March Birthstone- Aquamarine
[dt_fancy_image style=”1″ border=”0″ lightbox=”false” animation=”none” align=”right” width=”275″ media=”” image_alt=”” hd_image=”http://jfjco.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Aquamarine_March_Birthstone.jpg” image=”http://jfjco.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Aquamarine_March_Birthstone.jpg”][/dt_fancy_image]With a name like aquamarine, it is easy to associate the precious gemstone with the sea. In fact, the name is a derivative of the Latin word “aqua” which means water and “marine” which means of the sea. This beautiful stone has a fascinating history, and was believed to hold magical powers. Which was so commonly accepted that even the English Royal Family believed in the gemstone’s magic.
The aquamarine stone is most commonly found in Brazil. It is a member of the beryl family and is a cousin of the emerald. The gemstone can range in color from blue-green to bright teal. It is the birthstone for the month of March, and also the gemstone for the zodiac sun sign of Scorpio. For a wedding anniversary of 16 or 19 years, this is said to be the appropriate gift.
Sea Worthy History
Throughout history the aquamarine was the gemstone of sailors. The belief was if a sailor carried an aquamarine stone with them on their voyage, they would be safe from attack. Carrying the gemstone was also believed to protect the sailor from getting seasick. When carried on a ship, the gemstone guaranteed a safe voyage for the ship and its entire crew.
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A History in Love
In ancient Rome, the aquamarine gemstone was the gift present to the bride on her wedding day by her fiancé. It was believed the stone captured the atmosphere of young love and would help the couple remain in a honeymoon state for most of their marriage. The connection with the aquamarine stone and love continued into the medieval ages. During these times, it was believed that presenting your wife with this gemstone would rekindle the romance in your marriage.
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Healing Powers
The aquamarine was also believed to hold healing powers for those who wore it or even ingested it. Because of its cool blue coloring, the stone was believed to calm the nerves and provide a level head to the wearer. In the medieval ages, it was believed that the stone was even an antidote for poison. During this time being poisoned was such a common fear of the noble classes that they even went as far as ingesting the power of the gemstone, which they believed would be the ultimate protection form a poison attack.
The powers of the magical aquamarine did not stop there. It was believed that the gemstone held mystical powers that could help a mystic see into the future when gazing into it. Many crystal balls were made of aquamarine. In fact, the famous mystic John Dee used an aquamarine crystal ball to help Queen Elizabeth I see into the future and determine the best day for coronation.
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The Royal Family and Aquamarine
Aquamarine was not only popular with Queen Elizabeth I; it was equally popular with Queen Elizabeth II. She was gifted an aquamarine and diamond necklace and earrings from the President of Brazil at her coronation in 1953. She liked it so much she had a tiara commissioned, and later a bracelet and brooch was presented to her from Brazil. This is one her favorite pieces of jewelry and wildly recognized because she has worn it so often.
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