Aquamarine Buyer’s Guide - All You Want to Know Before Buying

Aquamarine is a captivating gemstone known for its blue hues, ranging from pale to deep blue, often with a greenish or turquoise tint. When purchasing this March birthstone, several factors should be considered to ensure you get a high-quality gemstone. Let’s have a look at them:

Color

While you are looking to buy yourself the perfect aquamarine stone, you have to pay attention to its color. No, it’s not just a teal-transparent stone. A good-quality aquamarine will have a deep, rich blue color with a very high saturation and color evenly spread throughout the stone. Higher saturation of a stone helps in hiding any visible inclusions that might be there. Hence, a deep, rich, highly saturated color, aquamarine, is valued the most.

Tone & Hue: In aquamarines, medium to medium-dark tones are considered to be highly valued. The most favored and demanded aquas are pure blue in color. However, greenish or turquoise-colored aquamarines have also been popular in the market. A typical Aquamarine color range looks like :

Some of the famous colors are:

Clarity

By clarity, we are looking towards both the outside and the inside of the stone. High-quality aquamarines have little to no inclusions and are usually “eye-clean.”. By “eye-clean” we mean that when you look at the stone with a naked eye, all you see is the beautiful, rich, transparent aqua-colored stone.

Aquamarines and even other stones can naturally contain inclusions, which might make the stone unique in some cases. Some of the most common inclusions that one can find in an aquamarine are:

Other inclusions are Cavity, Surface Graining, Knot & Etch channel.

Cut

The cut of a gemstone contributes towards its monetary value and market demand. When it comes to this March birthstone, emerald and round cut are preferred a lot. Cuts are usually made popular by seeing which cut enhances the beauty and color of the stone. However, some other cuts that are also famous are cabochons and mixed cuts.

Let’s have a look at how aquamarine looks under different cuts:

• Emerald Cut : These are often used to make yellow-gold aquamarine rings.
• Baguette Cut : These are often used for accent stones rather than center stones.
• Asscher Cut: This is a popular solitaire ring choice.
• Brilliant Cut: This cut is often used by gem cutters to hide any visible inclusions.

Carat

Carat size affects the stone’s appearance and price. Size and quality of the stone go hand in hand. Just because you are getting a larger stone doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on the quality. You have to remember that a good quality small carat aquamarine stone is much more valuable than a large carat size low-quality one. Always remember to maintain a balance between the size and quality.

Before you buy, discover how aquamarine supports calmness, courage, and emotional balance in What are the healing benefits of Aquamarine?

Grading Aquamarine

Aquamarines are graded on the basis of the 4 C’s that we discussed above. The grading scale for aquamarines allows them to be graded as AAAA stone, AAA stone, AA stone, and B stone. AAAA is the highest quality of aquamarine to exist. Of course they are rare to find as well. When it comes to clarity, AAA grades are preferred, as they are the perfect combination of quality and value.

Heat-Treated Aquamarine

Natural heat treatments can improve the color of aquamarine, just like they can for many other stones. Heat-treated aquamarine is still regarded as 100% natural; the treatment is permanent and produces beautiful results. In addition to improving saturation, heat treatment lessens the quantity of inclusions in the stone that degrade quality. Without compromising the gemstone's durability or inherent composition, heat treatment is an entirely safe method of enhancing its appearance and color.

Real v/s Fake Aquamarine

Aquamarine Types and Prices

Buying Tips for Aquamarine

In a nutshell, when buying you should remember these key points to get yourself the best quality aquamarine :

1. The quality of an aquamarine is usually assessed based on its hue, which displays a variety of blues. Select an aquamarine with blue tones or a turquoise hue, as they are thought to be more valuable. There shouldn't be any lighter or darker areas inside your aquamarine; it should be a uniform blue-green hue.

2. You need to make sure your aquamarine is eye clean, meaning it should have no obvious imperfections, cuts, or blemishes.

3. Select a piece of jewelry that features a huge aquamarine: this uncommon natural gemstone comes in a variety of large sizes with stunning deep tones that glitter brilliantly. Aquamarines less than three millimeters are not advised since they appear nearly colorless. Jewelry that is more than six millimeters in size has a deeper blue hue.

4. An aquamarine cut nicely raises the dazzling factor. Emerald- or oval-cut aquamarines should be the first choice since they vividly highlight the natural color while creating exquisite jewelry.

5. Your jewelry's blue-green aquamarine hue is enhanced by a diamond halo or diamond accent around the ring. So if you can, try going for an aquamarine and diamond combo for that extra luxurious feel.

6. Although yellow gold is a good option if you want to go with the vintage jewelry design, white gold jewelry is the most common choice for aquamarine.

7. Tell your jeweler to place a tiny plate at the bottom of the aquamarine if you are setting it with white gold jewelry. This will bring out the vibrancy in the aquamarine from the very center of this stunning gemstone.

8. Since aquamarine is a softer gemstone, jewelry designs that incorporate some protection for the aquamarine are perfect.

For a quick guide to aquamarine’s properties and value, read Gemstone 101: Aquamarine.

