Aquamarine jewelry buying guide

by Theresa Smith

Apart from reading as much about Aquamarine jewelry as you can, you should also take every opportunity to handle good jewelry. Knowing what to look for when buying Aquamarine jewelry will ensure that your money is well spent. Examine the work of well-known jewelry-craftsman and study the different designs.

Aquamarine Jewelry – Few facts

Aquamarine – the very name of this popular gemstone evokes mental images of the ocean’s splendor and vitality. This gem – composed of the mineral beryllium aluminum silicate – is pale greenish blue in color. It is said to have mystical powers and healing properties hence it being regarded as the universal symbol of youth, hope and health. While stones come in a range of colors the ideal color of Aquamarine is a refreshing pastel sea blue.

Color:

Stones with a clear blue color – without green or gray – are generally the most valuable. Though almost all gemstones contain some degree of blemishes, the highest quality Aquamarine is transparent, with no internal flaws or external imperfections. Aquamarine is a hard durable stone (7.5 to 8), which makes it a good choice for jewelry that is worn frequently like rings; and is readily available in larger sizes. It is especially dramatic when cut in a rectangular or oval shape, with facets, many angled sides or cut as a cabochon – a smooth dome without facets.

Cut:

A good cut displays an Aquamarine’s depth of color and liveliness while revealing the fewest imperfections. Aquamarine is found mainly in Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar and Ukraine. Focus on the details Apart from reading as much about Aquamarine jewelry as you can, you should also take every opportunity to handle good jewelry. Knowing what to look for when buying Aquamarine jewelry will ensure that your money is well spent. Examine the work of well-known jewelry-craftsman and study the different designs. Cultivate an expert eye by examining the piece from every perspective. Focus on the details such as the overall finish; check the quality of the stones and whether the stones have been set straight.

Damages:

Does the piece show signs that it has been damaged or repaired? Are the gemstones clean and free of scratches? Closely examine the color of the Aquamarine gemstones and the carat weight, which are key determining factors in assessing the value of the piece. Be especially critical when studying the design of the item. Ask questions like whether the style can be attributed to the period in which it was made, is the design balanced and proportioned, does it have eye appeal; and is it wearable? It may be beneficial to acquire some background knowledge from books to identify typical style trademarks, for example, Art Nouveau.

It is also a good idea to wear the piece of jewelry before buying it to ensure it hangs right and is comfortable to wear. Bear in mind the ‘demand value’ of a jewelry piece if you are a collector. While identifying a piece that is highly sought or rare certainly affects its value, it is wise to be thoroughly acquainted with the market before investing in unusual jewelry pieces. Though the size of Aquamarine jewelry is dictated by fashion trends, collectors generally favor larger items. Albeit, buyer guidelines should at times be dismissed in favor of purchasing jewelry purely because the piece appeals to personal taste and passion.

Aquamarine jewelry caring tips:

To protect Aquamarine jewelry from damage and the risk of it losing color if left in direct sunlight, it is essential that the gemstone be cleaned at regular intervals and stored safely in a dark place when not worn. The clarity of the stone is maintained by immersing it in ultrasonic jewelry cleaner or lukewarm soapy water and cleaned with a soft bristle brush. Special care should be taken not to subject the jewelry to extreme temperature changes, or situation where it can get scratched or knocked. Storage in a jewelry case is recommended.