Aquamarine takes its name from two Latin words that simply mean “sea water,” and that is still the best way to describe it. The stone runs from a pale, almost icy blue to a deeper blue-green, and the better pieces look like a clear patch of ocean with light coming through it.
It belongs to the beryl family, which makes it a close cousin of emerald. The two could not be more different in temperament, though. Emerald is usually full of inclusions. Aquamarine is normally clean to the eye, so you can expect a stone that looks clear even in larger sizes. That is one reason it is so often cut into big emerald cuts, cushions and long ovals. You get a lot of visible stone for the money.
Durability is the other practical point. Aquamarine sits at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which puts it comfortably in everyday-wear territory. A ring with an aquamarine Rings can handle normal daily use, though like any stone it will last longer if you take it off for heavy lifting or yard work. Clean it with warm water, a drop of dish soap and a soft brush. Skip the steam cleaner.
Where it comes from
Most of the world’s aquamarine is mined in Brazil, particularly the state of Minas Gerais. Mozambique, Nigeria, Madagascar and Pakistan also produce good material. Deeply saturated stones, sometimes called Santa Maria aquamarine after a Brazilian mine, are the most valuable and the hardest to find.
Treatment
Almost all aquamarine is gently heated to remove green or yellow tints and bring out a purer blue. This is standard, permanent and accepted across the trade. It is still worth asking any seller to confirm whether a stone has been heated, and whether they can tell you what they paid for it. A seller who will not answer either question is telling you something.
Choosing a color
Paler stones are more plentiful and cost less, and plenty of people prefer their soft, watery look. Deeper blues cost more per carat. There is no wrong answer here. If you want the stone to read as blue from across the room, go for saturation. If you want something quiet that goes with everything, lighter is fine.
Metal pairing
White gold and platinum lean into the cool, icy side of aquamarine. Yellow gold warms it up and makes the blue look richer by contrast. Rose gold is less common but works nicely with stones that have a slight green tint.
If you are shopping around, the Aquamarine Stone jewelry collection at TrueSanity lists the cost of each piece next to the price, which makes it a useful place to get a feel for what aquamarine should actually cost before you buy anywhere.
Aquamarine is also the traditional gift for a 19th wedding anniversary, and it has a long history as a good-luck stone for sailors. Most people buy it for a simpler reason, though. It is a clear, durable, honest blue stone that looks good at any size.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional gemological, financial, or consumer advice. Gemstone prices, treatments, origins, and availability vary by seller and market, and may change without notice. Readers should verify all stone specifications, treatment disclosures, and pricing details directly with a qualified jeweler or certified gemologist before purchasing. Any mention of specific brands or retailers does not imply endorsement. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for decisions made based on this content.
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