Aquamarine gemstone dazzles with its light blue-green hue. Made up of the mineral beryl, it ranks 1.577-1.583 on the refractive index and 7.5-8.0 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it both durable and easy to maintain—an ideal choice for your jewelry collection.
Where can Aquamarine be found?
Brazil is renowned for its valuable aquamarine stones, but you can also discover this gem in Pakistan, Russia, Tanzania, Madagascar, and other countries. The name “aquamarine” originates from the Latin word for seawater, historically believed to guard sailors at sea. It is the birthstone for March and a traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversary, making aquamarine rings, necklaces, or bracelets perfect for these occasions.
How is Aquamarine Graded?
At Artful Bracelets, we employ a grading scale to help you choose the ideal aquamarine gemstone. This scale includes grades from AAAA, representing the highest and rarest quality, to B. Artful Bracelets features only AAA aquamarine, combining top-notch quality with excellent value.
What Determines Aquamarine Grading?
The grade of aquamarine stones is influenced by the 4Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat weight.
Color
The most defining feature of aquamarine is its stunning blue-green color. For gemstone grading, color carries more weight than inclusions for colored stones. A richer, more saturated color can mask inclusions, making these stones more valuable and attractive.
Cut
The cut of aquamarine impacts its grading and is often chosen based on personal preference. Emerald and round cuts are particularly popular, as they accentuate the gem’s natural beauty and brilliance. Other common cuts include cabochon and mixed cuts.
Cabochon Cut
Clarity
Clarity grading for aquamarine is based on the inclusions found within the stone. High-quality stones should be eye-clean, without visible inclusions to the naked eye. Gems with many obvious inclusions are typically used for beads or carvings.
The most frequent inclusion in aquamarine takes the form of long, hollow tubes, which can create ‘cat eyes’ in faceted jewelry. Other common inclusions include:
- Needles
- Lily Pads
- Dark Chromites
- Mineral Crystals
- Feathers
- Pinpoint
- Chip
- Internal Graining
- Cavity
- Surface Graining
- Knot
- Etch Channel
Purchasing Aquamarine
When buying an aquamarine gemstone, focus on selecting a high-quality stone that aligns with your budget. Consider the ring style and color grade, as gemstones with higher color grades will mask inclusions better, resulting in a more beautiful piece.
Artful Bracelets offers only AAA grade gemstones, blending superior quality with value. We feature an extensive range of stunning gemstone engagement rings that usually range from 0.5 to 2.0 carats, with options for 14kt and 18kt white, yellow, rose gold, and platinum.
Artful Bracelets AAA-grade Aquamarine
Our aquamarine gemstones undergo a 100% natural heat treatment to enhance their rich blue color. Heat-treated stones are authentic, as their composition and appearance remain the same as their untreated counterparts, all sourced from natural deposits.
Knowing how gemstones are graded can aid you in making the best choice for your jewelry needs. Whether you’re seeking aquamarine engagement rings, wedding rings, necklaces, or other jewelry pieces, Artful Bracelets offers a variety of options to match any style.
FAQs
Is Aquamarine a durable stone?
Yes, Aquamarine is a relatively durable stone with a rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Moh’s hardness scale. However, it should be protected from scratches and other potential damage.
Where is Aquamarine found?
Primarily found in Brazil, aquamarine is also mined in Pakistan, Russia, Tanzania, Madagascar, and other countries.
Is Aquamarine a birthstone?
Indeed, Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.
How is Aquamarine graded?
Aquamarines are graded based on color, carat weight, cut, and clarity. Among these factors, color is the most crucial, followed by clarity and cut. Generally, aquamarines with a deep, intense blue to greenish-blue color are the most sought-after.
What are the common inclusions found in Aquamarine?
The most common inclusions in aquamarine are needles, lily pads, dark chromites, and feathers.
