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Back to Gemstones
 aquamarine
Picture the azure seas of the Caribbean
with their cool greenish-blue colour. The water is so clear you can
see through it to the lovely light reflections between the surface
and the sand below. Gazing into a fine aquamarine, you can almost
transport yourself to a Caribbean island, its appearance is so like
these crystal blue seas. In fact, aquamarine is Latin for sea water.
Aquamarine is emerald's most famous
sister. It is simply a different colour variety of the mineral
beryl. Greenish-blue to bluish green beryl is called aquamarine. The
advances of modern technology have made it possible, and very
common, for aquamarine to be heat-treated to drive the green out of
the stone and leave a more pleasing blue. This is a permanent
treatment and has become accepted in the jewellery industry.
Aquamarine has been credited with
providing courage, curing laziness and quickening the intellect. In
the Middle Ages it was believed to give the wearer both insight and
foresight and freedom from insomnia. Among various peoples, it had
the reputation of providing happiness and everlasting youth. Water
in which an aquamarine had been soaked was believed to cure eye
troubles, stoppage of breath and hiccups.
SOURCE OF THE SPARKLE
Madagascar is the historical source of
aquamarine, but is no longer important. A medium dark blue is the
colour typical of stones that came from that area.
Brazil is probably the most prolific
supplier of aquamarine today. The natural colour of Brazilian gems
leans toward bluish-green.
Other sources of aquamarine are the
African countries of Tanzania, Kenya and Nigeria, the island of Sri
Lanka, Afghanistan and Russia.
Many huge aquamarine crystals have been
found. The largest crystal known was found in Brazil in 1920. It was
19 inches long, 16 inches wide and weighed 243 pounds. It was cut
into a number of important gemstones. A 13-pound uncut piece of the
green outer portion of the crystal resides in the American Museum of
Natural History. The British Museum of Natural History owns an 879.5
carat flawless, step-cut aquamarine with a lovely sea-green colour.
It is easier to find large gem quality pieces of aquamarine than it
is to find such pieces of emerald.
ALWAYS FASHIONABLE
Aquamarine is at home in the most casual
setting as well as the most elegant. Small aqua's may be set alone
in dainty settings, with or without diamond accent. Larger
aquamarines nestle comfortably in the company of diamonds of many
sizes. Aquamarine is one of the few gemstones that looks beautiful
with both white and yellow gold or platinum: Yellow gold adds a warm
touch to the piece of jewellery; white gold or platinum accentuates
the coolness of the gem's colour.
Aquamarines are set in women's and
children's jewellery of all kinds. They are cut in a variety of
shapes and sizes for use in rings, earrings, pendants, pins and
bracelets. They were a favorite gem for use in the parures (matched
sets) of the 1820's and are still striking for similar modern use.
Comparing emerald and aquamarine, the
latter is the tougher sister. Aqua is usually free from the
inclusions that make emerald more fragile. It is often step-cut
(emerald-cut) to show its colour to best advantage.
Aquamarine needs to be cleaned often to
keep its brilliant sparkle. A thorough, soft brush scrubbing with a
commercial jewellery cleaner or liquid detergent and water is
sufficient if done after every three or four wearing.
MAKING A WISE PURCHASE
Since subtle differences in quality can
make large differences in beauty (and price), it is important to
select your jewellery from a professional who can guide you honestly
and ethically in your purchase. Our firm is a member of the American
Gem Society. As a condition of membership, we are re-examined each
year to meet the Society's high standards for knowledge,
professionalism and integrity. The AGS symbol is the hallmark of
consumer protection within the jewellery profession - as it has been
for over 50 years. Many gems are processed to enhance their natural
beauty. Ask your American Gem Society Jeweller to discuss which
techniques might apply to the gem of your choice.
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