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 mesmerizing color 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, color, 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 color is evenly consistent and shows no visible flaws to the naked eye.
Color
The tone, hue and saturation play significant roles in the color 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-colored 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 color.
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 maximizes 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, twisted shank, and hidden halo engagement ring, 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 complimentary resizing within the first year of purchase. 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 jewelry comes with a gemstone certificate that outlines information about the gemstone’s quality grade, color, carat weight and more to ensure you’re paying for a genuine, high-quality ring.
Also Read: Princess Cut Engagement Ring Guide
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 jewelers. You can customize each piece according to gemstone quality, carat weight and metal color.
Moreover, our multi-award-winning ‘Create With Angara’ feature lets you design custom rings from start to finish, allowing you to create jewelry that truly reflects your unique style.
Additionally, all our jewelry 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 jewelry 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 checked 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 jewelry looking new and shiny for years to come.
Are Aquamarine Engagement Rings Popular?
Colored gemstones have been a go-to choice for everyone who doesn’t wish to take the traditional route for an engagement proposal. Today, many modern couples prefer an aquamarine as an engagement ring gemstone.
Several factors go into consideration when picking the gem, such as the budget, preference and durability. Aquamarine engagement rings for women are steadily gaining popularity because not only are they gorgeous to look at but are also available at good prices.
Here’s more on what makes them a wonderful choice…
What It Represents:
You don’t need to be an aquamarine aficionado to see the beauty of this gem. In many ways, it resonates with the calm and the mysteries of the sea – that’s where it gets its name from. The Latin term aqua marīna translates to “seawater”, and along with this interesting fact, the gem comes packed with many kinds of symbolism.
While some ancient cultures believed it represented courage and loyalty, others claimed it could guarantee a happy marriage. Early Egyptians and Sumerians also considered aquamarine a powerful symbol of happiness and provider of everlasting youth. All these factors are just a few reasons why couples choose an aquamarine for engagement rings.
In short, no negative connotations, just pure goodness!
Color Love:
This gem is adored by collectors and enthusiasts for its immensely appealing hue that can range between blue to blue-green. But if you want your engagement ring to dazzle then we recommend opting for a stone that showcases an intense blue color; these are the ones that are valuable.
Size Matters:
Another factor that has made aquamarine engagement rings popular is the availability of this gem in a variety of options, including both small and considerably big sizes. Large stones, especially, are available in abundance and the price per carat does not rise drastically as in the case of a sapphire or ruby. So if you want a contemporary engagement ring that will steal the show without burning a hole in your pocket then the aquamarine perfectly fits the bill.
Some things to keep in mind…
1. Treat them with Care: Aquamarine is a durable stone, but it isn’t as strong as a sapphire, ruby or diamond. In order to make the most of this gem in an engagement ring, do ensure you provide it with regular care and maintenance.
2. Quality: Although the availability of large-sized aquamarines is a USP, it shouldn’t take precedence over the color. A stone with less carat weight but top-quality color will always be a better choice than a large aquamarine which is dark in color or has a green undertone.
3. Surrounding gemstones: A great way to leverage on the beauty of this gem is to team it with diamonds. This combination looks absolutely spectacular and engagement ring designs featuring these two gems are quite sought-after.
Parting Note
An engagement ring embellished with aquamarine is definitely a breath of fresh air. It showcases the perfect marriage between excellent clarity and eye-catching color. Therefore it doesn’t come as a surprise that this gem is slowly but steadily climbing the popularity ladder.
So if you’re thinking about picking an engagement ring and are wondering, “Is aquamarine a good engagement ring choice?” then the answer is a big Yes!
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. Colorado 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 jewelry 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 jeweler 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 symbolizes happiness and peace, aquamarine brings a unique and meaningful touch to engagement rings.