Aquamarine Certification

Getting an aquamarine certified is usually worth it when its value is significant enough to justify the cost of certification. Here’s a general guideline:

When Should You Get an Aquamarine Certified?

• High-Value Stones ($500+)—If your choice of aquamarine lies in the range of $500-$1000 or more, then you should definitely consider getting an authenticity certificate for the same. It is wiser to see if the stone is authentic, check its quality, and see if it has undergone any treatments.
• Large Carat Weights (5+ Carats)—Aquamarines over 5 carats have a high value; hence, it is beneficial to get a certificate for it.
• Investment or Resale Purpose—If you decide to add the piece to your collection as an investment or if you want to resell it, then having a certification will ease up the process for you. It helps you build credibility.
• Rare or Exceptional Quality—Your aquamarine's uniqueness can be verified by certification if it has extraordinary clarity or is a deep blue, which is rare and more costly.
• Avoiding Synthetic or Treated Stones—To improve color, many aquamarines undergo heat treatment. Certification guarantees that you are aware of what you are purchasing.

When Certification May Not Be Worth It

• Small or Low-Value Stones (<$500) – If the stone is inexpensive, the cost of certification (~$50-$150) may not be justified.
• Common Commercial Grades—Lighter-colored or small aquamarines used in mass-market jewelry don’t necessarily need certification.

From red carpets to royal jewels, aquamarine is a celebrity favorite. Find out why in Why Do Celebs Love Aquamarine?

Best Labs for Aquamarine Certification

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
• IGI (International Gemological Institute)
• AGL (American Gemological Laboratories)
• Gubelin/SSEF (for very high-end stones)

IGI certification provides buyers with an honest and objective assessment of a diamonds quality, allowing them to make better purchasing decisions. It also helps to avoid fraud and deception in the gemstone industry by providing a uniform system for analyzing and grading gemstones. Whether you’re exploring certified jewelry or browsing GemstonesForSale, IGI reports give you the confidence that each stone has been accurately evaluated for authenticity and value.

Cleaning/Care Guide for Aquamarine

When you have something so valuable and beautiful in your collection, of course you will take care of it to maintain its value and appearance. This alluring transparent blue March birthstone requires special care. With proper care, your stone can outlive its price, and you’ll have a timeless piece with yourself. Here are some cleaning and caring tips for you to maintain your aquamarine.

1. Cleaning your stone: The best way to clean your aqua stone is with a mild soap and lukewarm water. You need to avoid using harsh chemicals at all costs. You have to be very gentle with your stone. If you have aquamarine jewelry, then to clean it, just let it soak in the solution (lukewarm water and 2-3 drops of mild soap) for 10 mins. Take out the jewelry and use a very soft brush to remove stubborn dirt. Use a soft cloth to wipe it dry. Make sure that you let it dry properly after rinsing. That’s all that you should do to clean your jewelry.

2. Protecting: Aquamarine is a 7.5 to 8 on a Mohs scale; that means that it can get scratched by minerals harder than itself. You need to store your jewelry/stone in a soft, padded, cushioned box to keep it from getting scratched. Avoid wearing your pretty blue stone while participating in vigorous activities.

3. Professional care: If you still feel that cleaning your jewelry is not your forte, you can always look up to professionals to clean your jewelry.

Maintain your aquamarine’s brilliance by following How to Clean and Care for Aquamarine Crystals and Jewelry – Complete Step-by-Step Guide.

Conclusion

This was a small buyer’s guide for all of the gemstone lovers out there. If you have reached this point, I hope that you are exiting this article with a good amount of knowledge to pick your stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the best color for aquamarine? 

The most sought-after aquamarine color is a vivid sky blue or deep-sea blue, accompanied by excellent clarity. However, personal preferences significantly influence choices, as some people are also drawn to the lighter, almost icy blue shades.

Q: Do most aquamarines undergo treatment? 

Yes, the majority of natural aquamarines are heat-treated to eliminate greenish undertones and enhance their blue color. It's a common and stable practice. However, you should ask about this treatment when purchasing aquamarine.

Q: Are there fake aquamarines on the market? 

Yes, as blue topaz or colored glass is sometimes misrepresented as aquamarine. That's why it's necessary to purchase from a reputable seller and request a gemological certificate to ensure authenticity.

Q: Is aquamarine available in different cuts and shapes?

This gemstone can be cut into various shapes, including oval, emerald, cushion, pear, and round. The cut not only affects the gem's sparkle but also its value, so select a shape that best showcases the stone's natural clarity.

Q: How can I tell if an aquamarine is high quality? 

High-quality aquamarine should be transparent, free of noticeable inclusions, and exhibit a bright, even blue hue. The cut should be clean and precise as well. If possible, ask for a grading report from the seller to confirm the quality.

Q: Does aquamarine hold its value over time? 

While aquamarine may not be as investment-driven as diamonds, high-quality specimens often retain good value, especially if they are untreated and well-cut. Additionally, their timeless appeal contributes to their emotional and aesthetic value, making them worthwhile.