What Is the March Birthstone? A Complete Guide to Aquamarine
- Lee Molseed
- Feb 24
- 6 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
The March birthstone is aquamarine – a beautifully clear blue gemstone long associated with the sea. If you’ve searched "what is the March birthstone?", the modern and primary answer is aquamarine, a member of the beryl family prized for its colour, durability and elegant versatility in jewellery.
At West Country Goldsmiths in Plymouth, we regularly work with aquamarine in bespoke commissions, engagement rings and remodelled heirloom pieces. You can also view our brand new collection of hand-finished pieces of aquamarine jewellery. Below, we explain exactly what aquamarine is, why it became March’s birthstone, and how to choose a piece that will last for generations.
What Is Aquamarine? Properties, Colour and Strength
Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, the same mineral family as emerald. Its name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning "water of the sea" – a perfect description of its calm blue tones.
Colour: Ranges from pale sky blue to deeper sea-green hues, with the most prized stones showing a clear, even blue.
Clarity: Often eye-clean and highly transparent, giving it a crisp, luminous appearance.
Lustre: Vitreous (glass-like), enhancing its bright, watery sparkle.
Hardness: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it suitable for everyday jewellery.
Crystal family: Beryl, alongside emerald and morganite.
Because of its strength and clarity, aquamarine is particularly well suited to rings, earrings and pendants. Take a look at these items in our new Aquamarine Jewellery collection. Its durability makes it a practical yet distinctive alternative to more traditional blue stones.
Aquamarine offers the rare combination of softness in colour and strength in structure – which is exactly what makes it such a versatile gemstone in the workshop.
Why Is Aquamarine the Birthstone for March?
Aquamarine became March’s modern birthstone due to its historic association with renewal, clarity and the calming qualities of water – themes that align with early spring. Its cool blue tone also reflects the transitional light and shifting seas of March in the UK.
Traditionally, March was also linked with bloodstone. However, aquamarine is now recognised as the primary and most widely celebrated March birthstone, particularly in contemporary jewellery.
Where Is Aquamarine Found?
Brazil is still the best-known source of fine aquamarine, especially stones with strong, clean blue colour. Some of the most desirable material has historically come from the Minas Gerais region.
That said, aquamarine is mined in several other parts of the world. Important sources include Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia and Tanzania, as well as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia.
Most aquamarines used in jewellery today are faceted to maximise light return and brilliance. Occasionally, the stone is cut as a smooth cabochon rather than a faceted gem. In rare cases, cabochon-cut stones can show a subtle “cat’s eye” effect (a type of optical phenomenon caused by internal inclusions).
Aquamarine and the Sea: Folklore with a Plymouth Connection
Few gemstones are as closely tied to maritime history as aquamarine. Ancient sailors believed it would calm waves and protect them on long voyages. Given Plymouth’s deep naval heritage and longstanding connection to the sea, it’s a birthstone that feels especially fitting locally.
In folklore, aquamarine was carried by seafarers as a talisman for safe passage. Its sea-blue colour made it symbolic of both protection and hope. In a city shaped by shipbuilding, exploration and naval service, aquamarine carries a resonance that goes beyond aesthetics.
In a maritime city like Plymouth, aquamarine isn’t just beautiful – it tells a story that feels close to home.
Why Is Aquamarine Linked to Travel and the Sea?
Aquamarine’s name literally means “water of the sea,” so its maritime link is no surprise.
Sailors once carried it as a talisman for protection on long voyages. It was believed to calm rough waters and bring safe passage.
More broadly, aquamarine has been associated with safe travel of all kinds, especially long journeys.
Aquamarine in Victorian and Engagement Jewellery
Aquamarine rose in popularity during the Victorian and Edwardian periods, when coloured gemstones were frequently paired with diamonds in ornate settings. Its clarity made it ideal for step cuts and elegant oval stones framed with old-cut diamonds.
Today, aquamarine is increasingly chosen for engagement rings by those seeking something distinctive yet timeless. When paired with diamonds, it offers:
A soft, romantic alternative to traditional sapphire.
A lighter, more contemporary look.
Excellent brilliance when well cut.
A meaningful link to March birthdays or maritime heritage.
