Aquamarine
Price
Retail price for 1.5-3 carats aquamarine:
Quality from high to low
Dark: $350-$1000/ct
Medium: $22-$600/ct
Light: $20-$100/ct
Main origin
The main origin of aquamarine is Brazil. While there are other significant sources of gemstone, including Madagascar, USA, Myanmar, Pakistan, and others. It’s worth noting that the quality of an aquamarine can vary greatly depending on its origin.
Imitation
Blue topaz, blue glass, blue cubic zirconia, synthetic spinel, synthetic quartz
Blue cubic zirconia
Quality factors
Color
The color of aquamarine is limited to shades of blue and green-blue. The purer and more intense the blue, the more valuable the stone. The most prized color of aquamarine is dubbed “Santa Maria”, appearing a unique deeply saturated blue hue. However, most aquamarine is a light greenish blue.
Clarity
Most aquamarine gems have a clear appearance and are free of noticeable blemishes when cut and shaped. Aquamarines with visible inclusions are typically made into carvings, beads, or cabochons.

Cut
The cut of an aquamarine is crucial as it greatly impacts its brilliance, given its light color. Aquamarines can be cut into various shapes, but the most common cuts are the emerald cut, round, or oval brilliant.

Carat weight
Aquamarine crystals come in a variety of sizes, ranging from tiny to massive (45kg). Although large aquamarine stones are readily available, they are not typically used in jewelry due to their size.
Care & Cleaning
Cleaning:
  • Safe cleaning method: Warm soapy water
  • Ultrasonic and steam cleaners: Aquamarine can usually be cleaned with ultrasonic and steam cleaners, but this is not safe if the stone has liquid inclusions, fractures, or has been fracture filled.
Care:
  • Aquamarine can be durable if proper precautions are taken to prevent scratching and hard knocks.
  • Avoid heat exposure: It is not recommended to expose aquamarine to excessive heat, as it may cause damage to the gemstone.
  • Stable against light exposure: The color of aquamarine is stable and will not fade or change when exposed to light.
  • Vulnerability to hydrofluoric acid: Aquamarine can be vulnerable to attack from this substance.
History and Lore
The name “aquamarine” is derived from the Latin word “aqua,” meaning water, and “marina,” meaning sea. This is because the blue-green color of the stone is reminiscent of the ocean. In ancient times, the aquamarine was believed to have mystical properties associated with the sea, and was thought to bring good luck and protection to sailors.