Aquamarine exists in many shades of blue, from pale versions to the color of the sky. Some stones are tinged with green — it owes its color to the presence of iron. While the choice of color is largely a matter of taste, the deeper blue gemstones are more rare.

This elegant colored gemstone is the birthstone of March and is the symbol of youth, hope, health and fidelity. Aquamarine was long thought to have a soothing influence on married couples, making it a good anniversary gift.

Aquamarines are mined in a number of exotic places including Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique, but most of the gemstones available today come from Brazil.