Aquamarine
Aquamarines are certainly one of the finest sights in nature. Looking at an Aquamarine is like staring at crystal clear waters gently lapping at a sandy shore of a tropical beach - with sparkling sunlight and blue skies reflecting off their surface.
Aquamarine Colors
Aquamarines range in color from almost colorless to deep teal and blue tones. Which aquamarine color is best is a matter of personal preference but the intensity of the color is very important with dark blues and greenish blues being most valued. However aquamarine lovers also appreciate the pale or pastel colors of a subtly tinted crystal-clear gemstone.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Aquamarine Species
Aquamarines are part of the illustrious beryl family which includes the famous emerald as well as morganite and golden beryl gemstones. In the case of aquamarine, trace elements of iron within the crystal structure are responsible for the coloring.
There are also Cat's Eye Aquamarines - so called because of the rutile inclusions which create a phenomenon on the surface of a cabochon cut gemstone which resembles the slit eye of a cat.
Aquamarine Price
The major factor in the price of Aquamarine is color - as with almost any gemstone. The most valued color is a dark blue or perhaps a slightly greenish blue, but the richer and darker the blue the higher the value.
Aquamarines are normally found in very clear, transparent stones so avoid gems with lots of inclusions, blemishes or cracks.
Aquamarine Carat Weight
Aquamarines are one of the few valuable gemstones that can be found in very large carat weights, with 10 carat, 20 carat or even bigger, stones relatively common - and I mean relatively as they are still a rare and valuable find!
The largest faceted aquamarine is the Dom Pedro which weighs in at around 10,000 carats.
Aquamarines can be bought in a wide range of prices to suit all budgets - smaller stone under 5 carats can fetch between $20 and $500 dollars a carat, while larger stones can sometimes sell for $1000 per carat.
Aquamarine Treatments
Many aquamarines are completely untreated other than the usual cutting and polishing into the beautiful gemstones you see on our website.
Some of the deep blue stones which are very popular do receive heat treatment to enhance the color and while they are attractive gems they are not as valuable as the untreated versions.
Any treatments are clearly and fully disclosed on our product pages.
Where are Aquamarines found?
Aquamarine gemstones are found in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Mozambique, Madagascar and Zambia as well as parts of Europe and the USA.
What jewelry is Aquamarine suitable for?
Aquamarines have a rating of 7.5 to 8 on Mohs hardness scale. This makes them durable enough for all types of jewelry items, including daily wear jewelry.
Birthstones and Anniversaries
Aquamarine is the birthstone of March and would make an ideal gift for anyone who has a birthday in that month.
Aquamarine is the traditional gemstone gift for the 19th wedding anniversary.
