The gorgeous light blue color of aquamarine arouses feelings of trust, harmony and tranquility. It is also the color of water with its life-giving force. According to legend it originated in the treasure chest of mermaids and is regarded as the sailors’ lucky stone. Its name is derived from the Latin ‘aqua’ (water) and ‘mare’ (sea), and according to the old traditions it promises a happy marriage and is said to bring the woman who wears it joy and wealth.
Aquamarine is related to the emerald, both belonging to the beryl family. Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it fairly resistant to scratches. Iron is the substance that gives aquamarine its color, a color which ranges from pale blue to a gorgeous deep blue. The more intense the color of an aquamarine, the more value is put on it.
The rare, intense blue aquamarines
from the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil, which make every gemstone
lover’s heart beat faster, are called ‘Santa Maria’. Similar nuances come from
a few gemstone mines in Africa, particularly Mozambique. To help distinguish
them from the Brazilian ones, these aquamarines have been given the name ‘Santa
Maria Africana’.
There is hardly any other gemstone in modern jewelry design
which is more loved by the designer and wearer alike. Cut or uncut, it
can be refined to produce the most beautiful creations. It is one of my
favorites as well, as attested to by the great number of stones and jewelry
designs in my stores. I search out that Santa Maria blue, as well as other
color variations.