Aquamarine is a prized blue gemstone with unparalleled clarity and a soft, delicate tone which radiates life, vibrancy and brilliance.
AQUAMARINE - GEMSTONE FACTS AND INFORMATION
Aquamarine is the soft pale blue variety of the Beryl family of gemstones, which also includes Morganite, Goshenite, Yellow Beryl and Emerald. One of the most popular blue gemstones, Aquamarine is steeped in myth and legend. 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 can have wonderful clarity, meaning that it dazzles with a bright, energetic sparkle.
THE HISTORY OF AQUAMARINE
It is easy to see why Aquamarine has always been associated with the sea. Used in jewelry since at least 500 BC, its tropical ocean blue tones effortlessly invoke images of landless skies and the waters below. Once believed to be the treasure of mermaids, it was often worn by sailors and travelers as a talisman to protect against being shipwrecked and to ward off sea sickness. Pliny the Elder (23 AD - 79 AD) said of the gem, "The lovely Aquamarine, which seems to have come from some mermaid's treasure house, in the depths of the summer sea, has charms not to be denied".
AQUAMARINE GEMSTONE INFORMATION
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, and is the official gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary. Darker shades of Aquamarine tend to be cloudier, whereas cleaner stones are often very light in hue. Most Aquamarine gemstones are faceted, but when cabochon cut they can occasionally display chatoyancy. One of the most sought after of all Aquamarine varieties is from the Espirito Santo region of Brazil. Aquamarine from this region manages to possess a unique and intense brilliance that reflects off the internal facets and exudes a compelling sparkle that dances throughout the stone. It is extremely rare. Although it is most famous for its glorious cool blue color, Aquamarine is sometimes found with delicate greenish hues. In recent times it's been noted that the bluer the stone is, the more valuable it is, generally speaking. But as recently as the 19th century it was the sea green colored stones that were sought after by the worlds collectors.
WHERE IS AQUAMARINE MINED?
Main mining locations for the Aquamarine used in Brazil, Mozambique and INDIA. Our Aquamarine stones display the desired and vibrant pastel blue body color that has become synonymous with this gem, along with a breathtaking sparkle. Aquamarine can also be found in other African countries such as Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and on the gemstone island itself, Madagascar. There is also a concentration of mining sites around Pakistan, China and Myanmar (Burma). It was also once mined in Russia but these deposits are long depleted. Here, we focus on Six color varieties of this very special stone that we are able to offer here at SJGM.
Aquamarine Colors
Aquamarine’s color range is very narrow: It can be blue, very slightly greenish blue, greenish blue, very strongly greenish blue, or green-blue. The gem’s most valuable color is a dark blue to slightly greenish blue with moderately strong intensity. In general, the purer and more intense the blue color, the more valuable the stone. Most aquamarine is a light greenish blue.
CUT's
Aquamarine are usually cut similar to other colored stones, with ovals, cushions, trillions and emerald cuts being most common. Other popular Aquamarine shapes include rounds, marquises, hearts, cabochons and pears. Aquamarine gemstones can be cut into various shapes. They are usually faceted, to maximize their brilliance, though cabochons are also available.
Aquamarine Gemstone uses and Jewelry Design Ideas
Aquamarine is a versatile gemstone and is ideal for almost any type of jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, hair pins and many other beautiful ornaments. Aquamarine can be worn in silver or gold settings. Silver And Gold settings enhance the greenish blue light in tone tones....
