Everything You Need to Know About Aquamarine (With Pictures)

Aquamarine is a fascinating gemstone whose stunning blue color is reminiscent of the sea. If you’re curious to learn all about this exquisite piece of jewelry, then you’ve come to the right place!

This guide will cover everything you need to know about aquamarine.

Aquamarine Facts

The word “aquamarine” comes from two Latin words, “aqua” meaning water and “marina” meaning ocean. It’s a fitting name for this gem’s captivating oceanic hue.

Aquamarine is a member of the beryl family of minerals, which also includes emerald and morganite. Of all beryls, aquamarine has a distinctive icy blue color.

It is at the harder end of the gemstone’s hardness scale, with a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which means it is hard-wearing enough to be used in rings, pendants and earrings for everyday wear.

Aquamarine crystallizes deep in the earth’s crust. It forms in the cavities of granite pegmatites, which are formed from igneous rocks, and often other gemstones like beryl. Miners extract aquamarine crystals from pegmatite mines around the world. [1]

Aquamarine forms large hexagonal crystal structures, which are then cut and polished to maximize the stone’s luster. Some of the common cuts of aquamarine are round brilliant, cushion, oval and emerald cut.

The classic aquamarine color ranges from a very pale blue to sky blue. At times, the stone may take on a slightly greenish hue. Darker blue aquamarines are the most valuable, especially if they have no green color.

So what gives aquamarine its magical color? Trace amounts of iron during crystallization impart the blue hues. Heat treatment at low temperatures enhances the blue by forcing iron atoms closer together.

Legend says that aquamarine soothes sailors and ensures safe ocean voyages. Ancient Greeks and Romans held aquamarine from the statues of Poseidon and Neptune as offerings to Poseidon.

This gemstone was also believed to rekindle love and calm tempers. Aquamarine symbolizes courage, tranquility and clear communication. [2]

In recent centuries, aquamarine has been the birthstone for the month of March. It has also been used to commemorate the 19th wedding anniversary.

The largest aquamarines ever recorded have come from Brazil, including the famous Dom Pedro aquamarine, mined in 1910 and weighing 10,000 carats! [3]

Aquamarines have also formed part of the crown jewels of Russia, as well as many of the treasures of the British royal family. Today, Brazil and Africa provide most of the world’s aquamarine.

Although natural aquamarines are breathtaking in their own right, heat treatment is common to remove any greenish tint. Some aquamarines may also be irradiated, which artificially improves the blue color. Trustworthy sellers will disclose any treatment.

The Meaning Behind Aquamarine

Throughout history, special significance has been attributed to aquamarine. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that aquamarine had healing properties and protected sailors.

In gemstone therapy lore, aquamarine is believed to have a calming, soothing energy that brings clarity to the mind. It can help to let go of old emotional baggage and speak the truth about oneself.

Aquamarine is also associated with youth, hope, health and marital fidelity. Some even believe it has prophetic powers!

Although the ancients regarded aquamarine as more mystical, today it is primarily regarded as a stone that promotes courage, calmness and happiness.

Whether you believe in its metaphysical meaning or not, aquamarine is undoubtedly a gemstone that calms the senses simply by its serene blue color.

The Color Variations of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is typically characterized by its light blue color. However, the exact shade of color may vary depending on the composition of the stone and where it was formed. Here are some of the color variations you may encounter in aquamarine.

• Sky blue: This light blue color is the most common and gives off a pleasant airy feeling.
• Blue-Green: Aquamarines from Africa and Brazil usually have a subtle greenish tint.
• Navy Blue: Although rare, some aquamarines have a deeper blue color similar to that of the night sky.
• Teal Blue: Greenish aquamarine is a vivid teal color.
• Blue-gray: Some gemstones combine soft shades of blue and gray.
• Colorless: Occasionally, aquamarine is formed with almost no blue at all.

The most valuable aquamarine will have a pure, intense blue color with no gray or green impurities. But even the lighter, more muted variations have their own unique beauty.

How Aquamarine is Graded for Quality

Like all gemstones, not all aquamarines are of the same quality. Stones of superior color, purity and cut will be valued more highly. The following factors are taken into account by gemologists when evaluating an aquamarine.

• Color: The more intense the blue, the better. Sky blue is the standard, while dark blue is outstanding.
• Purity: Prices are higher for clear aquamarines with almost no inclusions.
• Cut: A well-cut stone shows more fire.
• Carat: Larger aquamarines are rarer and more valuable. But smaller ones also make beautiful jewelry.
• Source: The quality of aquamarine from Brazil and Africa is considered superior to that from Pakistan and India.

You don’t need expert gemstones to make fashion jewelry. But for important jewelry, choose high quality stones that have been graded by a reputable gem lab such as the GIA. The accompanying certificate will detail the specifications of the stone.

Aquamarine in Jewelry

Aquamarines have shone in jewelry from all eras, from antiquity to modernity. During the Art Deco period of the 1920s and 1930s, aquamarine was often seen in simple cocktail rings and long necklaces. [4] Its pale blue coloring perfectly emphasized the geometric style of the era.

In today’s fashion world, aquamarines make elegant engagement rings, elegant pendants and small everyday earrings. Customized aquamarine rings with diamond accents are the perfect unique keepsake.

