What Is the March Birthstone?

Aquamarine is the official birthstone for March. Its name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning "water of the sea" — a fitting name for a stone whose color ranges from the palest sky blue to a rich teal, depending on the depth of iron content within the crystal.

As a member of the beryl family, aquamarine shares its lineage with emerald but is generally more transparent and far more affordable. It grows in large, six-sided crystals — some found in Brazil have weighed over 200 pounds — which means it's available in a wide range of sizes, from delicate accent stones to dramatic statement centerpieces.

Aquamarine Meaning & Symbolism

For over two millennia, aquamarine has been associated with the sea and those who cross it. Ancient Greek and Roman sailors carried aquamarine amulets, believing it was carved from the treasure chest of mermaids and blessed by Neptune himself — capable of calming storms and protecting against the dangers of open water.

In Roman culture, aquamarine was worn to guard against envy and ill will. In Greek mythology, the gem was associated with Aphrodite and the nymphs — said to carry divine love and joy. Medieval healers believed it could restore mental clarity and bring inner peace.

Today, aquamarine carries forward those same associations: tranquility, clear thinking, and emotional balance. It's a stone people choose not just for its beauty, but for what it means to them — especially as a gift for someone they care about.

Aquamarine Properties

Understanding aquamarine's physical properties helps you evaluate quality and choose the right stone for your needs:

• Color — Light blue to blue-green, caused by trace iron content. Deeper, more saturated blue tones are generally more valuable, though soft pale blue stones are also widely loved for their elegance.
• Hardness — 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making aquamarine harder than most gemstones and suitable for rings, bracelets, and pieces worn daily with reasonable care.
• Clarity — Aquamarine naturally forms with excellent transparency and very few inclusions. Eye-clean stones are common and not exceptional — expect high clarity at most price points.
• Origin — The most significant sources are Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Zambia. Brazilian aquamarines are particularly prized for their size and color depth.
• Treatment — Most commercial aquamarines are heat-treated to remove greenish tones and produce a purer blue. This is standard, stable, and accepted across the industry.

Best Aquamarine Jewelry Ideas

Aquamarine's versatility is one of its greatest strengths. Its soft blue tone complements nearly every metal and skin tone, and it works equally well in delicate everyday pieces and dramatic statement jewelry. Here are the most popular forms:

• Rings — Aquamarine center stones make for unique, distinctive rings that stand out from diamond alternatives. A pale blue oval or cushion cut in a simple setting is particularly elegant for everyday wear.
• Necklaces & Pendants — A solitaire aquamarine pendant is one of the most popular March birthday gifts — subtle, meaningful, and easy to wear. Browse our gemstone necklaces for current styles.
• Earrings — Studs and drops both showcase aquamarine's color and light-catching clarity beautifully. Oval and teardrop shapes are particularly popular for drop earrings.
• Bracelets — Aquamarine accents in tennis bracelets or gemstone bracelets add a soft pop of color that pairs naturally with other fine jewelry.
• Custom pieces — Aquamarine is an excellent candidate for custom jewelry design — the stone is available in large sizes, cuts beautifully, and pairs with almost any setting style.

How to Choose Aquamarine Jewelry

Choosing aquamarine is more intuitive than choosing a diamond — there's no certification standard to navigate, and the most important factor is simply how the color looks to your eye. Here are the key things to consider:

• Color depth — The most prized aquamarines have a rich, saturated blue. Paler stones are also beautiful and typically more affordable; the right choice depends on your preference and budget.
• Clarity — Since aquamarine naturally forms with high clarity, any stone with visible inclusions to the naked eye should be priced accordingly. Eye-clean is the standard, not the premium.
• Cut quality — A well-cut aquamarine reflects light evenly across its surface. Look for symmetry, proportion, and a lively appearance — a dull aquamarine usually has a cut problem, not a color problem.
• Metal pairing — White gold and platinum let aquamarine's blue speak clearly. Yellow gold creates a warm, vintage contrast that many people love. Both work — choose based on her existing jewelry.
• Size vs. quality — Because aquamarine is relatively affordable per carat, you can often get a larger stone than you could with a diamond at the same price. A 2–3 carat aquamarine is a genuinely striking piece without the price tag of a comparable diamond. If you're also considering a diamond piece, our natural diamond guide explains the 4Cs and how to evaluate quality. For engagement rings specifically, our engagement ring buying guide is the right place to start.

Aquamarine jewelry can range from a few hundred dollars for smaller accent stones to several thousand for larger, custom-set centerpieces. Our team at Smith's Jewelers in Noblesville will help you find the best stone for your budget — stop in for a no-pressure consultation.

Why Aquamarine Makes a Perfect Gift

Aquamarine occupies a rare position among gemstones — it's beautiful enough to be genuinely impressive, personal enough to carry meaning, and priced accessibly enough to fit most gift budgets without compromise.

It's an especially fitting gift for:

• March birthdays — The obvious choice, and one that never misses. The birthstone connection makes the gift feel intentional and personal, not generic.
• Anniversaries — Aquamarine is associated with the 19th wedding anniversary, and its symbolism of harmony and clarity makes it naturally suited to milestone celebrations.
• Meaningful milestones — Graduations, new beginnings, and personal achievements. The stone's symbolism of clarity, courage, and calm makes it appropriate for anyone stepping into something new.
• Someone who loves color — If she doesn't gravitate toward the predictability of diamonds, aquamarine gives you something genuinely distinctive to offer.

Aquamarine FAQs