Aquamarine, a mesmerizing gem with a blue hue often touched by green, originates from the mineral beryl. Treasured and prized, this stone graces various jewelry pieces like rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Its unique clear blue tone mirrors the calm and reflective nature of a pristine ocean.
The Importance of Aquamarine as a Birthstone
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March and a traditional gift for the 19th wedding anniversary, carries significant meaning. Its name stems from the Latin term for seawater, and lore suggests it could calm stormy seas and protect sailors. Additionally, it is believed to signify sharp intellect.
Where Aquamarine is Found
Renowned for its beautiful pastel bluish-green color, Aquamarine’s natural hue is often enhanced through heat treatments. This gemstone is found in high-altitude locales such as Pakistan’s Karakoram mountains, as well as in Brazil, Myanmar, Russia, and China. Smaller deposits and lab-created versions are also available globally.
Preferred Cuts and Shapes of Aquamarine
Aquamarine’s beauty is further showcased through various cuts, with the round-cut being the most popular. Round-cut gemstones are part of the Brilliant cut category, which features multiple facets to enhance the stone’s natural brilliance. These stones are ideally set in rose, white, or yellow gold. Aquamarine can also be fashioned into Step Cut or Mixed Cut shapes.
Grading Aquamarine Gemstones
At Artful Bracelets, we ensure top-quality Aquamarine stones by using a grading system. We use a scale ranking from AAAA to B, with AAAA being the rarest and most expensive. Aquamarine is evaluated based on the 4 C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat. The most sought-after stones have a rich pure blue color with no visible inclusions. The highest-valued stones exhibit a deep blue to bluish-green with moderate intensity.
aquamarine grading chart: AAA, AA, A, B” />Color Enhancement Through Heat Treatment
Like many gemstones, Aquamarine often undergoes heat treatment to enhance its color. This process permanently boosts saturation and reduces visible inclusions, maintaining the stone’s natural durability and composition.
Buying Guide for Aquamarine
Acquiring Aquamarine jewelry means investing in timeless pieces that endure. Understanding the intricacies of selecting the perfect Aquamarine jewelry is crucial for making an informed decision.
Budget Considerations
Your budget is a key factor when purchasing Aquamarine. At Artful Bracelets, we offer premium AAA grade Aquamarine, renowned for its exceptional quality and value. Our natural, heat-treated gems boast enhanced color and clarity, ensuring top-notch quality.
Cut and Carat Factors
Larger carat weights result in higher prices and more striking jewelry pieces. However, Aquamarine stones over 25 carats often see a price decline, and some can weigh as much as 100 pounds, which makes them unsuitable for jewelry. The gemstone’s cut is equally important, with round-cut brilliant stones ideal for displaying Aquamarine’s natural beauty. Other professional cuts also enhance its appeal.
Aquamarine Rings at Artful Bracelets
Artful Bracelets presents a wide range of Aquamarine jewelry, including engagement rings of up to 3.05 carats, set in premium 14k white, rose, or yellow gold. Our engagement rings are priced between $600 and $2400, with customizable options available in various gemstone settings from $300 to $3,000. Each piece is crafted from high-quality, natural stones meant to be cherished and worn with pride. Work with our gemologists to find the ideal piece for your jewelry needs or special occasions.
