Aquamarine: The Sailor's Stone

Aquamarine is the gemstone that has been known to be the “the sailor’s stone” for hundreds of years. According to legends, this gemstone has the capacity to ensure the safe journey of sailors. Further, aquamarine was believed to have come from the treasure chest of the mermaids who had tails made of this gemstone.

More than two thousand years ago, aquamarine was discovered in India, and ever since its discovery, people have believed that this gemstone possessed supernatural attributes. In the middle ages, aquamarine was carried as jewelry because of the belief that it gave protection and can improve one’s health.

A very famous individual who had aquamarine fashioned into beautiful jewelry necklaces and pendants is Queen Elizabeth II. Her jewelry collection was given to her as a gift by the people from Brazil on her coronation in 1953.

The aquamarine gemstone is a specific type of beryl which is the principal ore of beryllium that is known to be a light metal with a very high melting point. These gemstones are formed from magma that inserted in the holes and spaces of mountains and rocks that became extremely heated.

The sources of aquamarine are Zambia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Madagascar, U.S., and most popularly Brazil.  It was in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in the year 1910, where the largest aquamarine gemstone was discovered boasting and astounding 552,500 carats.

Aquamarine is one of the most desirable and popular gemstones for jewelry to be fashioned into necklaces and striking pendants. Its values depend on its carat, color, cut and clarity, but the most important is its color and clarity. It is also durable and it takes an awesome polish. Large aquamarines are usually made into pendants, necklaces and earrings. The deep blue colored aquamarine is considered very rare and the most luxurious kind.

There are also medicinal benefits that are believed to be acquired from aquamarine jewelry. It is said to bring about good effects on the throat, liver, stomach and eyes and it has a calming effect on the nervous system. Even until today, the aquamarine gemstone is believed to provide a person with inspiration and better communication.

Aquamarine is considered the gemstone of choice to be given as a gift to couples celebrating their 19^th wedding anniversary since it symbolizes honesty and loyalty. It is also the birthstone for the people born in March for it complements their personalities.

Regardless of the various beliefs about aquamarine, its stunning beauty which reflects the magnificence of the oceans is undeniably captivating as an adornment on the body. Aquamarine earrings and necklaces can bring out the color of the eyes and wearing aquamarine gemstones fashioned into pendant necklaces can enhance the beauty of your clothing or the color of one’s skin.

All in all, there is nothing to lose when it comes to aquamarine. “The sailors stone,” better known as the aquamarine gemstone, brings the beauty and mystery of the ocean onto land and is a perfect gemstone to create dazzling earrings, necklaces and pendants.