History

Aquamarine is derived from the Latin word for seawater, aqua marina. Aqua means “water”, and marina means "of the sea". Aquamarine was first beloved by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. They admired the stone for its beauty and the "powers" they believed the stone provided for them. Roman fishermen believed Aquamarine would smooth the waters allowing for safe travel and aid in the catching of fish. Being the Saint of Mariners, St. Thomas was a notable believer in Aquamarine’s abilities to provide safety on the sea. Elites of the Middle Ages became big wearers of Aquamarine due to the belief that the stone would protect the wearer from poisoning, which was a concern at the time. Around this time it was believed wearing Aquamarine would dull the spark of hate between enemies and bring them together.

Notable Aquamarines

The Roosevelt Aquamarines

*The handmade, art deco box the First Lady was gifted to house the amazing gem. The box is lined with velvet and white satin.*

After winning his second term in 1936, President Roosevelt and the First Lady took a month-long "Good Neighbor" trip to South America. During the visit to Rio de Janerio, Brazilian President Getúlio Vargas presented Eleanor with one of the largest, and well known, Aquamarines. The 1,298 carat stone was from Vargas' personal collection and was considered the world’s largest cut Aquamarine at the time.

There was a bit of controversy surrounding the stone after FDR's death. Someone tipped off newspapers that the former first lady had inquired about the Aquamarine's value. Drew Pearson, an American columnist, accused Eleanor of trying to sell the stone. The buzz didn't last long as she donated the gift to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential library where it remains today in the original box.

Brazilian Aquamarine Parure

Most of the tiaras that Queen Elizabeth II wore were from queens and princesses that preceded her. The stunning aquamarine tiara we're going to look at was commissioned by the Queen herself. The Brazilian parure didn't start with the tiara, though; it started with a necklace and pair of earrings. Given to the Queen in 1953 on behalf of the people of Brazil, the necklace was described as "nine large oblong aquamarines each in a diamond scroll setting with an even bigger oblong aquamarine pendant drop". (Field, Leslie) Of course, the earrings were designed to match the necklace. Four years later, in 1957, the Queen commissioned a tiara to match.

It didn't stop there! Brazil continued to offer stunning aquamarines to the Queen. In 1958 she was gifted a brooch and bracelet to match. In 1968, during her first visit to Brazil, she was gifted an aquamarine and diamond hair ornament. Stones from the ornament were used to add to the aquamarine tiara.

Princess Diana’s Aquamarine Ring

Probably one of the most famous aquamarine rings belonged to Princess Diana. The 13-carat emerald cut aquamarine ring was viewed as a declaration of independence for Diana. After separating from Prince Charles in 1997, the aquamarine ring replaced the sapphire engagement ring she originally wore.

The first sighting of the iconic ring was in October of 1996 at a fundraiser in Sydney, Australia. Pictured, you can see the princess wearing the ring, a gift from Lucia Flecha de Lima, with a striking blue Versace gown.

Sadly, the ring was only worn publicly twice before her tragic death. It wasn't seen again until 2018, after Diana's son, Prince Harry, gifted the ring to Megan Markle.

Celebrities & Aquamarine Birthstones

Jon Bon Jovi

Catherine O’Hara

Shaquille O’Neal

Chuck Norris

Queen Latifah

Reese Witherspoon

Elton John

Lady Gaga

Photo Credit:

robertharding/Alamy Stock Photo

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library Digital Archives, via Wikimedia Commons.

Getty Images

Tim Graham Photo Library

Aquamarine: March's Birthstone