March Birthstones & The Strength of Women
March is a month of transition, where winter softens, light returns, and resilience quietly turns into renewal. As a gemmologist, I’ve always found March’s birthstones especially fitting for this shift. Aquamarine and bloodstone may appear very different, yet both carry stories of strength, courage, and clarity.
It feels no coincidence that International Women’s Day, celebrated each year on March 8th, falls within this month, a day dedicated to recognising resilience, achievement, and progress. March’s gemstones echo these same qualities in their own unique ways.
Aquamarine: Calm Strength Beneath the Surface
Aquamarine, a pale blue variety of beryl, has long been associated with the sea. Ancient sailors believed it was a treasure from mermaids, carried as a talisman for protection and safe passage across stormy waters.
From a gemmological perspective, aquamarine is admired for its clarity and serene colour, ranging from the softest icy blue to deeper ocean tones. It is quite durable (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale), making it ideal for daily wear. Primarily sourced from Brazil, with other locations including Nigeria, Madagascar and Pakistan. Its transparency symbolises honesty and open communication, qualities that have historically been linked to courage and truth.
Throughout history, aquamarine has represented calm strength, not loud or forceful, but steady and unwavering. A reminder that power can be quiet.
Bloodstone: Courage & Resilience
In striking contrast, bloodstone is deep green chalcedony marked with vivid red inclusions of iron oxide. It is slightly softer than aquamarine (6.5-7 on the Mohs scale) and most commonly found in India. Its bold appearance has given rise to powerful legends.
In medieval Europe, bloodstone was believed to hold protective and healing properties. Warriors carried it for bravery and endurance. Its symbolism centres around resilience, vitality, and inner strength.
From a gemmologist’s perspective, bloodstone’s beauty lies in its individuality, no two stones share the same pattern. Each one tells its own story, much like the lives and journeys we honour during International Women’s Day.
March, Renewal & Recognition
March’s birthstones speak to both softness and strength, aquamarine’s clarity and bloodstone’s endurance. Together, they represent balance: compassion paired with courage.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, these gemstones feel especially meaningful. They reflect the many forms strength can take from calm leadership to fierce protection, quiet resilience, and determined progress.
At My Precious, each jewellery piece is chosen not only for its beauty, but for the story it carries. March reminds us that history, symbolism, and craftsmanship are intertwined, just like the journeys we celebrate this month.
So here’s to celebrating all the women you know, the mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.
"Here's to strong women: May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them."