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The first thing you need to do before you buy your aquamarine, or any other
gemstone for that matter, is decide the color of the gem you want to buy. A
deeper blue aquamarine is the most valued of all aquamarines. But some
people prefer the greenish-blue or bluish-green hues of aquamarine because
of the vivid colors; and these are relatively less expensive. The pale blue
aquamarine, if cut well, can dazzle almost like a diamond, for a fraction of
the money spent.
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The sailor's lucky stone, aquamarine ostensibly captures the beauty of the oceans and the vividness of the sky. This vibrant gemstone is available in a spectrum of shades ranging from light blue to sky blue to teal.
The name aquamarine has a Latin origin - 'aqua' meaning sea and 'mare' meaning water. According to legend, aquamarine originated in the treasure chest of mermaids and since then has been associated with the ocean. In olden times, aquamarines were worn as amulets by Greek sailors to please the sea God. According to an age-old belief, an aquamarine's strengths are developed to their best extent when it is placed in water which is bathed in sunlight.
It is believed that an aquamarine bestows a happy marriage and helps to embellish mutual love. Aquamarine is also deemed to bring joy and wealth to the wearer. |
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In ancient times, people have considered aquamarine as the stone that ushers good feelings and that has a positive influence on life. The soothing color of this gemstone is presumed to enliven sympathy, trust, harmony and friendship.
Aquamarine is also believed to help cure insomnia. Emperor Nero is said to have used an aquamarine crystal as an eyeglass some 2000 years ago. Later Germans used aquamarine crystals as lenses to correct shortsightedness. In fact, the German name for eyeglasses today is "brille", derived from the mineral beryl which is the name of the mineral family of aquamarine as well as its stone sister, the emerald.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for the month of March as classified by the American National Association of Jewelers, as well as the stone for zodiac signs Scorpio and Pisces. Aquamarine jewelry is also a popular gift for 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries. |
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| The first aquamarines were found in Madagascar. The gemstones from Madagascar were medium dark blue in color. However in recent times production from these mines has waned. Today, Brazil has become the most abundant supplier of aquamarine. The 'Santa Maria' class of aquamarines from Brazil is perhaps the most celebrated of aquamarines in the world. These particular gemstones have a rare, intense blue hue, which is the most prized color in an aquamarine. Similar nuances, 'Santa Maria Africana' aquamarines, are produced in Mozambique, Africa.
Other sources of aquamarine are the African countries of Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria, the island of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Russia. |
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The
processing of crystal into gems is the most exciting part of
the gemstone trail from mine to buyer. The first and most
critical step is processing of rough crystal and making it
ready to be converted into a gem. The crystal is carefully
cut into different parts optimizing the size of each piece
for the best color and quality available. Once this is done,
the best suited shape and cut for that particular piece is
determined. The crystal is then shaped and faceted
accordingly. The facets are important as they help in
reflection and refraction of the light from the inside of
the gem which gives the gemstone its luster. A skilled lapidist
can transform a rough stone into an exquisite piece of
jewel.
Aquamarines are celebrated in all most all cuts and shapes.
Be it the subtle grace of an emerald-cut, the lustrous glow
of the diamond-cut, or the entire array of possible shapes
and cuts, an aquamarine always looks stunningly gorgeous. In
uncut form also, these gemstones are used by designers to
create artistic jewelry. |
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| Composition of Aquamarine |
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl mineral family (Be3Al2
(Si6O18)) with a hardness of 7.5-8 on Moh's scale. Diamond is
the hardest substance known to mankind with a hardness of 10
on Moh's scale. Higher the level of hardness, better the
chances of the gemstone's resistance to scratches and
abrasion. Also, the chemical structure of aquamarine makes
it very tough, helping in resistance to breaking, chipping
and cracking. The hardness of this gemstone combined with
the toughness makes aquamarine perfect for daily wear.
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| Color |
Aquamarine gets its color due to trace amounts of iron
impurities in the beryl structure. The color of the gemstone
ranges from pale green, to pale blue, to blue, depending on
the relative concentrations of Fe2+ to Fe3+ ions and on the
location of these iron impurities within the beryl crystal
structure. Heating green-blue aquamarine reduces the iron
impurities; thereby eliminating the yellow and green colors
leaving only the pure blue color which is most popular
today.
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| Clarity |
Aquamarine is almost free of inclusions, and often has good
clarity. The inclusion-free, blue aquamarines are considered
to be the most precious aquamarines, although some people
appreciate the inclusions that give a wonderful bluish-green
shade to the gemstone, similar to the exhilarating teal of
Pacific Ocean.
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| Cut |
Aquamarines look great in all cuts and shapes. Where the
cool blue hue of an aquamarine is amplified in the subtle
emerald cut, the deep diamond cut provides this gem
brilliance close to that of a diamond's. In an uncut form
also these gemstones are used by designers to create
artistic forms of jewelry.
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| Size |
| Aquamarines naturally occur in large sizes; hence these gems
can make great center stones for any jewelry or setting.
Large aquamarines are not rare to find thus a little
increase in carat does not increase the price exorbitantly.
Moreover, the higher carat stones will have the best color. |
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| Aquamarines are almost always heat-treated to remove
inclusions, which is a well accepted norm in the jewelry
industry. High temperature is used to remove the iron
impurities from an aquamarine, making it appear true blue in
color and enhancing its appearance. This treatment is
permanent and cannot be detected. |
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The
first thing you need to do before you buy your aquamarine,
or any other gemstone for that matter, is decide the color
of the gem you want to buy. A deeper blue aquamarine is the
most valued of all aquamarines. But some people prefer the
greenish-blue or bluish-green hues of aquamarine because of
the vivid colors; and these are relatively less expensive.
The pale blue aquamarine, if cut well, can dazzle almost
like a diamond, for a fraction of the money spent.
Once you have selected the color, you need to check clarity
of the gemstone. Eye clean gemstones cost more than the ones
with inclusions. Aquamarines are usually free of inclusions
and blessed with excellent clarity. So with clarity not
being the major issues, you need to check your aquamarine
for fractures or feathers.
When buying an aquamarine, choose a higher carat. Large
aquamarines are not rare to find thus a little increase in
carat does not increase the price exorbitantly. Moreover,
the higher carat stones will have the best color. |
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| Aquamarines naturally occur in large sizes; hence these gems
can make great center stones for any jewelry or setting.
This gemstone looks charming in any metal setting be it a
platinum or white gold setting which compliments the
soothing blue, or be it a yellow gold setting which provides
a warm appearance. Aquamarines look exquisite when
accompanied by diamonds. Diamonds give a dazzle to the icy
blue, providing it a life like appearance. |
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| Aquamarine stones need to be cleaned often to keep their
brilliant sparkle. A thorough, soft brush scrubbing with a
commercial jewelry cleaner or liquid detergent and water is
sufficient to care for your gemstone if done at intervals
such as every third or fourth time you wear it. |
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