Aquamarine: The Attributes that define the Precious Stone of the Sea

Known for their trademark sea blue colour, aquamarines are one of the most popular semi-precious stones in the market. Known as the birthstone for the month of March, aquamarines derive their name from the Latin terms sea and water. Hence the gemstone’s association with the colour of the sea, and one that is often connected with events surrounding this environment. Aquamarines, since they come from the mineral beryl, are closely related to morganites and also emeralds. Sought after for their natural sea blue colour, quality aquamarines can command competitive prices, depending on the quality of the stone and its cut. Commanding a strong global appeal in the gem and jewellery market, from Europe to Asia. The importance of aquamarines stones as a viable gemstone option for jewellers means that dedicated aquamarine jewellery ranges have become popular: From aquamarine engagement rings, necklaces, pendants and earrings.  

Aquamarine Attributes

How to Identify Aquamarines by their Colour 

Whilst light blue is the dominant colour of this gemstone, aquamarines come in a variety of greenish to blue shades. However, a certain variety of these stones come in deeper shades of light blue and tend to command a higher value. The colour in aquamarines is the result of the iron that is present in varying amounts in the mineral. Well cut aquamarines that are able to reflect light, and display their colour, are highly valued. Aquamarines stones like other gemstones are sometimes treated to improve quality and durability. Certain treatment of aquamarines to around 375⁰ C is believed to remove traces of green, giving it a pure blue colour. Given the select demand for untreated gemstones, aquamarines that produce the natural deep colour, naturally tend to command a higher price. However, the value of aquamarines, in jewellery, is often determined by other factors. So when it comes to identifying aquamarines via their colour, the process is not so simple. Whilst the classic sea blue is the dominant shade when it comes to this gemstone, there are other features that you need to consider. 

The Characteristics of Aquamarines 

Known for the relatively higher durability: aquamarines score between 7.5 to 8 out of 10, in the Mohs scale for hardness. As a semi-precious stone, owing to its wider availability in contrast to other beryl stones like emeralds, the quality of aquamarines is determined by the specific stone’s attributes. Owing to the abidance of good quality, untreated aquamarine stones, they can be found for the right price. Found in granite and metaphoric rocks, these gemstones are found across the world, from Latin America to Asia. With Brazil and Russia among the top sources. Aquamarines have long been recognized for their value. In Medieval times, these gemstones were believed to treat poisons, along with a number of other physical ailments. In addition to its mystical qualities, well-cut, aquamarines are gaining popularity as a potential challenger to the top four precious stones.

How it compares with other precious stones

Aquamarines, as one may know, are not the top picks when it comes to precious stones. The choices tend to be dominated by diamonds, sapphires, rubies. So it is worth engaging the differences between some of these other stones. For aquamarine whilst relatively cheaper command a distinct appeal, here will compare and contrast the beryl based gemstone with its main competitors. Starting with diamonds.

Diamonds vs Aquamarines

Diamonds are the top choice of precious stones when it comes to jewellery, like engagement rings. And besides commanding a higher price relative to aquamarines, these precious stones are officially graded according to the 4Cs. So on the one-on-one diamond are winners. However, buying precious stones and jewellery is more complicated.

Aquamarines vs Sapphires

Sapphires are growing in popularity when it comes to high-end jewellery. And is proving to be a rising challenger to diamonds when it comes to fine jewellery, like engagement rings. However, when it comes to selection, like buying precious jewellery, a number of factors need to be considered when choosing to go with aquamarine stones. 

What are Lab-Grown Aquamarines

The use of lab-grown or synthetic gemstones is a growing trend in the jewellery industry. Whilst it has been a long stay in industrial use, lab-grown precious stones are increasingly making their way into the consumer space. Lab-grown aquamarines are developed using hydrothermal processes, which can take, from start to finish, months. The colour in artificial aquamarines is produced by the addition of cobalt, copper, and nickel. Since the key determinant of aquamarines is the depth of its colour and clarity; lab-grown aquamarines crystals, depending on the specifications are able to produce these attributes. Since the chemical process (usually flame infusion) is carried out according to strict standards, the final quality of the synthetic aquamarine tends to be of a good, and predictable quality. However, these stones come with a synthetic tag. Which tend to be out-valued by those who prefer the naturally sourced gemstones.

Aquamarine Jewellery Designs

Aquamarines owing to their similar mineral structure to emeralds can be considered the natural alternative to the popular green precious stones. If you are the person who prefers a different colour-other than the traditional emerald green-then an ‘emerald cut’, aquamarine stone, will be a good option. For the structure of the stone is similar to the more expensive variety of beryl, but now with a different colour, produces that unique look. And given that the colour of the stone strengthens with its size, a larger aquamarine option may be a desirable choice. Especially given its lower price range, allowing the buyer to opt for a larger, more colour-saturated single stone.

Aquamarines are great options as precious stones for necklaces and earrings. If one prefers the light blue colour, then a precious stone that naturally resembles this tone is a good choice for you. Since the aquamarine stone is all about movement and fluidity, if you are the type who likes the outdoors and exploring, especially at sea, then this is a gemstone that symbolizes that spirit. However, one must bear in mind that like all precious stones, when it comes to jewellery, the cut and clarity of the stone will matter. Given the vast range of aquamarines on the market, it is important that some effort be dedicated to searching for the right source. A choice that will come down to the quality and product range of the jeweller, which ought to be a key indicator of your choice. For when it comes to aquamarines, given their wider availability of these stone, presentation, and design of the jewellery items, becomes is a key factor.

Do Aquamarines have Mystical Qualities

If you’re the mystical-type or someone who is open to unknown possibilities, then it would help to know that aquamarines are known for a number mysterious, but helpful qualities. In Hindu traditions, it is a stone which is believed to enhance the speaking abilities of the wearer, whilst strengthening the capacity for learning of the person in general. And if you travel a lot, especially by (and over the) sea, aquamarine as a stone of the sea is the stone of choice. As it is believed to confer protective powers on the wearer, and If you happen to believe in finding a lost love, or want to strengthen your current partnership, aquamarines are the gemstone of choice for you.

Aquamarine Engagement Rings

Whilst diamonds, and of late, sapphires are dominating the market for engagement rings, aquamarines are not simply a second choice. These semi-precious stones, owing to their unique natural colour, the history that comes with it, the personal value that people attach to their unique attributes are becoming a popular choice when it comes to one of the top jewellery items. And it needs to be understood, the gemstone is just one of many factors that go into making a top-quality engagement ring. With good jewellers, the options for customization are numerous. With a centre aquamarine stone supplemented with side stones, which can be top precious stones diamonds to sapphires. And if you want to try something out of the ordinary, then a pricey, cluster engagement ring style may of interest. Note that, when it comes fine engagement rings, the look of the centre stone can be strengthened with quality accent stones and unique stone placements. In cluster engagement rings, a combination of aquamarine stones and natural diamonds could create that inspiring effect.