Birthstone of the Month: March

It is time to celebrate the birthstone of the month, which for March is the fabulous aquamarine. This beautiful sky blue to sea green gemstone bears a name deriving from the Latin for water 'aqua' and for sea, 'marina'. Legend has it that this beautiful stone is the treasure of mermaids, and it was traditionally carried by sailors to keep them safe at sea.

The Dom Pedro fantasy cut aquamarine, as displayed in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (photo credit: Dom Pedro aquamarine - Wikipedia)

Aquamarine is a variety of the gemstone Beryl, which also includes emeralds, and the less well known pink gemstone morganite, and the yellow gemstone heliodor. It grows in prismatic crystals, and can grow to large sizes. It occurs in many locations across the world including Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and the USA. Brazil has long been known as the world's top source for aquamarine, including the world's largest specimens such as the Dom Pedro aquamarine. Mined in 1980, at 10363.00 ct it is the world's largest cut aquamarine. Cut into a 'fantasy' cut featuring curved facets and grooves, it took six months of hand cutting by the gem cutter Bernd Munsteiner to create the magnificent obelisk that can now be seen in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Aquamarine is well suited to use in jewellery as it is a durable stone. Care is needed when working with these gemstones in the jewellery workshop however, as heat can cause them to discolour. It is recommended to care for these pieces gently, washing in a warm soapy water, without the use of abrasive chemicals that may damage the stone. Protect these fabulous stones from sharp knocks as they can fracture.

Pictured is a beautiful oval aquamarine and 9ct gold pendant, a recent commission for clients of Buck & Co in celebration of a very special March birthday! The aquamarine was selected by our clients from a selection sourced by our Gemmologist, and it was then crafted into this beautiful pendant by our in-house Goldsmith.

Aquamarine and 9ct gold commission piece for clients of Buck & Co, Bodmin.