Aquamarine has been associated with protection since the days of the Roman Empire. Roman sailors believed the gemstone could save them from stormy seas, and gave it a name that loosely translates to “seawater”.
In addition, many believe that aquamarine has a soothing influence on relationships. This makes it an excellent choice for a gift to someone you love—especially for a 19th wedding anniversary.
In ancient Rome, most aquamarine came from India. Today, however, Brazil is the major producer of aquamarine.
As a member of the beryl family of gems, aquamarine falls anywhere from 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. This exceptional hardness makes it resistant to scratches; so this precious gem is durable and wearable. While the best aquamarine for you will always be the one you like, rich blue stones are rarer and command higher prices. You should also look for clarity and a cut that enhances your aquamarine’s shine.