Thinking about how to purchase an aquamarine engagement ring for your special someone? You’re in the right place! Aquamarine’s stunning blue hues and rich symbolism make it the perfect choice for a meaningful engagement ring. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about how to buy an aquamarine engagement ring, ensuring you find a piece that captures the essence of your love story.
From understanding the 4Cs to selecting the ideal setting, we’ve got you covered with tips and insights to make your ring shopping experience as memorable as the proposal itself.
Aquamarine Engagement Ring Symbolism
Aquamarine is often said to symbolize commitment and fidelity. It is known to deepen the connection between partners and is associated with peace and harmony. Early Egyptians and Sumerians valued this gemstone as a representation of youth and happiness. Its mesmerising colour brings about clarity, serenity, and tranquility. Aquamarine, the March birthstone, also signifies rebirth and transformation.
All About the Stone: History & Origin of Aquamarine
Aquamarine derives its name from the Latin words “aqua” and “marina,” meaning “seawater.” The name is fitting, given the gemstone’s beautiful sea-blue shades. Aquamarines have been linked to the sea and water for centuries, with mystical legends claiming they originated from underwater treasure chests. Roman fishermen even referred to them as the “water of the sea” and used them for protection during voyages and to ensure good luck while fishing.
Today, aquamarines are mined in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan. They can also be found in Afghanistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Zambia and Russia.
Read: History of Aquamarine
How Are Aquamarines Graded?
Aquamarines are graded based on the 4Cs developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA): cut, colour, clarity and carat. These are the most important things to know before buying aquamarine engagement rings, as they affect the appearance and price of the stone.
Cut
The cut of a gemstone refers to its symmetry and proportions. Aquamarines look their best when their colour is evenly consistent and shows no visible flaws to the naked eye.
Colour
The tone, hue and saturation play significant roles in the colour of aquamarines, which can range from greenish-blue to pastel blue to green-blue. The tone is the primary factor when it comes to assessing the value of an aquamarine, with darker blue aquamarines being more valuable than slightly greenish blue.
Clarity
Aquamarine is known for its excellent clarity. Most aquamarines are free of inclusions visible to the naked eye. You will, however, find a few aquamarines with slight inclusions. In fact, opting for a good-coloured aquamarine with some inclusions is a growing trend.
Carat
The unit of measurement for diamonds and gemstones is carat (ct). Aquamarine is available in various sizes, and the size affects its colour.
Smaller stones tend to be paler, while those over five carats are darker.
Hardness & Durability
In gemology, hardness refers to how scratch-resistant a stone is. Aquamarine ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a great alternative to diamonds and suitable for daily wear. However, to maintain its beauty and longevity, it’s still essential to handle it with care, avoiding hard knocks and extreme temperature changes.
Related: Aquamarine Hardness and Mohs Scale
Rarity & Price
Aquamarine is priced based on its quality and rarity. It ranks 27th among the thirty rarest gems on the planet, making it moderately rare. Of all the different shades of aquamarine, vivid hues are rarer and more expensive than pastel hues.
A one-carat aquamarine typically costs around $675, with higher carats increasing by 40%—60%.
Angara offers 30% lower prices than competitors. We can do this due to our vertically integrated model, wherein every step—from sourcing the gemstone to getting it handcrafted—is done in-house. This helps us cut out the middlemen and pass the savings on to you.
Also Read: Aquamarine Gemstone Benefits
Popular Cuts & Shapes For Aquamarine Engagement Rings
Aquamarines are versatile and can be cut into almost any shape. They are most popularly seen in step cuts such as emerald or baguette cuts but can also be found in traditional round brilliant or oval cuts. Other popular shapes include pear, cushion and heart. The chosen cut can enhance the stone’s beauty or its flaws, so it’s important to select a cut that maximises the aquamarine’s natural charm.
Read: How to Tell if an Aquamarine Is Real
Aquamarine Engagement Ring Settings
The setting of an aquamarine engagement ring refers to how the stone is mounted into a metal band. Our aquamarine engagement ring shopping guide will help you understand the importance of setting in relation to the ring’s style, comfort and functionality.
