Aquamarine Gemstone Buying Guide: What to Look for and How to Choose

The gemstone aquamarine, known for its tranquil blue tones that echo the sea, has long been a favorite among those who love gemstones. Being the birthstone for March, it’s a sought-after option for a wide range of jewelry pieces, from wedding bands to sophisticated pendants. Should you be thinking about buying an aquamarine gemstone, it’s crucial to grasp the elements that determine its worth and allure. In this detailed guide, we’ll delve into the key aspects to consider and the best way to select an aquamarine gemstone.

Understanding Aquamarine: The Basics

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl group, alongside emeralds and morganites. Its name comes from the Latin terms “aqua” (water) and “marina” (sea), mirroring its calm, aquatic shade. Aquamarine usually spans from light blue to deep blue-green tones, with the most sought-after ones showing a bright blue color.

The 4Cs of Aquamarine: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat Weight

When purchasing an aquamarine gemstone, it’s essential to assess it based on four key criteria: Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat Weight. These elements are crucial in determining the gemstone’s worth and quality.

1. Color

The color of an aquamarine gemstone is the primary consideration in its selection. It can vary from a light blue to a deep blue-green shade. The more vibrant and intense the color, the higher the gemstone’s value.

Light Blue Aquamarine: These stones are more prevalent and generally less expensive. They possess a subtle and delicate beauty, making them perfect for understated pieces of jewelry.
Deep Blue Aquamarine: Stones with a deep blue color are less common and more desirable. These gemstones typically have a higher price tag due to their deep color and limited availability.

When selecting an aquamarine, think about the color that catches your eye the most. While deeper colors are considered more valuable, lighter shades can also be stunning, particularly in larger stones where the light blue hues stand out more.

2. Cut

The shape of an aquamarine stone plays a crucial role in its shine and overall look. A properly shaped gemstone will reflect light more effectively, boosting its hue and sparkle. Aquamarine is often shaped to accentuate its transparency and color, with popular choices including emerald shapes, oval shapes, and cushion shapes.

Emerald Shapes: Emerald is a popular choice for shaping aquamarine stones due to its ability to showcase the stone’s transparency and sophisticated color.
Oval and Cushion Shapes: These shapes are also preferred for aquamarine stones as they can amplify the stone’s color and impart a classic, enduring appearance.

When picking an aquamarine, opt for a shape that not only brings out the stone’s inherent beauty but also fits well with the piece of jewelry it will be set into.

3. Clarity

Clarity is about the amount of flaws or imperfections inside the gemstone. Aquamarine is usually very clear, with few flaws visible. Gemstones with high clarity are more sought after because they let more light through, making the stone appear brighter.

Clear Gems: Most aquamarines are “clear,” meaning they don’t have any flaws visible without a closer look. These gems are highly valued for their transparency and purity.
Flaws: If an aquamarine has flaws, they are often minor and hard to spot without a magnifying tool. However, flaws that are larger or more noticeable can decrease the gemstone’s worth.

When purchasing an aquamarine gemstone, look for one with high clarity to ensure it shines the brightest and performs well with light.

4. Carat Size

Carat size indicates the dimensions of the gemstone. Aquamarine comes in various sizes, from tiny pieces under one carat to large gemstones that can weigh several carats. Bigger aquamarines are more expensive, particularly if they have vibrant color and are clear.

Small Pieces (Under 1 Carat): These are ideal for delicate pieces like earrings or pendants, adding a subtle splash of color.
Medium to Large Pieces (1-5 Carats): These are favored for rings and bigger pendants, making the aquamarine’s beautiful color more apparent.
Big Pieces (5+ Carats): Larger aquamarine pieces are rare and can be quite costly, especially if they have a deep color and are clear.

When selecting an aquamarine gemstone, think about the size that suits your purpose and budget. Keep in mind that larger pieces with outstanding color and clarity are more expensive.

Heat Treatment: What You Need to Know

The majority of aquamarine gemstones available for sale have been subjected to heat treatment to intensify their blue color. This procedure is widely recognized and approved within the gemstone sector, as it eliminates the greenish hues to enhance the stone’s blue shade. The heat treatment is irreversible and does not diminish the stone’s strength or worth.

When acquiring an aquamarine, inquire from the jeweler if the stone has undergone heat treatment. Stones that have not been treated are less common and typically exhibit a more greenish appearance. Knowing the stone’s treatment status can assist in making a choice that aligns with your personal preferences.

Ethical Sourcing and Certification

It’s crucial to think about the ethical origins and certifications when purchasing an aquamarine gemstone. Ethical origins refer to the mining process that respects both the environment and the labor rights. Many jewelers now provide gemstones that are traceable, ensuring the stone’s path from the mine to the consumer is clear and accountable.

Moreover, seek gemstones that are certified by a well-regarded gemological institution, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). A certification report offers comprehensive details about the gemstone’s characteristics, including its color, clarity, cut, and treatment status.

Setting and Style Considerations

After picking the ideal aquamarine gemstone, think about how it will be set in jewelry. The light shade of aquamarine goes well with various metals, such as white gold, platinum, and yellow gold. The metal you choose can enhance the stone’s color and match its overall look.

White Gold and Platinum: These metals highlight the cool tones of aquamarine, creating a modern and sleek appearance.
Yellow Gold: This metal brings warmth and contrast, making the aquamarine’s blue color pop even more.

When deciding on a setting, consider the design of the jewelry and its intended use. For daily wear, a bezel or halo setting can offer additional protection for the stone, while a prong setting highlights the gemstone’s size and sparkle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the Perfect Aquamarine Gemstone Finding the perfect aquamarine gemstone is an enjoyable process, whether you’re expanding your collection or choosing a special piece of jewelry. By focusing on the 4Cs—Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat Weight—you can choose an aquamarine that fits your personal style and financial means. Don’t forget to think about heat treatment, ethical sourcing, and the appropriate setting to keep your aquamarine gemstone a treasured item for a long time.

Whether you’re drawn to the soft, pale blues or the bold, deep blues, the enduring beauty and adaptability of aquamarine make it a gemstone that remains in fashion. With the right information and careful selection, your aquamarine acquisition will shine as a beautiful piece in your jewelry collection