Aquamarine: the stone of the sea

Aquamarine is the light blue variety of beryl. Interestingly, the green variety is called emerald and the pink variety is called morganite.

This gemstone can be found in many locations across the world. However, the majority are in Brazil. There are also mines in Pakistan, Madagascar, USA, and Zambia.

Aquamarine: etymology

Its name derives from Latin ‘aquamarina’. This is from ‘aqua’ meaning water, and ‘marina’, of the sea. This is a lovely translation of this beautiful gemstone’s colour.

Aquamarine: characteristics

Beryls tend to grow in long crystals with hexagonal cross sections and end with either a flat top or pointed like a prism. This shape affects the gemstone’s hardness and toughness. In fact, beryls are hard and durable with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. But, due to the crystal structure, they are quite brittle. This means that extra care is needed when they are set into jewellery and when used for everyday wear.

One of the most desirable colours is the dark blue aquamarine which carries the name of the location where it was first discovered, Santa Maria, in Brazil.

Aquamarine: myths

It was once believed that this gemstone would protect sailors and guarantee a safe voyage. Ancient Roman folklore tells of the belief that aquamarine had fallen from the treasure chest of a mermaid, becoming the sacred jewel of Neptune. Sailors were known to wear them as talismans to keep them safe at sea and to prevent sea sickness.

Sea-faring Romans weren’t the only ones who thought that aquamarines could protect them. In the Middle Ages, people believed that wearing this gem would prevent them from being poisoned. Ancient Romans would carve them into frogs to help turn enemies into friends.

People would also use the powdered gemstone in medicines to help cure a variety of ills. These included infections, eye ailments, and allergic reactions.

As well as being the birthstone for March, it is also an anniversary gift. People traditionally receive this gemstone on their 19th wedding anniversary, to bring happiness in the marriage.

Famous items and owners

One of the most desirable suites of aquamarine belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. Known as ‘The Brazilian Aquamarine Parure’, the President and people of Brazil gave them to the Queen for her coronation. The Queen herself subsequently added to the set over the years.

The largest faceted aquamarine in the world is the ‘Dom Pedro’. It stands at 14 inches tall and weighs 10,363 carats. The ‘Dom Pedro’ is currently housed in the Smithsonian Institution‘s National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.

Aquamarines at auction

This is a very popular gemstone and we see it in a range of our auctions. Whether it is set into jewellery in the Fine Jewellery and Jewellery auctions or appears as loose gemstones and mineral specimens in the Gemstones and Antiques & Collectables auctions, there is something for everyone.

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