Buyer's Guide: Buying Aquamarine Jewelry

Aquamarine is a beautiful blue-green gemstone that belongs to the beryl family of minerals, which also includes other well-known gemstones such as emerald and morganite. The name "aquamarine" comes from the Latin words for "water" and "sea," and the stone is often associated with the ocean and the color of the sea.

Aquamarine gemstones are prized for their beauty, clarity, and durability. The most valuable aquamarines have a clear, intense blue color with a hint of green. However, the color of aquamarine can vary widely, from very pale to deep blue-green.

One of the most attractive features of aquamarine is its exceptional clarity. It is known for its high level of transparency and lack of inclusions, which makes it a highly sought-after gemstone. The color of aquamarine can vary from light blue to greenish-blue, and can be enhanced by cutting and polishing.

In terms of durability, aquamarine is a relatively hard gemstone with a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it suitable for everyday wear. However, care should still be taken to avoid exposing it to extreme heat, chemicals, and sharp blows.

Overall, aquamarine is a stunning gemstone that is highly valued for its beauty, rarity, and durability. It is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a unique and eye-catching gemstone for their jewelry collection.

Origin

The origin of aquamarine can vary, as it is found in many locations around the world. The largest producer of aquamarine is Brazil, particularly the Minas Gerais region, which is known for producing high-quality, large-sized stones.

Other countries that produce aquamarine include Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Russia. In Nigeria, aquamarine is found in the Jos Plateau region, while in Madagascar it is found in the Ilakaka region. In Zambia, aquamarine is mined in the Miku and Lundazi areas, while in Pakistan it is found in the Northern Areas and Gilgit-Baltistan regions.

Aquamarine can also be found in the United States, particularly in Colorado, California, and Maine. In Colorado, aquamarine is found in the Mount Antero region, while in California it is found in the Pala Chief Mountain region. In Maine, aquamarine is mined in the Mount Mica region.

The origin of the aquamarine can affect its value and desirability, with some origins being considered more valuable than others. However, the quality and characteristics of the stone itself are also important factors to consider when evaluating the value of an aquamarine.

Auqamarine Colors

Aquamarine can come in a range of colors that can vary in tone and intensity. The most common color of aquamarine is a light blue to greenish-blue color, but it can also come in other shades, including:

Pale Blue: This is the most common color of aquamarine, which is a light blue or greenish-blue color. It is sometimes referred to as "ice blue" due to its pale and clear appearance.

Deep Blue: Some aquamarine stones can have a deeper, more saturated blue color. These stones are highly prized for their intensity of color and are often referred to as "Santa Maria" or "Maxixe" aquamarine.

Greenish-Blue: Some aquamarine stones can have a greenish tint to their blue color, which can create a unique and interesting color combination.

Yellow-Green: Rarely, aquamarine can come in a yellow-green color, which is caused by the presence of iron in the crystal lattice.

Pink: Some aquamarine stones can have a pinkish tint, which is caused by the presence of manganese in the crystal lattice. These stones are known as "morganite" or "pink aquamarine".

The color of an aquamarine can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the location of the mine where it was found, the amount and type of minerals present in the crystal lattice, and the quality of the cut and polishing. The most valuable and highly prized colors of aquamarine are deep blue and greenish-blue, but the beauty of each stone is ultimately in the eye of the beholder.

Santa Maria Auqamarine
Santa Maria aquamarine is a highly sought-after variety of aquamarine that is named after the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil where it was first discovered in the 1950s. The mine is located in the state of Minas Gerais, which is known for producing some of the world's finest aquamarines.

Santa Maria aquamarine is known for its deep blue color, which is considered to be the most desirable color for aquamarine. The color is often described as a vivid, intense blue with a slight greenish tint. This unique color is caused by the presence of iron in the beryl mineral that forms the aquamarine.

In addition to its striking color, Santa Maria aquamarine is also valued for its high clarity and excellent transparency. The stones are often large and well-formed, which makes them highly prized by gem collectors and jewelry designers.

Due to its rarity and beauty, Santa Maria aquamarine can be quite expensive. However, the value of each stone can vary depending on factors such as size, color, clarity, and origin. The Santa Maria de Itabira mine is no longer in operation, which means that Santa Maria aquamarine is becoming increasingly rare and difficult to find, making it even more valuable.

Aquamarine Prices

The price of aquamarine can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the size, color, clarity, and cut of the stone, as well as the location of the mine where it was found. Generally, larger, more intensely colored, and clearer stones are more valuable and command a higher price.

As of our knowledge, the price of aquamarine ranged from around $20 to $1,000 per carat for stones of good quality, with particularly large or high-quality stones commanding prices in the thousands of dollars per carat. Prices can vary significantly depending on the quality and rarity of the stone, with rare and highly prized colors, such as the deep blue "Santa Maria" variety, commanding the highest prices.

It is worth noting that the price of aquamarine can fluctuate over time, depending on supply and demand factors, as well as changes in the market for colored gemstones. It is always recommended to purchase aquamarine from a reputable dealer  who can provide information about the stone's origin and quality, as well as a certification of authenticity.

Aquamarine birthstone

Aquamarine is often considered a birthstone for the month of March, along with bloodstone, and it is also a traditional gift for 19th wedding anniversary.

It is believed to have many healing properties, both physical and emotional.

Some of the physical healing properties associated with aquamarine include its ability to soothe sore throats, reduce inflammation, and alleviate skin conditions. It is also believed to be beneficial for the immune system, as well as the respiratory and digestive systems.

Emotionally, aquamarine is said to have a calming effect on the mind and emotions, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It is also believed to promote clear communication and self-expression, as well as enhance intuition and spiritual awareness.

In addition, aquamarine is thought to be a stone of protection, promoting courage, strength, and inner peace. It is also associated with the throat chakra, helping to promote clear communication and self-expression.