MARCH: AQUAMARINE was believed to quicken the intellect. The ancient Greeks used aquamarine extensively in their jewelry, over two-thousand years ago, in the belief that it captured the essence and spirit of the sea. They often carved the gem with the head of Poseidon, god of the sea. To dream of aquamarine signifies the making of new friends; to wear aquamarine earrings brings love and affection. It is a universal symbol of youth, hope and health. In medieval times its possession was claimed to give power over the devil, who was compelled to answer any question when asked by someone holding an aqua under their tongue (Okay ladies, I don’t think this works on your husbands).  Egyptian tombs, thousands of years old, have yielded jewelry set with aquamarines.

The ideal color of aquamarine is a refreshing pastel sea blue. Stones with a clear blue color without green or gray are generally the most valuable.

If you are looking for a big, durable gemstone, aqua is readily available in larger sizes and is truly dramatic when cut in rectangular or oval shapes. It is a member of the important beryl family, which also includes emerald.

As part of the normal finishing process, some aquamarines are heated to remove traces of yellow. To maintain the brilliance of this beautiful gemstone, it should be immersed in jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a small bristle brush. Do not use a home ultrasonic machine.

Aquamarine is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar and Ukraine.