Aquamarine is very special to me. My engagement ring is a huge faceted aquamarine set in a Black Hills gold setting accented with turquoise. The color is intense. This is an antique ring that I adore and most often wear instead of my wedding ring. Not only is it gorgeous, but the gemstone is so appropriately used… in an engagement ring, since it brings pure love.

Aquamarine, like the emerald, belongs to the beryl family. Colors range from translucent light blue to sea green to blue-green.

Legend has it that aquamarine originally came from a mermaid’s jewelry box and it is said to bring pure love. By turning darker or lighter, the stone indicates what is true and false. The lighter it becomes, the greater the warning of falsity. In the Middle Ages aquamarine was a symbol of chastity. It is found in Brazil, Madagascar, the Urals, Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the United States.

Aquamarine has beneficial effects on the thyroid glad and is helpful in the treatment of problems with the vocal cords and speech. It can also strengthen the immune system and protect against colds and allergies.

Given to sailors as protection against drowning and for courage in battle, Aquamarine helps reduce fears and has an affinity with sensitive and mystical people. It increases creativity and sharpens intuition. Aquamarine symbolizes peace and can quiet the mind and reduce stress.

With zodiacal affinity with Aquarius, Aquamarine is also an important stone for Pisces, Libra, Taurus, and Scorpio. It is the birthstone for March.