Insights: March Birthstone

Get ready, those with birthdays in March - today we're talking about March Birthstones!

Gemstones and crystals have been associated with healing and protection since ancient times. From ancient Egypt, India and China, the Romans, Celts and Vikings, gemstones have been incorporated into many cultural practices for their beauty, symbolism and believed mythical powers. 

Although the concept of birthstones is more modern, its links with astrology and the 12 zodiac signs ground the idea in magical and powerful symbolism that people around the world continue to enjoy today. According to the Gemstone Society, there are some differences from the traditional list of birthstones and the more modern list that jewellers use today, the notable difference being that the modern list uses transparent gems. We can see this in the two very different March birthstones: Aquamarine and Bloodstone. 

Aquamarine is the modern March birthstone, a gorgeous light blue or blue-green translucent stone whose name comes from the Latin for seawater. This stone was thought to protect seafarers, and increase intellect. The aquamarine stone is part of the beryl family, sharing its lineage with Emerald. The hardness of Aquamarine on the Mohs scale is 7.5-8, making it durable for daily wear.

Traditionally the March birthstone was Bloodstone - a dark-green gemstone flecked with vivid red spots of iron oxide. Generally found embedded in rocks or in riverbeds as pebbles, it still too holds a relationship with water. The bloodstone has held ancient associations with healing powers, and some even believed it an aid for controlling the weather! Bloodstone is 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, and offers an earthy and opaque look.

pictured: sapphire set into a molten ring.

March spans two zodiac signs, those born from March 1–20 are Pisces - often preferring the aquamarine - while those born March 21–31 are Aries, and some March-born Aries gravitate towards bloodstone, perhaps the red flecks within the green symbolising their fire and water associations. 

Gemstones and crystals transcend cultures and centuries and so there is space to let your own intuitive sense of self and individual style guide you towards either the aquamarine or bloodstone. Both of these March birthstones are are beautiful when set within sterling silver jewellery and 9ct gold jewellery.

Aquamarine in silver gives a cool and modern look, whilst set in gold gives a warm and vintage contrast. Bloodstones are particularly popular set in gold jewellery, the warm yellow tones highlighting the stones deep green colour. Here at Lulu and Boo we only ever use 100% recycled silver and gold, and we ethically source our gemstones. Check out our blog on how we source gemstones, making sure they are traceable and responsibly mined. 

If you have a particular vision for a piece of March birthstone jewellery, to connect you with the Earth and the powerful properties of Aquamarine or Bloodstone, Lulu and Boo is the perfect collaborator to co-design a piece of custom jewellery of timeless design and the highest quality. March birthstone jewellery is also a great gift idea for new mothers. Contact us if you’d like to discuss a piece set with the child’s birthstone, something the mother can wear for a lifetime or pass on to their child when they’re older.