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Aquamarine

Aquamarine Ring.
Aquamarine Ring.

Aquamarine is the blue variety of the mineral beryl. Most natural aquamarine is a pale bluish-green, which was the preferred color before 1900.

Today it is routinely heat treated to remove the green component, making it a stable and permanent blue color. Simply heating aquamarine to 800 degrees Fahrenheit will remove any trace of green. The more intense, the blue color, the more valuable the gem will be. It is one of the most popular of all gemstones because it is not only complimentary to most skin types but also durable and affordable! The finest examples of aquamarine are found in Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

A new find of a rare variety of aquamarine, with a dark, highly saturated intensity, has been discovered in the Santa Maria de Itabira mine in Brazil. Similar aquas have also been found in a few gem mines in Africa, especially Mozambique.

A Brief History of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is the Latin name for “seawater” and has long been a symbol of eternal youth and happiness. The first documented use of aquamarine is between 480-300 BC. The ancient Greeks and Romans often used aquamarines for intaglio work and engravings. Wearing an aquamarine amulet, especially if it was engraved with Poseidon on his chariot, was thought to make sailors fearless and invincible to the perils of the sea.

Art Deco Aquamarine Briolette Lavaliere Necklace c.1925.
Art Deco Aquamarine Briolette Lavaliere Necklace c.1925.
Diamond and Aquamarine Day and Night Earrings.
Diamond and Aquamarine Day and Night Earrings.
Mid-Century Modern Aquamarine and Diamond Brooch.
Mid-Century Modern Aquamarine and Diamond Brooch.

In 1920, a 243-pound aquamarine crystal was discovered in Brazil. It was sold, at the time, for only $25, 000. In 1935 the Brazilian government presented Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt with a 1, 847 carat aquamarine that is now displayed in the Hyde Park Museum in New York.

Aquamarine is the Birthstone for March and the stone of Scorpio or Gemini.

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  • Edwardian Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant/Brooch by J.E. Caldwell

    Edwardian Aquamarine and Diamond Pendant/Brooch by J.E. Caldwell

    The venerable American jeweler, J.E. Caldwell, was renowned for his extraordinary Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewels and here we have a rare Edwardian masterpiece,…

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  • Art Deco Aquamarine Ring by Untermeyer

    Art Deco Aquamarine Ring by Untermeyer

    A vibrant crystalline sky blue scissor-cut aquamarine, weighing 5.65 carats, glistens, gleams, and glows solo from within a refined Art Deco signet-style ring,…

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  • Mid-Century Aquamarine and Baguette Diamond Spray Clip Earrings

    Mid-Century Aquamarine and Baguette Diamond Spray Clip Earrings

    Sleek, chic and stunning! Feathery ribbons of gleaming bright-white baguette diamonds create sparkling flames on your lobes, along with a gorgeous pair of cryst…

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Gemological Information for Aquamarine

Color:Pale Greenish Blue to Blue
Crystal Structure:Hexagonal
Refractive Index:1.577-1.583
Durability:Excellent
Hardness:7.5-8
Family:Beryl
Similar Stones:Aquamarine may be Confused with Synthetic Spinel, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Pale Blue SapphireKyaniteTourmalineApatite and Glass
Treatments:Heat Treatment
Country of Origin:Brazil, Nigeria, Zambia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Afghanistan And Pakistan

Aquamarine Care

Ultrasonic Cleaning:Not Safe
Steam Cleaning:Not Safe
Warm Soapy Water:Safe with a Soft Brush
Chemical Attack:None
Light Sensitivity:None
Heat Sensitivity:May Alter the Color
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