re really lucky, start dropping the hints, as it’s also the birthstone for March!

The world’s biggest faceted Aquamarine is known as the ‘Dom Pedro’. The exquisitely faceted piece is shaped like an obelisk, criss-crossed with diagonal detailing that gives it an otherworldly appearance. It is currently in the Smithsonian and weighs in at a staggering 10,363 carats Wow!!

Aquamarine, is mostly found and mined in Brazil and countries that fall along the Mozambique geological belt in Africa although, there are other sources. Darker shades of Aquamarine tend to be cloudier, whereas cleaner stones are often very light in hue. Most Aquamarine gemstones are faceted, but when cabochon cut (like a dome), they can occasionally display chatoyancy (Asterism or a star effect). One of the most sought after of all Aquamarine varieties, is from the Espirito Santo region of Brazil. Aquamarine from this region manages to possess a unique and intense brilliance that reflects off the internal facets and exudes a compelling sparkle that dances throughout the stone. It is extremely rare.

Although it is most famous for its glorious cool blue colour, Aquamarine is sometimes found with delicate greenish hues. In recent times it’s been noted that the bluer the stone is, the more valuable it is. But as recently as the 19th century it was the sea green coloured stones that were sought after by the world’s collectors.

Whichever variety you own or aspire to collect, Aquamarine is a prized blue gemstone with unparalleled clarity and a soft, delicate tone which radiates life, vibrancy and brilliance. Aquamarine is simply one of the world’s most popular and well-known gemstones and is an essential addition to any gemstone and jewellery collection.

Wondering how aquamarine would look best on you? Biagio the Jewellers can show you pieces from stock or curate a selection of stones, especially with you in mind and together, we can create a unique piece individual to you.