Aquamarine @ Jewel Info 4 U

Aquamarine @ Jewel Info 4 U

Raw Aquamarine , Image Courtesy: www.mineralminers.com

It belongs to the family of beryl. It is the birthstone for those born in the month of March and the anniversary gemstone for those in 16th and 19th year of marriage. Awesome brilliance, incredible colour, crystal clear transparency and affordable price are few reasons due to which females in almost all the countries covet to own jewelries holding this alluring gemstone. This text provides a number of facts that make the reader familiarize with the gem fully. Important characteristics discussed proffer the information in the best possible way.

Aquamarine Colour

The basic colour of this beautiful gem is light bluish but it is found in all possible shades of seawater. The colour shades varies from dark blue to sky blue with a trace of green in it. The colour variation occurs because the colour of seawater of two countries cannot be similar. Every country has different climatic conditions. Presence of iron impurities in the chemical composition is responsible for the colour of the gemstone and change in its proportion causes the colour change. Bright light blue colour with full transparency looks amazing and is most in demand. Generally this fascinating stone has even distribution of colour throughout its surface.

Aquamarine Clarity

This gem is a transparent stone free from inclusions and flaws. Usually, it is clean but anything and everything can happen in natural creation thus incase inclusions are found then those are removed while cutting making the stone almost spotless. Sawing is the process where the flaws are removed by the diamond saw blade. Moreover, with the increase in transparency the visibility of the inclusions becomes unnoticed. It is almost free of inclusions thus less susceptible to splits or cracks.

Cut – Cutting this rough stone is quite easy. This is reason why jewelry designers named it as their pet gemstone. They are able to achieve their imaginative cuts and shapes in physical form. It is the stone that looks overwhelming in every new and modern cut. These new-fangled cuts have put in largely to boost the popularity of the gem. The usual traditional cuts are also seen like round, pear, oval, square, emerald, triangle and many more.

Carat Weight – The colour and clarity increases when the size of the stone is increased. Stones with high carat weight sparkle and looks much better. However, higher carat weight fetches higher price. In the jewelry design when this fabulous gem is placed in the center position then it necessarily has to be more than 2 carat in weight in order to have the attractive look. Similarly for rings, stud earrings or pendants holding one single stone then stone with higher ctw could be selected.

Price – The price is within the means of the common man. It is dependent on few characteristics viz. colour, clarity, cut and carat weight. Pure deep blue colour neither too dark nor pale is the most sought after colour hence carries high cost. Stones possessing traces of green colour in it are valued less. Fully transparent stone without any flaws is the best and priced accordingly. Third cut, new innovative cuts are worth more. Last but not the least carat weight. Economic value of the stone increases with the increase in the carat weight. All these are crest levels of the 4 important Cs thus when any gemstone attains these levels, it is priced maximum. If it draws farther from the peak level so shall be the price.

Occurrence – The crystals of this striking gemstone occurs in pegmatite veins deep inside the metamorphic rocks. The mining process performed to acquire the rough is very intricate. Unlike other gemstone mining process it is eco-friendly thus do not harm the creation of Mother Nature.

Source – The prime source Madagascar produces this dazzling stone in dark blue to light blue shades. Brazil is next to offer large quantity, high quality stones. Other sources are from African countries namely Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Nigeria. It is also obtained from the island of Sri Lanka, United States of America, India and Russia. New deposits are found in Pakistan and Afghanistan that yield large amount of gemstones. Mwami, Hurungwe, Pfungwe and Mtoko are the parts of the world that are not very popular but give in excellent quality stones.
Enhancements – Stones with pale colour are time and again heat treated or irradiated to improve the colour in the specialized laboratories. The end result is stable and everlasting too. Enhanced stones should be priced less over the stones having bright natural colours.

Imitations – Poor quality glass and plastics are stained to give bluish green colour and sold under the fancy names at the price of the original stone. Few trade names are Brazilian Aquamarine, Siam Aquamarine or Mass Aqua. Buyer ought to be cautious of the imitations that look identical to the genuine stone at the first glance. In order to avoid all future shocks it is recommended to better ensure the reliability of the dealer from whom the gemstone is being purchased.

Aquamarine Use

14K or 18K yellow gold, 14K or 18K white gold, platinum and sterling silver are the metals used for varied jewelry items. However, platinum and white gold is the ideal metal for creating wonderful jewelry as white metal complements the bluish green colour of the gemstone more than the yellow gold. If white gold or platinum falls beyond the economic confines then sterling silver is the paramount alternative. Silver proffers similar look as the other white colored metals at very less cost. Apart from the jewelry items, watches using this lovely gem are also popular amongst the young generation. All these creative pieces are idyllic for formal as well as informal attire.

Precautions – This alluring gem is a sturdy stone as it rated 7.5 Mohs on the hardness scale. In spite of possessing good hardness rate this gemstone demands certain precautions and modest care. It should be protected from blistering sunlight else there is a probability that the colour of the stone might get fade and dull. It should never be cleaned in home ultrasonic cleaner rather cleaning with warm soapy water and soft bristle toothbrush is a better method and must be opted for prevention of the stone getting ruined.

Beliefs – It was believed that this trendy gemstone protects from sea danger as it symbolizes safety at sea. Mariners in ancient times used to trust that this gem could pacify fuming and brutal storms hence always carried it before sailing. In past some people associated it with good eyesight and sound sleep. At present in some parts of the globe it is believed that this superb gemstone assists the wearer in living life with fun and bliss and proffers interminable youth.
It helps in augmenting the intellect level, improves communication skills and prompts the active lifestyle.

It signifies compassion, faith, harmony and friendship. Due to these features astrologers suggest this stone for the married couple who experience some problems in their relationship. It creates a strong bond between the duo that only death can depart them. To avail maximum effects and powers before using it should be immersed in water for couple of hours. It helps in overcoming depression, grief and phobias. Health problems related to eyes, ears, throat, liver, kidney, nervous system and stomach could be healed with this blue stone.

This multifaceted gemstone makes the women look stylish, elegant and pretty through lovely jewelries. It also possesses many life-giving properties. This ‘Gem of the Sea’ surely was, is and shall remain forever the classic of the gem world

Aquamarine Facts