Rising Popularity of Aquamarine Engagement Rings
Recently, colored stones for engagement rings have seen a resurgence. There are numerous reasons behind this trend. For instance, concerns over conflict diamonds still persist despite industry changes like the Kimberly Process. Consequently, some prefer alternatives to diamond engagement rings. Furthermore, the symbolic meanings of individual stones, personal style preferences, and the allure of vintage rings with unique histories are all compelling factors.
Iconic Aquamarine Rings
One notable example is the engagement ring Justin Timberlake gifted Jessica Biel in 2011. While the centerpiece is a 6-carat white diamond, it’s accented with smaller aquamarines, exuding understated elegance.
Another remarkable aquamarine ring made an appearance during a royal wedding. Meghan Markle wore it en route to her and Prince Harry’s wedding reception. This exquisite yellow gold cocktail ring originally belonged to Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana. Custom-made around her divorce period from Prince Charles, its exact value remains unknown, though experts estimate it around $91,000.
Cost of Lab-Created Aquamarine
Synthetic gemstones often mirror their natural counterparts chemically, while simulants are different substances. For aquamarine, simulants like glass, cubic zirconia, or blue topaz are common, with blue spinel occasionally used. These are very affordable, typically less than $2 per carat.
Conversely, synthetic aquamarine within the beryl family is pricier. For instance, a one-carat synthetic aquamarine can be found for just over $70 online. A two-carat stone costs a bit more per carat but maintains a similar quality. This makes synthetic aquamarine an economical choice for budget-conscious buyers, with minimal price variation per carat regardless of stone size.
Cost of Natural Aquamarine
When considering natural aquamarines, it’s important to note that they can be treated or untreated. Both types are valued and priced using the same criteria, yet treated aquamarines of a certain quality are usually more affordable compared to their untreated counterparts.
Carat: The Most Visible Factor
Aquamarine’s appeal partly lies in the availability of large, reasonably priced stones. Brazil is a major source of substantial aquamarine crystals, making large faceted stones relatively accessible. As such, aquamarine prices are less sensitive to carat size, focusing more on cut, clarity, and color.
The cost of aquamarine is primarily driven by its cut, clarity, and color rather than carat weight, as large stones are common and size fluctuations are minimal.
Clarity: Transparency Matters
Unlike carat weight, clarity significantly impacts aquamarine prices. Jewelers often use a grading system from AAAA to B, with AAAA-grade stones being rare and inclusion-free. AAA and AA grades have few visible inclusions.
Lower quality stones like A and B are seldom sold as faceted gems but are used for carvings or beads, with their price influenced more by the accompanying materials, like precious metals, than by the stones themselves.
For special pieces like engagement rings, AAA-grade aquamarines are preferred, often treated to enhance their color.
Color: The Defining Aspect
Color is the second most crucial factor in determining aquamarine prices. Ideally, aquamarine should exhibit a rich, pure blue color without any greenish tinge. Light teal or pale-colored stones are less valuable, with heat treatment often employed to achieve the desired pure blue hue.
Cut: Precision is Key
The cut quality also affects the price. A round cut aquamarine should ideally have 16 facets, similar to a diamond. However, aquamarine is harder to polish, making cut quality a significant price determinant.
For instance, a one-carat cushion-cut aquamarine at Artful Bracelets is priced at $1,000, while an oval cut is $675. Only top-quality stones are sold, ensuring no scratches or chips.
Other Considerations
If considering an aquamarine engagement ring, we offer diverse collections ranging from classic to ultra-modern designs. Options include white, yellow, or rose gold styles with center stones up to 3.05 carats. For inquiries, contact us at 206-623-5339 or service@artfulbracelets.com. Our Live Chat is available Monday – Friday, 10AM – 6PM ET.
FAQs
What does aquamarine do?
Aquamarine is believed to help wearers heal emotionally by calming and cooling their tempers, promoting a sense of peace.
What birthstone is aquamarine?
Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and is traditionally given on the 19th wedding anniversary, making aquamarine jewelry a beautiful gift for those born in March.
What color is aquamarine?
Ideally, aquamarine is a rich, pure blue without a green tinge. Heat treatment is common to achieve this hue. Light teal is considered worthless, while pale-colored aquamarine is less expensive. Heating greenish aquamarine makes it a pure blue.
What is aquamarine good for?
Aquamarine is believed to help with breathing issues and is linked to sinus, lung, and respiratory benefits. It is also seen as a stone of courage and communication, although these uses are not scientifically proven.
