Aquamarine has historically been used a symbol for eternal youth and happiness. In ancient times, it was believed that sailors wearing aquamarine pendants would be protected from the perils of the sea. It was viewed in Christian symbolism to bring moderation and control of passions to its owner. Working with the stone improves one’s overall sense of well-being. Some suggest that aquamarine is used to treat people for whom procrastination is an affliction. It is believed that one who wears aquamarine has a better ability to think clearly and make quick decisions. In addition, it increases one’s access to courage. It promotes motivation and comforts in times of intense physical and emotional release, while supporting one through the process. The stone aids a life of service, shields and protects, reminds us of love and caring through times of change and in one’s life and path and purpose.

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Aquamarine belongs to the beryl species of mineral and is closely related to emerald, morganite, and golden beryl, among others. It evokes the colors of the sea and can be blue, very slightly greenish blue, greenish blue, very strongly greenish blue, or green-blue. As the root of its name would suggest, the finest colors of aquamarine are remindful of the sea and the more like a perfect translucent blue lagoon the more attractive the stone is considered. The intensity of the color is important with dark blues and greenish blues being most valued but admirers of aquamarine also appreciate the pale or pastel colors of a subtly tinted crystal-clear gemstone. A very important part of the value of color in aquamarine, as it is with most gemstones, is the evenness of the color, a consistent color throughout the crystal with no visible color zoning. Aquamarine gemstones are often free from inclusions and clear as water too, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul. Aquamarine gemstones can be cut into many shapes and sizes. Some are cut as cabochons or fashioned into beads. Larger specimens may be carved into gem sculptures. They make fantastic gemstones for evening wear because they glitter and gleam even under muted light conditions. During the day or in bright light, they exhibit a soothing coolness.

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Care for Your Aquamarine Jewelry: Aquamarine is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, so it is a durable gemstone for jewelry as long as it is treated with care to protect it against scratching and hard knocks. Heat exposure is not recommended for aquamarine, but the color is stable against light exposure. Warm soapy water is always a safe cleaning method for aquamarine. Cleaning by ultrasonic and steam cleaners is usually safe unless the stone has liquid inclusions or fractures. Rarely, aquamarine might be fracture filled. These stones should only be cleaned with warm soapy water.