19th Wedding Anniversary Gift

Aquamarine: The name of this gemstone comes from the Latin for “seawater”. This is represented by the colour of it being a beautiful soft blue/green.

Aquamarine tends to be a very clean gem with few inclusions. It can grow into some very large crystal sizes, some over 12 inches long which allows for large carat weight stones to be cut.

Localities it is found in: Brazil – an important source for the past 200 years. It is found in both hard rock and weathered rocks in the region Minas Gerais, in the Eastern part of the state called Teófilo Otoni. Another important source is in Pakistan, in the Karakorum foothills, in the high sides of the cliffs which can be over 13,000 feet above sea level. Aquamarine from this area has been described as ‘water clear’. Aquamarine is also found in many African countries including Mozambique, Nigeria, Madagascar, Kenya and Zambia. Other locations are the USA, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Russia, China and Ukraine.

Aquamarine is part of the Beryl family of gemstones. Pure Beryl is colourless (formed from Beryllium Aluminium Silicate) and the various colours occur due to chemical impurities which were present at the time the crystals were forming. Other members of the Beryl family are: Emerald, Heliodor (Yellow Beryl), Green Beryl (not emerald as it is coloured by different chemicals), Goshenite (colourless), Morganite (Pink Beryl) and most recently discovered, Red Beryl which is found only in the Wah-Wah mountains in Utah, USA and more recently Catron and Sierra Counties, New Mexico. (It is often referred to as Bixbite, although CIBJO the world jewellery confederation disapprove of its use due to confusion with a totally different mineral called Bixbyite)

Aquamarine gems are very suitable for everyday wear as they have a hardness of 7.5 – 8 on Mohs’ scale of hardness and they are frequently seen fashioned into rings, pendants and earrings and more occasionally seen as beads. They are often looked for not only as a birthstone or anniversary gift but for engagement rings. Although not as durable as corundum (Sapphire and Ruby) or Diamond, with care it can be worn as an everyday ring.

The care of Aquamarine is easy, just clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush (an old soft toothbrush is ideal); for stones in settings where dirt can collect behind the stone, the tiny interdental brushes are perfect for the job. Providing there are no fractures or liquid filled inclusions in the stone then it can be put in an ultrasonic cleaner.

The ‘ideal’ colour for aquamarine is a moderately strong blue to slightly greenish blue, however as with all gems, the shade that is best for you is the one YOU prefer.

When it comes to size of stone there does come a point at which some very large aquamarines (over 25 carats) start to have a lower per carat price that some of the smaller pieces, due in part to them being less desirable as they are not so easy to be made into wearable jewellery for a mass market.

The cut quality of aquamarine is of great importance. Many of the stones tend to be of a light colour and correct cutting can help, in addition, well cut stones will show a much better dispersion of light as the stone is turned. The best stones will show an even colour with no colour zoning and usually the best is seen in stones of over 5 carats.

It is good to be able to view a selection of aquamarines to see just how much they vary. Here at Gerry & Co (Jewellers) Ltd, we are always happy to source one for you if we don’t already have one in stock.

We can make an aquamarine item to your specifications, however, please be aware that this can be a lengthy process so don’t leave it to the last minute if it is for a special occasion as the gem has to be sourced and often the mount will have to be handmade by our jeweller, a highly skilled craftsman who will work on the item for hours at a time. We are always pleased to be able to obtain a quote for a bespoke item.