The Ocean ’ s Calmness, Captured in a Gem
Few things are as mesmerising as the way precious stones crystallise nature’s beauty and colours, turning them into something eternal. Aquamarine, the birthstone of March, is a gemstone of pure enchantment. With its luminous, crystalline blue, it carries the essence of the ocean within, like a drop of the sea turned to stone. It invites us to dream of sunlit waves and faraway tropical shores.
Aquamarine is the name given to the blue variety of beryl, a gemstone born from the depths of the earthwithin igneous rocks.
This same mineral gives rise to other treasures, such as the emerald and the delicate pink morganite. Its celestial blue is the result of iron inclusions, while morganite’s soft blush is created by traces of manganese. These gemstones can be found in some of the most breathtaking locations on Earth, including the enchanting island of Sri Lanka, our home and manufacturing base.
Its name comes from the Latin aqua marina, meaning «sea water», a tribute to the gentle, shifting blues of the ocean.
For over 3,000 years, aquamarine has been cherished not only for its beauty but also for its mystical qualities. The ancient Greeks called it the «sailor’s stone,» believing it was blessed by the moon and held power over the tides. It was carried as a talisman to calm stormy seas, protect against seasickness, and ensure a safe voyage. In the Middle Ages, it was said to be a remedy for poisons and an aid to digestion.Today, aquamarine is still treasured for its soothing energy, bringing balance, serenity, and a sense of deep tranquillity, like gazing into the heart of a calm, endless ocean.
Highly prized in jewellery, aquamarine’s durability makes it a timeless choice. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, it is second only to diamonds and corundum (ruby and sapphire). Its value lies in its purity, with deep blue, remarkably transparent aquamarines, free from inclusions, are the most sought-after. Curiously, during the Victorian era, greenish aquamarines were the most desirable. Thanks to its striking clarity, it is essential to choose a cut that enhances its brilliance, with the emerald cut being a particular favourite for showcasing its depth and radiance.
1836 engraving Gems of Beauty: Aquamarine by Edmund Thomas Parris (Creative Commons) / Victorian Aquamarine Necklace by Charlotte Sayers Antique Jewellery (Charlotte Sayers Antique Jewellery Website).
For centuries, aquamarine has been a symbol of love and devotion, gracing engagement rings and wedding anniversary jewellery as an emblem of eternal romance, a tradition that dates back to Ancient Rome. Today, with the resurgence of coloured gemstones in bridal jewellery, aquamarine has once again become a beloved choice, offering a poetic alternative to the classic diamond.
Aquamarine, along with its delicate pale rose sister, morganite, takes centre stage in some of OONA’s most romantic creations. Every aquamarine we use is a natural and ethically sourced treasure, hand-selected from certified, sustainable mines in Sri Lanka. Each gemstone carries within it the infinite beauty of the ocean, a glimmer of sunlit waves, a whisper of the tides, captured forever in a jewel as timeless as the sea itself.
Discover our Aquamarine jewellery
