Aquamarine is a delicious green-blue variety of beryl, with a hexagonal crystal structure. The name derives from the Latin for seawater, as this gem has captured the imagination of seafaring peoples for thousands of years.
Deposits are found all over the world, including Brazil, India, Siberia, Myanmar, and Africa.
Aquamarine is a highly popular choice for everyday jewellery, with the aquamarine gold ring a perennial favourite. It is highly transparent and often fracture-free, which makes it aesthetically appealing and more resistant to damage. It is more abundant and affordable than emerald.
Many Aquamarines are heat-treated to permanently increase their clarity and improve colouring. A gem with an attractive sparkle is usually well cut. In fact, professional cutters adore this stone because in its raw form it can be cut into nearly any shape. A platinum or gold ring with aquamarine stone is a wise choice if you want some extra protection to guard against knocks and scratches.
"Gem experts recommend checking for even colouring. You shouldn’t be able to identify lighter or darker colour spots."
Ancient Greeks and Romans noted aquamarine’s beauty and considered it to be a gift from their gods. Roman fishermen called it the ‘water of the sea’ and used it as protection for safety while at sea, and for good fortune in catching fish.
It was also associated with the apostle St. Thomas. Doctors used it to treat overeating and bloating.
Buying a coloured gemstone ring can sound stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Why not let our gemologist guide you through the whole process step by step and help to make choosing that perfect diamond an event to be remembered.