In the depths of the ocean, where the waves whisper secrets to the shore, lies a gemstone as deep as the sea itself: aquamarine. A gemstone known for its mesmerizing beauty has a history dating back over four thousand years, being particularly famous among sailors who believed it safeguarded them from the dangers of the sea.
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family, the same mineral group as emerald. Its name is derived from the Latin words aqua (water) and marina (sea), perfectly describing its oceanic tones. Found in countries such as Brazil, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Pakistan, aquamarine is prized for its colors, which range from pale blue to deep blue-green, evoking the calmness and tranquility associated with bodies of water. The presence of iron not only influences the color but also contributes to aquamarine’s pleochroic nature, allowing it to display subtle variations in color intensity when viewed from different angles. It crystallizes in a hexagonal system, forming large prismatic crystals that can range from microscopic to enormous in size. The gemstone’s hardness, ranging from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, makes it durable and suitable for everyday jewelry.
As with almost every stone, aquamarine has a fascinating history. The ancient Romans believed that aquamarine had the power to protect sailors from storms and bring them safely home. They also associated it with the god Neptune, making it a revered gemstone of the sea. Roman legend also suggested that aquamarine could absorb the atmosphere of young love, making it a thoughtful gift between newlyweds.
It was also popular in medieval Europe, where it was worn by clergy and royalty, believed to bring divine favor and spiritual insight. During World War II, aquamarine was thought to have a role in espionage. Legend has it that spies would use aquamarine lenses in their scopes to improve vision and clarity. While the truth of this remains debatable, it adds to the gemstone’s past.
In more recent history, a remarkable 1,298-carat aquamarine was gifted to Eleanor Roosevelt by Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas in 1936. At the time, it was the largest cut stone of its kind. Today, the world’s largest cut aquamarine is known as the Dom Pedro, weighing an astonishing 10,363 carats, and is displayed at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History.
Aquamarine has graced the red carpet on numerous occasions, worn by celebrities ranging from the royals to a-list actresses. Princess Diana famously wore a dazzling aquamarine ring that was later passed down to Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, who wore it as a tribute to Diana at her wedding reception. Hollywood stars such as Jessica Chastain, Angelina Jolie, and Cate Blanchett have also been seen wearing aquamarine jewelry at major events.
Whether worn for its beauty, history, or symbolism, aquamarine continues to captivate people worldwide and remains a treasured choice for those seeking a connection to the ocean’s tranquility and a touch of timeless sophistication.
