How to Select Aquamarine Jewelry

Aquamarine gemstones come in a variety of pale blue hues.

Aquamarine is type of precious gemstone that is beloved for its serene hue. According to folklore, aquamarine imparts a sense of courage, relieves anxiety, promotes youthfulness, and increases intelligence. Historically, sailors valued aquamarine because they believed it prevented seasickness and would ensure safe travels on sea. Aquamarine is as treasured for is aesthetic appeal as it is for its purported healing and talismanic properties. It comes in an appealing range of blue-based colors, including pale, almost clear blue, blue-green, deep aqua blue and teal. Consequently, it appears in many types of jewelry.

Instructions

1. Determine what type of aquamarine jewelry you desire. Choose from among such types of jewelry as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, cufflinks, and rings. Establish your preference if the aquamarine jewelry will be for you. If the aquamarine jewelry will be for someone else, consider what type of jewelry he or she seems to favor and frequently wear.

2. Decide what cut of aquamarine gemstone you prefer. Note that aquamarines are available in an assortment of cuts, including emerald cut, princess cut, round cut, and oval cut. Emerald and oval are the most common cuts for aquamarines. Choose a cut that appeals to your taste or seems to reflect that of the person the aquamarine jewelry is for. Note that a well-cut stone will reflect light in a pleasing manner. Avoid aquamarine jewelry with a stone or stones that are cut too deep, to shallow, too wide, or too narrow.

3. Examine the various options available once you have narrowed your preferences down to a type of jewelry and cut. For example, if you decide you want an emerald cut aquamarine pendant, try to look at several examples.

4. Consider what shade of aquamarine you desire. Remember that deep blue-aqua colored aquamarines are considered to be the most prized. Note that color is one of the two most important factors to consider when buying aquamarine jewelry; the other is clarity.

5. Pick out aquamarine jewelry that exhibits good clarity. Choose aquamarine jewelry with a stone or stones that are transparent; this means that you should be able to see right through them. Note that transparent aquamarines are considered to be of the highest quality. Do not choose aquamarine stones that have inner flaws, or inclusions, that are visible to the naked eye; many aquamarines are eye-clean, or inclusion-free.

6. Make sure the aquamarine stone or stones are securely set in the piece of jewelry. Aquamarines may be held in place by prong settings, bezel settings, or tension settings, to name a few possibilities. Verify that the stone is set straight, does not move or wobble, and that any prongs holding it in position are strong and intact.

Tips & Warnings

• Nearly all aquamarines on the market today are heat treated, or exposed to high temperatures, to enhance or alter their color.

• Expect to pay anywhere between 5 to 100 dollars per carat when purchasing an aquamarine; this does not include any other stones or precious metals included in the jewelry.

• The most valuable aquamarines come are mined in Brazil. Aquamarines are also found in such countries as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Russia, Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Zambia, and Afghanistan.

• Clean aquamarine jewelry with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.

• Aquamarine is the birthstone associated with the month of March.

References

• Aquamarine Facts, Information and Description
• A Guide to Buying Aquamarine
• Aquamarine Education and Information
• Gemstone Setting Types