Introduction
The March babies, or the babies born in the spring season have aquamarine as their birthstone. Have you ever thought about whom is March named after? Well, the March month is named after the Roman god of war, Mars. This was so because it was in March that the Roman soldiers resumed their campaigns after postponing their war due to the winter season. In technical terms, March, or Martius was the first month of the Roman calendar. It was later that the months of January and February were added so as to align the calendar better with the lunar year.
In today’s times, the month of March symbolizes new rebirth, new beginnings, and hope for a better future. Additionally, this month is special for all women because it celebrates Women’s History Month and also, the International Women’s Day is on the 8th of March. Now, let us take a deep dive into the meanings, history, and properties of the March birthstone Aquamarine.
What Is The March Birthstone?
The traditional march birthstone is the Aquamarine, which is a semi-precious gemstone. This stone has a soft, sky-blue to sea-green color, which is usually transparent in nature. When used in jewelry, aquamarines are usually faceted. What’s special about the aquamarine gemstone is it’s a traditional 18th wedding anniversary gemstone, which is why aquamarine jewelry is gifted by people to their partners on their 18th wedding anniversary.
Origins of March Birthstone
The tradition of birthstones goes back to the 1st century AD when historians connected 12 stones to 12 months of the year in biblical context. This is why, if you refer to the early birthstone lists, bloodstone was found to be the only March birthstone. It was in 1912 that the National Association of Jewelers created the standardized birthstone list. On this particular list, aquamarine was mentioned to be the alternative to bloodstone. Today, both the American and British birthstone lists prioritize aquamarine over bloodstone, which is why if you are buying a March birthstone, Aquamarine is the safer bet. Now, let us look at the history of the Aquamarine birthstone.
Historical & Cultural Context of March Birthstone
The name “aquamarine” comes from the Latin words “aqua” meaning water, and “marine” meaning sea. This stone is named so because of its resemblance to seawater. This moniker came in the 1600s, and formerly, for centuries, aquamarine was just called “sea-green beryl”.
Many ancient cultures believed that aquamarine, the March birthstone, gave protection in the sea, which was why it was often carved into a talisman by sailors and merchants who traveled by the sea. Legends speak that aquamarine was the lost treasure of mermaids which was created by the sea god Poseidon (or Neptune). Also, in other ancient cultures, aquamarine was associated with the passion of young love and joy of youth.
During the Middle Ages, aquamarine was believed to protect its wearer from poisoning, making it popular amongst the nobility and royalty. It was also worn in the Middle Ages to facilitate psychic abilities. In Christianity, St. Thomas, the patron of sailors, is associated with Aquamarine.
Healing Properties and Metaphysical Significance of Aquamarine
The meaning of aquamarine is of cleansing, youth, and serenity. Christians believe that this March birthstone encourages happy marriages. Similarly, Buddhists believe that aquamarine jewelry signifies love, and in some places in India, there is a tradition to gift aquamarine jewelry to newlyweds. If you look at the healing properties of aquamarine, you will find that it is linked to the throat chakra. Aquamarine jewelry is said to boost courage as well.
Aquamarine will allow you to focus on self-empowerment, making you bravely speak your truth. Aquamarine jewelry offers cleansing and purifying properties, helping you remove negative energy and make a fresh start. Lastly, aquamarine jewelry is believed to aid you in tackling emotional obstacles, such as poor communication in a relationship. Even astrologically, aquamarine perfectly matches the sensitive water energies of Pisces, who are born between February 19 and March 20.
Care & Cleaning of Aquamarine Jewelry
For cleaning aquamarine jewelry, you should use warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush or soft lint-free cloth. You can also clean aquamarine stone with ultrasonic cleaners – the only caution you need to take is to check if the stone has inclusions or fractures – in such cases, don’t use ultrasonic cleaners to clean aquamarine as it is not safe. It is recommended that you reduce the heat exposure of aquamarine jewelry and make sure it is not exposed to heat as this may make it lose its color. Lastly, if you are using aquamarine jewelry on a regular basis, it is recommended to get your jewelry checked and cleaned at least three to four times a year.
Custom March Birthstone Jewelry
In case you are looking for customized March birthstone jewelry, you have three ways. Either, you can visit a chain store that deals in jewelry, and get custom-made aquamarine jewelry for yourself. Here, you will face only one problem – the custom-made jewelry that you order from them will be inspired by their current stock, and there is a limit to your options when it comes to customizations. In this choice, you get what you like and you save money because most chain jewelry stores buy gemstones and precious metals in bulk. But, the jewelry you buy will never be one of a kind, since it will resemble the designs of other jewelry available in that chain store.
The second option that you have is to go to an independent jewelry designer or a small jeweler. Here, of course, you will pay more, but the plus point here is, that your jewelry will be one of a kind – something exquisite and something whose only one piece exists in the whole world. Also, the jewelry that you will buy here will be designed as per your requirements, and it is you who decides all the details and intricacies of the jewelry. This jewelry will help you make a bold statement and rest assured – it will be loved by your friends, family, and relatives.
The last option applies to you if you are a jewelry retailer. In this case, you can seek out a wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturer and supplier, like Rananjay Exports. They will create custom jewelry for you based on your design. Also, here you select all the specifications of the jewelry, like the base metal used, the vermeil used, the gemstones set in the jewelry, etc. The biggest benefit here is, that it is the most economical since you are buying directly from a wholesaler at wholesale rates.
Conclusion
Tempted by the soft ethereal glow of aquamarine? Purchase aquamarine jewelry, and meet all your jewelry needs as a jewelry retailer with the help of Rananjay Exports. They are India’s top wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturer and supplier, and they deal in all types of aquamarine jewelry, be it Aquamarine Ring, Aquamarine Pendant, Aquamarine Earrings, or Aquamarine Bracelets. Apart from birthstone jewelry, they also have a huge collection of wholesale gemstone jewelry and 925 sterling silver jewelry. Thanks for reading this article – if you are reading here, we can say without a doubt that you liked this blog. As of now, you can go and check out our other blogs, or browse Rananjay Exports for ordering jewelry.
