The birthstone edit · March
Aquamarine is the blue to greenish blue birthstone for March. It belongs to the beryl family and has a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8. March also has a second birthstone, bloodstone. This guide focuses on aquamarine: an airy, luminous choice for rings, earrings and birthday gifts.
A little ocean blue. A story of your own. Discover the gemstone’s story, compare jewelry options and choose a birthday gift that fits the way you wear jewelry.
Learn about March’s gemstones here, compare the current jewelry collection, or plan a visit to Nina Wynn in Denver.
March’s gemstone spotlight
Aquamarine: the gemstone at a glance
- Birthstone month
- March
- Mineral
- Beryl
- Color
- Pale blue to blue-green
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5–8
- Known source regions
- Brazil, Pakistan, Madagascar and parts of Africa; Colorado is a U.S. source
- Jewelry to consider
- Earrings, pendants and thoughtfully protected rings
What is aquamarine?
Aquamarine and emerald are both beryl, but their familiar colors and typical inclusions differ. Aquamarine is often quite transparent, and its light color makes the cut especially noticeable. Small stones can look paler than larger stones; a pale blue aquamarine is not automatically an imitation. The face-up appearance matters more than a romantic color name.
Aquamarine meaning and history
Aquamarine’s name recalls seawater. Sailors once associated it with safe journeys, and it has a long connection with harmony in marriage. Today a March birthstone gift can mark a new chapter, a shared trip or simply someone’s favorite shade of blue. Those associations are cultural stories, not promises of protection or health benefits. Aquamarine is also traditionally given for a 19th wedding anniversary.
Where does aquamarine come from?
Brazil’s Minas Gerais and Pakistan’s mountain deposits are well-known aquamarine sources. Material also comes from Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria and other countries. Closer to Nina Wynn’s Denver home, aquamarine occurs around Mount Antero in Colorado and is Colorado’s state gemstone. This local connection makes its story especially meaningful here; it does not establish that any featured jewelry contains Colorado-mined stones.
Source regions describe the gemstone generally. They are not verified mining origins of the jewelry pictured here. Mohs hardness measures scratch resistance, not complete durability.
How to choose aquamarine jewelry
Color and cut
Look at the stone face-up in ordinary light. Compare a cooler blue with a slightly greenish blue, and choose the shade you actually want to wear. Avoid judging color only from a highly lit photograph.
Clarity and dimensions
Check whether inclusions interrupt the appearance and whether the cut looks lively. Compare the gemstone’s millimeter dimensions as well as carat weight; weight alone does not show how a ring or stud will look on you.
Treatment and identity
Aquamarine is often heated to reduce greenish tones. Natural origin and treatment are separate disclosures. Blue topaz is a different mineral, even when its color resembles aquamarine. Ask for the gemstone name and treatment information in writing.
Aquamarine vs. bloodstone vs. blue topaz
| Option | Identity / appearance | Mohs | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquamarine | Blue or blue-green beryl | 7.5–8 | March birthday jewelry with a light, transparent look |
| Bloodstone | Dark green chalcedony with red markings | 6.5–7 | Another March birthstone with a more opaque appearance |
| Blue topaz | A separate mineral, commonly treated for blue color | 8 | A blue styling alternative; not the March birthstone |
Aquamarine jewelry ideas for a March birthday
For an aquamarine birthday gift, begin with what the recipient wears most. Studs offer a small, easy color accent; a pendant keeps the stone near the face; a ring makes the blue more personal and visible to its wearer. Sterling silver creates a cool palette, while yellow gold adds warmth. A pair of convertible earrings suits someone who likes changing the look of one piece. For a quiet ear stack, place one aquamarine stud beside a simple gold hoop rather than making every piercing a focal point.
Before you choose a gift
Check metal preference, ring size where needed, and whether earrings are sold singly or as a pair. For flat-back or cartilage jewelry, confirm piercing fit with a professional. A birthstone can honor a birthday, but it can also be a favorite color worn in any month.
How to clean and care for aquamarine jewelry
Use lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush, then rinse and dry carefully. Protect aquamarine from hard knocks and high heat. A ring should come off for lifting weights, gardening or chores that can strike the setting. Store it separately from harder gemstones. An ultrasonic or steam cleaner can be unsuitable for stones with fractures, liquid inclusions or fillers; ask a jeweler before using equipment.
Shop the March birthstone edit
Explore Nina Wynn jewelry selected for this gemstone story. Product pages show current options, specifications and availability; an article recommendation does not guarantee stock.
Current picks from the March birthstone collection. Check each listing for gemstone details, fit, and whether earrings are sold singly or as a pair. Swipe to explore.
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Vintage Lace Square 6mm Natural Aquamarine Silver Stud Earrings
Sterling Silver / Aquamarine
$125.00
View jewelry & options -
Natural Aquamarine Healing Gemstone Chain Bracelet | Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Aquamarine / Solid 14K Yellow Gold
$495.00
View jewelry & options -
Natural Aquamarine Healing Gemstone Chain Bracelet | Solid 14K White Gold
Aquamarine / Solid 14K White Gold
$495.00
View jewelry & options -
Natural Aquamarine Healing Gemstone Chain Bracelet | Sterling Silver
Aquamarine / Sterling Silver
$295.00
View jewelry & options
Product photographs show the selected gemstone or catalog piece. Confirm the selected variant and fit before ordering.
March birthstone questions, answered
What is the birthstone for March?
March has two birthstones: aquamarine and bloodstone. Aquamarine is the blue to greenish blue option; bloodstone is dark green with red markings.
Is aquamarine suitable for an everyday ring?
Aquamarine can work in a carefully worn ring, but it can still scratch or chip. Choose a secure setting and remove it for impact-prone activities.
Why is my aquamarine so pale?
Aquamarine naturally occurs in light tones, and small stones often show less intense color. Pale color alone does not identify a stone as fake.
Is aquamarine the same as blue topaz?
No. Aquamarine is beryl and blue topaz is topaz. They may look similar, but their identity, rarity and treatments differ.
Is aquamarine found in Colorado?
Yes. The Mount Antero area is a known Colorado source, and aquamarine is the state gemstone. A jewelry item needs its own documentation before a Colorado origin can be claimed.
What aquamarine jewelry makes a good March birthday gift?
Choose studs or a pendant when you do not know ring size. A ring is a more personal option when you know the recipient’s size and taste.
Gemological sources
- GIA: March birthstone guide
- GIA: Aquamarine gem encyclopedia
- GIA: Aquamarine buying guide
- GIA: Aquamarine care and cleaning
Gemological facts draw on the sources above. Styling suggestions are Nina Wynn editorial guidance. Gemstone meanings describe cultural associations, not health or outcome claims.
Explore all 12 birthstone guides
Return to the complete birthstone guide for the month-by-month chart, colors and care.
Ways to wear March birthstones
Start with a color you enjoy, then choose a scale and setting that fit your routine. A small stud adds a quiet accent; a hoop, charm or pendant can give the stone more presence. Compare the actual gemstone, dimensions and selling unit on the product page before choosing.
For a personal gift, combine a birthstone with a favorite metal or an existing jewelry collection. Softer or more delicate stones need a protected setting and thoughtful wear. A birthstone is a personal connection, so you can choose any month or color that feels meaningful.
