Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. The name of the stone is derived from “aqua,” the Roman word for water, and “mare,” which means sea. In ancient Rome, the aquamarine was believed to be sacred to the god of the sea, Neptune. As a result, early sailors wore aquamarine amulets, bearing an image representing Neptune, in order to keep them safe at sea. Because the March birthstone was associated so closely with the sea, it became a belief that the stone was more powerful when submerged in water. The water used to immerse the stone was used to heal illnesses related to the liver, stomach, and heart.
Part of the Beryl family, the aquamarine can vary in a blue-green color to a sky blue. Gemstones containing the green tone are less desirable and are often treated with heat in order to remove the green coloring. Most aquamarines are flawless, which is not the case for most other gemstones. Aquamarine jewelry makes wonderful gifts, especially since the stone is seen as symbolizing safety and security. Therefore, even if the recipient does not have a March birthday, Aquamarine gifts can be fitting because of what it symbolizes. People have been known to give gifts featuring this stone as a gesture of rekindling love in a relationship.