Aquamarine is suitable for both modern and vintage style designs. The classic pendant perfectly demonstrates its pure and translucent qualities.

For extra sparkle, aquamarines can be combined with diamonds or other decorative stones. Emerald-cut or oval aquamarines can also be used to create unique jewelry.

How to Care for Aquamarine Jewelry

Aquamarine is an amazing gem material for all types of jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings give off the refreshing and captivating blue glow of aquamarine. But this exquisite gemstone requires some care. Here are tips for keeping aquamarine jewelry looking as good as new for years to come.

• Store your jewelry in a cloth-covered jewelry box and avoid contact with other hard stones. The relatively soft composition of aquamarine makes it susceptible to scratches.
• Avoid exposing aquamarine to chemical products such as lotions, perfumes, household cleaners and pool treatments. These may corrode the stone over time.
• When doing physical activities such as exercising, gardening or cleaning, please remove your aquamarine jewelry and store it properly. Strenuous activities may damage softer stones.
• Clean aquamarine with mild detergent and warm water, gently scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush, then rinsing and patting dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid scrubbing or using ultrasonic and steam cleaners.
• Consider having your aquamarine professionally cleaned once a year to keep it looking its best.

With proper care, your aquamarine jewelry will retain its stunning blue luster!

Styling Tips for Aquamarine Jewelry

The serene blue hue of aquamarine pairs perfectly with different jewelry varieties. Here are some tips for wearing aquamarine.

• Sky blue aquamarine pairs well with warm-toned metals such as yellow gold, rose gold and copper. The warm tones contrast beautifully with the crisp blue color.
• For a stylish look, lime green aquamarines are paired with white modern metals such as white gold or platinum. The icy blue-green color contrasts with the silver-white metal.
• Vintage style aquamarine jewelry is often paired with ornate wire weave designs. This emphasizes the classic appeal of the gemstone.
• For everyday wear, choose aquamarine studs, rings or pendants. These embellishments add the finishing touches to a casual look.
• Statement aquamarine jewelry is perfect for important occasions. Make yourself the center of attention with bold earrings or a flashy cocktail ring.
• Wear delicate aquamarine bracelets and necklaces with other jewelry in similar shades of blue. The repetitive color scheme creates a soothing monochromatic effect.

Let your personal style inspire you to create an enchanting look with aquamarine’s unique oceanic appeal.

Is My Aquamarine Real?

How to tell if a aquamarine is natural and genuine? Here are some tips for recognizing a genuine aquamarine.

• Color – True aquamarine colors range from light blue to sky blue. A greenish blue is also acceptable. Orange, yellow and colorless may be fakes.
• Transparency – Check transparency carefully. Man-made gems are often too flawless.
• Cut – Precision cuts and even prisms denote natural gemstones.
• Check the setting – natural stones are set in precious metals, not glued into cheap settings.
• Certificate – A GIA or AGL lab report proves the authenticity of your aquamarine.
• Trusted Seller – Buy from reputable jewelers and dealers, not unknown liquidators.
• Return Policy – Many jewelers allow returns if your gemstone is found to be unnatural.

Trust your instincts. If a aquamarine looks too flawless for its price, it may have been treated or synthesized. Choose a stone with natural inclusions to reveal the true beauty of the stone.

Is Aquamarine Right for Your Jewelry Collection?

With its fresh blue color and timeless appeal, aquamarine deserves a place in any jewelry collection. The following are some of the key benefits that make aquamarine an excellent choice of gemstone.

• The crystal blue color has an extraordinary texture that immediately catches the eye. Aquamarine captures the eye from across the room.
• Although moderately priced, aquamarine is rarer than its blue counterpart, aquamarine, and is more delicate and unique.
• With a hardness suitable for use in jewelry, aquamarine is a sturdy choice for rings and everyday jewelry.
• Unlike other colored gemstones, aquamarine can be formed in large carat sizes. Large pieces of jewelry reveal the splendor of the gemstone.
• From light sky blue to deep aquamarine, aquamarine is available in a myriad of beautiful shades to suit different styles.
• Gifted with the meaning of youth, hope and health, aquamarine carries a very positive energy. Its Zen qualities bring serenity.

Of course, for those who crave intense color or prefer a smaller budget, aquamarine may not be the right choice. But with its unique aquamarine charm and spiritual significance, aquamarine definitely shines in the gemstone selection. Let it take you into the cool ocean breezes and serene horizons.

The Enduring Charm of Aquamarine

With its fresh aqua color and classic appeal, the aquamarine has adorned royalty for generations. This March birthstone has a deep meaning, conjuring up images of the sea and gentle waves.

Whether given as a gift or purchased on its own, the aquamarine captivates those who appreciate its soft blue splendor. Its natural purity and color are timeless.

We hope that this complete guide provides some insight into the background, qualities, and varied pairings of aquamarines.

Next time you visit a jewelry store, be sure to admire their aquamarine jewelry collection. Let the gem’s serene oceanic tones bring you to a more peaceful state of mind.

Sources

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/how-do-aquamarines-form/

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/aquamarine

https://www.gemsociety.org/article/famous-aquamarines/

https://www.langantiques.com/university/art-deco-jewelry/