Aquamarine is a widespread and accessible stone in terms of expense. It is a precious variety of the beryl family and its typical blue color comes from the traces of iron present in its chemical composition. Unlike its relative, the emerald, this gem is highly resistant to inclusions and relatively easy to extract - for this reason it is very common and less expensive. If you intend to buy an aquamarine, it is necessary to learn to identify the characteristics that indicate whether a specimen is of high quality. It is also advisable to spend smartly, setting a budget and avoiding unreliable sellers.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Look for Quality
Step 1. Look for an impeccable, or almost flawless, high jewelry aquamarine
By nature, aquamarine is one of the clearest stones in circulation. The presence of inclusions is very rare and, when it occurs, it means that it has been treated with neglect and inattention. A quality aquamarine should not have inclusions visible to the naked eye, while those that may be perceived with a magnifying glass should be light and hidden.
Step 2. Consider an aquamarine with more evident inclusions, if it is small in size and you need to use it in a group of small stones
Although its hardness is around 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, it risks being damaged if used frequently or if it hits a hard surface. If you are concerned that the stone may be damaged due to careless use, save on the price by purchasing an aquamarine with internal inclusions that are hardly visible to the naked eye. However, avoid the obvious ones as they make the stone more prone to scratches or breaks in case of impact.
Step 3. Decide on the right shade
Specimens with light blue reflections are generally more valuable than those that tend towards green, but most of the stones with blue-green tones have a higher value than those with more transparent tones. Nonetheless, choosing the right shade is a matter of personal preference.
Step 4. Choose the right color intensity
Aquamarine stones that have a deep blue tone are the most precious and, in general, dark shades are more in demand than light ones due to their particular rarity. In addition, they have a more vivid color than that of stones with paler shades. However, this is also a matter of personal taste.
Step 5. Determine what carat weight you want
- Small aquamarine stones are cute, when set into pretty pieces of jewelry, but larger ones can be amazing.
- Since aquamarine is quite common, it is possible to find it in large-carat stones at affordable prices. For most gemstones, the carat price increases dramatically based on the number of carats, but the price per carat of a 30-carat aquamarine is only a third higher than the price per carat of a one-carat aquamarine. carat only.
Step 6. Choose a high quality cut
The cut of each stone determines its brilliance or the way it reflects light. When the aquamarine has a nice cut, it is very bright. Try holding the stone up to the light and turning it to examine how the light hits the various angles.
Step 7. Choose the shape
Aquamarine is so easy to cut and resistant to fractures that it allows jewelers to model it in a wide variety of shapes. Traditional ones are round, teardrop, oval, square and emerald (rectangular cut), but many new and modern shapes are also available. Choose the one that meets your tastes.
Step 8. Ask for heat treatment
This is a widely used technique used to improve the blue of a stone. Stones tending to yellow-brown and yellow-green are heated to temperatures between 400 ° C and 450 ° C. It is a permanent treatment and does not damage the stone.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Buy Smart
Step 1. Establish a budget
Decide how much you can afford to spend before you shop, to avoid falling in love with something that is beyond your means. Examine only the items that fall within your financial resources.
Step 2. Know what to expect from the price
Clarity or the presence of inclusions often determine the quality of a stone, but color also affects the price.
- A medium-low quality aquamarine can be between 3 and 70 euros per carat.
- Over 10 carats, a medium quality one can cost between 110 and 150 euros per carat.
- A high quality aquamarine is much more expensive. A light blue stone not subjected to heat treatment can cost around 65 euros per carat, while a deep blue stone can cost between 130 and 175 euros per carat.
- The more expensive ones not subjected to heat treatment are very intense sky blue and can cost between 400 and 430 euros per carat.
- Stones that have undergone heat treatment with a deep blue shade can cost around 130 euros per carat.
Step 3. Choose a precious metal that enhances your stone
Many goldsmiths prefer silver or white gold frames, because the color of these metals goes well with the blue tones. However, yellow gold frames go well with stones that have more intense blue-greenish tones.
Step 4. Don't underestimate imitations
Blue topaz is considerably less precious than an aquamarine, even if it looks a lot like it.
- Avoid gemstones called "Brazilian aquamarine" or "Nerchinsk aquamarine", since both names refer to blue topaz.
- Also avoid the "aquamarine of Siam", which is actually the blue zircon.
Step 5. Avoid synthetic stones
Since natural aquamarine is widespread and easy to extract, it is often less expensive than that produced in the laboratory.
Step 6. Contact jewelers who have a good reputation
Authorized dealers are a good place to start, but if you want better prices, pay a visit to the jewelers and goldsmiths in your area. When you go to a lesser-known seller, ask for an official certification from the nationally recognized gemological institute.
Step 7. Consider buying loose stones in bulk
Loose stones are often cheaper. Plus, you have the option to examine the quality further, as well as customize your choice of frame.
Step 8. Look around
Check out the prices and assortments at various jewelry stores, both online and in person. Inspect every sale or clearance store.
Advice
- Consider aquamarine when choosing a gift for the 19th year of marriage, since it is the stone traditionally associated with this anniversary.
- Consider buying an aquamarine for a special person who has a birthday in March, because it is the stone of those born in that month.
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Aquamarine can have three different shades of color: it can tend towards green, blue and gray, so choose the shade you like best.
Image Tones of Aquamarine
