Aquamarine gemstones evoke the colors of the sea. Aquamarine gemstones are often free from inclusions and clear as water too, symbolizing purity of spirit and soul. They make fantastic gemstones for evening wear because they glitter and gleam even under muted light conditions. During the day or in bright light, they exhibit a soothing coolness.
Aquamarine belongs to the beryl species of mineral and is closely related to emerald, morganite and golden beryl, among others. Nature produces a variety known as cat’s-eye aquamarine, a rare, highly collectible, phenomenal variety. Microscopic growth tube inclusions cause the cat’s-eye effect.
Aquamarine is the March birthstone.
Aquamarine Heart
Just Jules
Aquamarine Ring
Lisa Nik Inc.
Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant
Lisa Nik Inc.
Aquamarine Cinderella Pendant
Aquamarine and Diamond Bracelet
Lisa Nik Inc.
Aquamarine Necklace
AG Gems & Jewelry, Inc.
Color
Aquamarine can be blue, very slightly greenish blue, greenish blue, very strongly greenish blue, or green-blue.Cut
Aquamarines can be cut into many shapes and sizes; some are cut as cabochons or fashioned into beads. Larger specimens may be carved into gem sculptures.Origin
Aquamarines are found on most continents. Brazil is an important source for aquamarine. Other sources include Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), China, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Ukraine and the United States.Durability
Aquamarine is a fairly durable gemstone with a hardness of 7.5-8.0 on the Mohs Hardness ScaleTreatments
Aquamarines are almost always heat-treated to lessen the subtle yellow color that occurs in some of them. Any treatments should be disclosed to buyers.Lab-Created
Aquamarine can be manufactured in a lab rather than mined, but it is more often imitated by treated blue topaz, glass and synthetic blue spinel. This information needs to be clearly disclosed to the buyer.Care & Cleaning
- To minimize scratching and wear, store each piece of fine jewelry separately in a soft cloth or padded container.
- Aquamarine jewelry is best cleaned with warm, sudsy water and a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth.
- Take all your fine jewelry to a professional jeweler at least twice a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.
Find Aquamarine pieces at a trustworthy, JA Member Jewelry store in our Find a Jeweler directory.
Content © GIA. Image © Robert Weldon/GIA