In our Plymouth workshop, we design aquamarine engagement rings in platinum, white gold and yellow gold, carefully selecting stones for colour consistency and structural integrity. Find out more about how you can sell your scrap gold to offset against the cost of new jewellery or even have your sentimental gold melted down for a new piece altogether - maybe even a stunning aquamarine!
How to Choose a Quality Aquamarine Gemstone
If you’re selecting an aquamarine for a necklace, ring or earrings, consider the following:
Assess the colour: Look for a clean, even blue without grey tones.
Check clarity: Most aquamarines are eye-clean; visible inclusions reduce value.
Examine the cut: A well-proportioned cut enhances brightness and minimises windowing.
Consider size versus saturation: Larger stones often display stronger colour.
Choose the right setting: Platinum and white gold enhance cool tones; yellow gold offers warmth and contrast.
We always recommend viewing aquamarine in natural light before making a final decision, as lighting can influence how the colour appears.
Are Aquamarine Earrings Suitable for Daily Wear?
Yes. With a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, aquamarine is durable enough for everyday earrings and pendants. Rings can also be worn daily, provided the setting offers appropriate protection and the piece is removed during heavy manual work.
How to Care for Aquamarine Jewellery
Aquamarine is relatively easy to maintain with proper care:
Clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
Avoid harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes.
Store separately to prevent scratches.
Have claws and settings checked periodically in a professional workshop.
If you’re unsure about cleaning or maintenance, we’re always happy to inspect and professionally clean your jewellery here in our Plymouth workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions About the March Birthstone
What is March’s birthstone?
March’s modern and primary birthstone is aquamarine, a blue variety of beryl known for its clarity and maritime associations.
What are the two birthstones for March?
Aquamarine is the modern birthstone, while bloodstone is considered the traditional alternative.
Why does March have two birthstones?
Different historical and trade traditions led to alternative stones being assigned to certain months. Aquamarine became the dominant modern choice due to its popularity and suitability for jewellery.
What Is Aquamarine Traditionally Associated With?
Historically, aquamarine has been linked with calmness and clear communication. In crystal traditions, it’s associated with the throat chakra and is often described as a stone that supports confident speech.
While we approach gemstones from a craftsmanship perspective rather than a healing one, it’s interesting to note the long-standing beliefs surrounding aquamarine. It has traditionally been connected with:
Clear thinking and measured decisions
Speaking calmly in difficult situations
Emotional balance
Perseverance and self-discipline
Its steady blue colour has made it a symbol of composure and fairness over the centuries.
What is the meaning of aquamarine?
Aquamarine is commonly associated with calmness, clarity and courage, largely inspired by its sea-blue colour and historical maritime folklore.
What makes aquamarine valuable?
Value depends on colour saturation, clarity, cut quality and carat weight. Stones with strong, even blue colour and excellent transparency are typically most desirable.
Are aquamarine and blue topaz the same?
No. Aquamarine is a beryl, while blue topaz is a different mineral species. They can appear similar in colour but differ in composition and optical properties. If you are looking for topaz jewellery, please visit our collection for both London Blue and Swiss Blue pieces.
What are the 12 birthstones by month?
Each month has an assigned gemstone, with aquamarine representing March in the modern birthstone calendar. You can also visit our collections available for May (emerald), September (sapphire), October (opal) and November (topaz) birthstones. We are continuing to add to our online collections, and aim to have all 12 by this time next year.
What colour is March’s birthstone?
March’s primary birthstone, aquamarine, ranges from pale blue to deeper blue-green tones.
What colour diamond is March?
Diamonds are not associated with March; they are traditionally linked to April birthstones. However, when paired with diamonds, aquamarine pieces can create spectacular visuals, and it is a popular choice for engagement rings in white gold or platinum.
What’s the rarest birthstone?
Rarity varies by quality and supply, but stones such as alexandrite are often considered among the rarest birthstones.
Is Aquamarine Heat Treated?
Yes — and it’s completely normal within the jewellery trade. Natural aquamarine often has a slight green or teal undertone. Gentle heat treatment is commonly used to reduce that green tint and bring out a clearer, purer blue. This treatment is permanent and stable, and it’s widely accepted across the industry.
When we source aquamarines for our workshop, we always assess colour consistency, clarity and overall structure — not just whether a stone has been heated.