When choosing an aquamarine engagement ring, it’s essential to consider the setting style that reflects your partner’s personality. For a classic look, traditional engagement ring styles that feature sophisticated ring settings like solitaire, halo, and three-stone are your best bet. On the other hand, if your partner has a bold style and loves to stand out wherever they go, non-traditional styles like toi et moi, hidden halo, and twisted shank will make a great choice.
Additionally, the type of metal you choose also improves the appearance of an aquamarine. For instance, the warmth of yellow gold will balance out the cool tone of the aquamarine, while white gold will enhance its coolness.
It’s important to choose a robust setting that protects the stone from scratches and damage.
Tips for buying Aquamarine engagement rings
Here are some important tips to consider before buying an aquamarine engagement ring.
Budget
Set a budget to find a ring that fits your financial comfort zone and your partner’s style. There are different rules about how much to spend on an engagement ring, but we recommend setting aside a budget that aligns with your current financial situation and future saving goals.
Ring size
Ensure you know your partner’s ring size for a perfect fit. At Angara, we understand that getting the perfect fit can be tricky, which is why we offer a 30-day free resizing service. So, if the ring isn’t quite right the first time, you can nail the fit the second time around.
Personalization
Personalize your ring to make it more special. Our multi-award-winning ‘Create With Angara’ feature lets you design your dream engagement ring from scratch, allowing you to get a piece unique to your love story.
Moreover, you can also add a heartfelt message on the ring with our free engraving option.
Certification
Ensure your jewellery comes with a gemstone certificate that outlines information about the gemstone’s quality grade, colour, carat weight and more to ensure you’re paying for a genuine, high-quality ring.
The Angara Difference
At Angara, we take pride in offering our customers conflict-free diamonds and gemstones directly sourced from mines and manufacturers. Each of our gemstones is selected by certified gemologists and handmade by master jewellers. You can customise each piece according to gemstone quality, carat weight and metal colour.
Moreover, our multi-award-winning ‘Create With Angara’ feature lets you design custom rings from start to finish, allowing you to create jewellery that truly reflects your unique style.
Additionally, all our jewellery comes with an Angara Certificate of Authenticity and a lifetime warranty so you can shop worry-free. We also offer free shipping, easy returns and flexible payment options, making online jewellery shopping a breeze.
How to Care for Aquamarine Engagement Rings
Aquamarines, while durable, need proper care to maintain their shine. Keep your aquamarine engagement ring away from extreme heat and potential damage. Clean it by soaking it in warm, soapy water and gently brushing it with a soft toothbrush. You can also give it a hydroponic clean every six months and get the prongs chequeed to ensure that the stones are securely set.
Angara’s lifetime warranty includes free services like cleaning, re-polishing, gemstone tightening and re-rhodium plating to keep your jewellery looking new and shiny for years to come.
Interesting Aquamarine Engagement Ring Facts
1. Aquamarine is said to bring happiness in marriage, making it a traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversary.
2. The largest aquamarine discovered measures 19 inches.
3. Colourado adopted aquamarine as its official gemstone on April 30, 1971, because the pinnacles of White Mountain and Mount Antero are known to have some of the highest-quality aquamarine.
4. In 1936, the government of Brazil gifted First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt a dark blue rectangular step-cut aquamarine weighing 1,298 carats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What to know before buying an aquamarine engagement ring?
Before purchasing an aquamarine engagement ring, it’s essential to understand the 4Cs. This will help you determine the quality and value of the gemstone. Additionally, knowing your partner’s taste in jewellery can help you select a design they will love. Pay attention to the metal used for the setting, as it can enhance the aquamarine’s appearance. Lastly, always buy from a reputable jeweller who provides a certificate of authenticity.
Q2. How to buy an aquamarine engagement ring on a budget?
Buying an aquamarine ring on a budget is possible with a few smart choices. Start by setting a clear budget to avoid overspending. Consider choosing a slightly smaller carat size or a gemstone with minor inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye. These can significantly reduce the price without compromising the ring’s beauty. Additionally, you can take advantage of seasonal discounts.
Q3. Is aquamarine good for engagement rings?
Absolutely! Aquamarine is an excellent choice for engagement rings. Known for its beautiful blue hue, which symbolises happiness and peace, aquamarine brings a unique and meaningful touch to engagement rings.
