Aquamarine

AQUAMARINE USES, HISTORY & LEGEND

Aquamarine is the soft pale blue variety of the Beryl family of gemstones, which also includes Morganite, Goshenite, Yellow Beryl and Emerald. ... Known as the gem of the sea, even the name 'Aquamarine' comes from the Latin 'aqua' for 'water' and 'marina' for 'of the sea. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Aquamarin can be found in Brazil and Pakistan as well as many parts of the United States and Africa.

Aquamarine has historically been used by soldiers to prevent fear on the battlefield, as it’s said to promote bravery. Sailors carry Aquamarine as protection against drowning and to deflect the evil energies of negative spirits. In more recent times, students use Aquamarine to enhance study as it can improve memory and rid the brain of useless information while improving focus, clarity and concentration.

Aquamarine is used in crystal healing to soothe the nervous system. It’s calming, cooling and regenerative, and used to help with conditions such as nervous tension, anxiety, stress, and fear. For the physical body, it’s said that wearing Aquamarine can heal varicose veins, conditions of the liver, and improve the functioning of the thyroid, kidneys, and spleen.

As part of a jewellery collection, Aquamarines are best worn at night. Before buying, be sure to look at the stone in daylight, and if the stone looks good in daylight, it can only get better at night under incandescent light. The value of Aquamarine gemstones is very much determined by their aesthetics and as with most gemstones, the 4C’s of cut, colour, carat, and clarity all come into play when it comes to price.

WHAT IS THE BEST COLOUR FOR AQUAMARINE GEMSTONES?

Colour is the most important elements of Aquamarine value. The richer and darker tone the colour of the Aquamarine, the higher its value. A piece that is radiant sky blue will be more than twice the price of a piece that has a faded blue colour, even if they both have the same quality of cut, clarity, and carat weight. These pieces are rare, highly sought-after and highly valuable, and some consider them a sound investment for a jewellery portfolio, collection or investment.

If you’re after an investment or good re-sale value stay away from Aquamarine that is pale or almost white with hints of blue around the edges, even if they are well-cut, large in size, and have great clarity – the colour of Aquamarine is much more important than size!

DO AQUAMARINES HAVE A LOT OF INCLUSIONS?

Aquamarines, unlike their Emerald cousins, are often highly clear, transparent gemstones that can be easily cut to increase their natural sparkle. A milky, spotted, or “cracked-looking” piece of Aquamarine is of much less value and should be priced accordingly. High-quality pieces of Aquamarine are completely clear of inclusions and cut in a way that reflects maximum light.

WHAT IS THE BEST CUT FOR AQUAMARINE GEMSTONES?

The Emerald or step cut is the most popular style for pieces of Aquamarine, particularly when placed in ring settings. Regardless of style, the cut of an Aquamarine stone should make the most of the clarity of the gem and make it sparkle as much as possible. Aquamarine is a highly reflective gemstone so a poor cut can dull the lustre of even a gem with exceptional clarity. In order to make the most of Aquamarine’s reflective nature, the angles should be cut sharp and straight, and keep the light contained within the jewel. The facets of the gemstone should be symmetrical and appealing to the eye.

A poorly cut piece of Aquamarine will be uneven or irregular, and the shape may be distorted. Light will “escape” from the sides of the gem rather than being directed straight into the viewer’s eye. A poorly cut piece of Aquamarine can still be attractive – particularly if the colour is strong – but the value is much less. If you’re simply after a pretty stone and not worried about the value of them the colour is less important.

HOW MUCH IS A 1-CARAT AQUAMARINE WORTH?

Aquamarine is relatively inexpensive and often found in large pieces. Because of this, it’s easy for jewellers to do away with the impure parts of the stone and you will easily find a good quality, well-cut, small piece of Aquamarine for a reasonable price. In fact, it’s not unheard of to find a 1 carat, well-cut piece of Aquamarine with strong colour for under £75. When it comes to value, the size of an Aquamarine gem is not nearly as important as its colour and clarity. A large piece (say, over 10 carats) that has inclusions and a pale colour is worth far less than a gem half its size that is transparent and rich in blue colouring, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if you like the look, it’s not being bought as a collector’s item and the price is right then you’ve got nothing to lose.