The name of this gem already brings to mind its strong link with the sea: Aquamarine means “Sea water” and derives from the Latin words “aqua” (water) and “marinus” (belonging to the sea).

Aquamarine is a member of the Beryl family (from the ancient Greek “beryllos”: green-blue gem), often also called “ mother of gems ” for its varieties of precious gems.

The color of Aquamarine is given by the presence of traces of iron: the various concentrations of this element give rise to a wonderful range of delicate pastel shades up to the deepest blue, sometimes with splashes of green.

The delicate aura of Aquamarine is legendary: according to an ancient tradition this gem would have calmed the ire of the god of the sea, Poseidon (Neptune for the ancient Romans). In fact, it was customary for sailors to throw Aquamarine amulets into the sea during storms to appease the god of the sea and to prevent his irritability from causing earthquakes and shipwrecks. The Aquamarine , birthstone of the month of March , would not by chance have a positive influence on insight and on wisdom .

The Aquamarine is a much loved gem, especially for its wonderful color, which is best offered in the warm light of a candle. It is normally transparent and eye-clean, i.e. it has no inclusions visible to the naked eye from a distance of 15 cm. Its high purity remains so even when subjected to enlargement.

• How to care for jewelry with Aquamarine

Aquamarine should only be subjected to traditional treatments and steam cleaning.