How to Buy Aquamarine Jewelry

The aquamarine stone is the birthstone for March and is also used in celebration of the sixteenth and nineteenth wedding anniversaries. Aquamarine is named for the sea because of its light blue color which comes from the blue beryl mineral. Look for the following things when you buy aquamarine jewelry.

Instructions

1. Find a stone with good color. A deeper blue aquamarine is ideal and many stones are heated to obtain this shade. Find out if the piece that you are purchasing has been heat-treated. Aquamarines without any shades of green are the most valued type.

2. Check the clarity. The highest quality piece of aquamarine jewelry will be completely transparent and free of inclusions.

3. Choose a higher carat. Aquamarines are naturally found in larger sizes, so the higher carat stones will have the best color and clarity.

4. Purchase white-gold, silver or platinum to complement the gemstone. Gold aquamarine jewelry is less aesthetically pleasing than using these other precious metals.

5. Watch the terminology used when buying aquamarine jewelry. For example, a "Brazilian Aquamarine" is actually a blue topaz. Also, a gemstone known as "Siam Aquamarine" is heat-treated blue zircon.

6. Ask for an appraisal. Although many pieces of aquamarine jewelry are affordable, you still want an appraisal certificate to know the value of the jewelry.

Tips & Warnings

• If you buy aquamarine jewelry, you may consider purchasing gems that came from Brazilian mines. These stones are rare with a beautiful intense blue color.

• You can wear aquamarine jewelry everyday. The gemstone is very hard which makes it scratch resistant.

Resources

• Home Shopping Network has numerous pieces of aquamarine jewelry