Aquamarine Jewellery Guide
Aquamarine is the sky blue variety of Beryl. It is named for its colour, derived from the Latin ‘aqua marina’ meaning water of the sea. They are very unlike their other Beryl counter part, emerald, as they are often free from inclusions making them a beautifully clear gemstone with exceptional clarity. They are graded as 7.5 on the Mohs scale of harness meaning they require slightly more care. When cleaning them avoid using ultra sonic machines and instead use warm soapy water. Aquamarine jewellery is the birthstone for March, making it a meaningful gift for those born in that month. They are also the gemstone associated with the 19th wedding anniversary.
Where do aquamarines come from?
Brazil has been a top producer of aquamarines since the early 1800s. The trade term ’Santa Maria’ not only refers to the mine in Brazil where aquamarines come from, but it is also now a recognised term to describe their colour which is a darker blue and free from green tinges. Other deposits can be found on the African continent.
Are aquamarines natural?
Most aquamarine is heat treated to enhance the colour which removes any green overtones. This is widely accepted in the gemstone market. Untreated aquamarine does not have a significant price difference to treated unlike other gemstones.
Is aquamarine jewellery expensive?
Aquamarines are the second most expensive gemstone from the Beryl family after emerald however, as they are considered a semi precious gemstone they do not command the same high prices that an emerald, sapphire and ruby do. Overall they offer a wide range of price points, making them suitable for different budgets. While lighter and smaller stones can be quite affordable, high-quality, larger aquamarines with deep blue colour can be expensive.
Why choose aquamarine jewellery?
Choosing to buy an aquamarine gemstone offers numerous benefits. Whether it’s their beautiful calming blue colour, symbolic meaning, or as birthstone jewellery, aquamarines are a timeless and elegant choice that appeals to a wide range of tastes and styles. It’s a timeless and elegant gemstone that can bring joy and value to any gemstone jewellery collection.
