Buying aquamarine jewelry is not unusual considering that it is one of the most beautiful, vibrant and unique gems in the world. In fact, we are not exaggerating when we say that there are few precious stones that can imitate its beauty.
Its most striking feature is an icy and refreshing color, which ranges from blue to greenish blue and, as its name indicates, resembles seawater. A color that is beautiful against the skin and can complement almost any color in our wardrobe.
There are also other reasons why many will want to purchase aquamarine jewelry. Among them we can mention the fact that they are the cleanest gemstones that exist, that is, most cut gems have no visible inclusions or inclusions are rare. Although we cannot forget that, being a fairly common gemstone, you can generally find large carat stones at affordable prices.
However, shopping for aquamarine jewelry can be a difficult task as there are a few things to consider. But this should not be a problem and then we will tell you everything you need to know before making the purchase.
1. Look for a uniform blue-green color
When it comes to buying aquamarine jewelry the color is a vital factor. So when looking at color, look for aquamarine gems that have a uniform blue-green color. In other words, you don’t want to see patches of light blue or green. Above all, if you plan to resell in the future, because the more uniform and intense the color, the more valuable the gem will be and the more attractive it will be for collectors and appraisers.
2. Choose a clear gem
As we have already mentioned, cut gems lack imperfections or inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye. So you should avoid any flaws that don’t satisfy your eyes and look only for aquamarine gems that are transparent and translucent.
3. Find a good cut
Aquamarine can be cut into almost any variety of shapes, because it is a hard and scratch-resistant stone. But because it can be very light in color, the cut will be very important to the overall appearance of the gemstone and how even or saturated the color appears. However, a highly faceted aquamarine will be much more expensive than an oval or round shaped aquamarine due to the greater waste of stone involved in the cutting process.
If you want to set your aquamarine in jewelry, it is recommended that you look for a stone cut in an oval cut or a rectangular emerald cut. Since these emphasize the brilliance, light and color of the stone.
4. Take advantage of carats and price
If you are considering buying aquamarine jewelry, you should know that the larger the stone, the more value you will get for your money. This is because large aquamarine gems are generally easy to find. So unlike other gems, aquamarine stone price per carat gradually decreases for gemstones over 25 carats as it is difficult to use in jewelry.
With this in mind, it’s always worth considering a large piece if you can afford it. To get an idea, for example, a 1.50 carat aquamarine will be worth about the same as a 0.30 carat gem of the same quality.
5. Consider it a March or 9th anniversary gift
If you are considering purchasing aquamarine jewelry as a gift, you may be interested to know that aquamarine is the birthstone for March and represents the zodiac sign of Pisces. It is also the official 19th anniversary jewel.
6. Discover the location of the mine
The best aquamarine comes from Brazil. But the Brazilian gem trade is mostly artisanal, and the government restricts mechanized mining to protect local tribes and the environment. Always make sure you choose ethical and conflict-free gems by buying aquamarine jewelry from reputable stores.
7. When shopping for an aquamarine engagement ring choose a robust setting
Aquamarine looks stunning in rings. However, it ranks 8th on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which means it is less durable than diamonds or sapphires. If you choose it as an engagement ring, it will be exposed to daily wear and tear for a lifetime. So make sure your aquamarine has a sturdy gold or platinum setting to protect it from bumps and scratches.
8. Aquamarine is a good alternative to diamonds.
If you’re on a budget, aquamarine is a good alternative to diamonds. First of all, these light blue gems offer a stunning brilliance, just like diamonds do. Second, they make very affordable jewelry pieces in large gem sizes so you can get an impressive piece of jewelry for your money. Finally, its pale blue color suits almost any complexion, in the same way that diamonds do.
Also read: Engagement rings: alternatives to diamonds
9. Always check the return policy and warranty.
Whenever you have to buy aquamarine or any gemstone jewelry, you should do so from reputable jewelry chains or reputable jewelers to ensure you are buying the real thing. Also check the warranty terms and return policy to cover your purchase. And don’t forget to ask your jeweler for a certification of authenticity for your gemstone before you buy it.
10. Please check the measurements if you order online
Don’t forget to check item measurements carefully when ordering aquamarine jewelry online. Do this with a ruler if necessary, to make sure the item is the size you expected and to give you an idea of how it will look when worn.
11. Be aware of trade names for aquamarine
When shopping for aquamarine jewelry it is possible to come across various names that can be misleading, for example, do not assume that aquamarines billed as “Brazilian” or “Madagascar” actually come from these sources. These terms can only refer to color, so ask to see documentation to certify a gem’s origin. For their part, the “Santa María” aquamarines are named after the Santa María mine in Itabira, where they were first discovered, but stones with similar colors have also been found elsewhere. While Maxixe aquamarine is actually a beryl treated with an excellent aquamarine blue, known for its discoloration.