ABOUT AQUAMARINE AS USED IN AQUAMARINE ESTATE JEWELRY
Aquamarines are a member of the beryl family, which is the same gemstone family as emeralds. Beryl is a hard mineral but only offers a moderate brilliance and little fire. Aquamarines are a beautiful reflection of estate jewelry.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Aquamarine is the suggested birthstone for March birthdays.
ORIGIN OF NAME
The name "aquamarine" is derived from Latin words which mean "sea water", in reference to the color of the gemstone.
HISTORY
Prior to the 1900's, the preferred color for aquamarines was a light bluish-green. The first documented use of aquamarine was between 480 and 300 B.C. by the Greeks. Since the seventeenth century, aquamarines have become very popular.
ESTATE JEWELRY AND ANTIQUE JEWELRY USAGE OF AQUAMARINE
Aquamarines have been popular in the following jewely periods:
Victorian Jewelry Period
Retro Modern Jewelry Period
Contemporary Estate Jewelry
VISIT OUR AQUAMARINE ESTATE JEWELRY COLLECTION
Antique Bucherer Aquamarine Pierced Earrings
Vintage Aquamarine Seed Pearl Rose Flower Necklace
EVALUATIONS
The most intense blue color for an aquamarine results in a higher value for the gemstone. Aquamarines have a high transparency and clarity even when magnified. Aquamarines with intense color are becoming very scarce and as a result their price is increasing substantially. Aquamarine is now frequently heat treated to remove the green color tones, this creates a permanent color change.
FORMATION
It is the introduction of iron to beryllium that creates the magnificent blue of the aquamarine. Aquamarines are found as well-formed crystals in pegmatities. Beryls are not sufficiently dense to concentrate in placers and are usually mined from the source or in its weathered equivalent. Rods and ghost lines are often found in aquamarines (90%).
AREAS FOUND
Brazil is the number one producer of aquamarines. Aquamarines are also found in Mozambique, Ukraine, Nigeria, Pakistan, Zambia, and Madagascar.
LEGENDS
Aquamarine amulets were thought to leave sailors fearless and protect them from trouble at sea, especially when the stone was engraved with the Poseidon on a chariot. According to Christian symbolism, the stone signified moderation and passion control.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR ESTATE JEWELRY AND VINTAGE JEWELY
Estate aquamarine jewelry should not be placed in ultrasonics and steam cleaners should be avoided.
TECHNICAL DATA
Crystal system: hexagonal
Cleavage: Poor to good depending on clarity
Refractive Index 1.57 - 1.60
Double Refracting, uniaxial negative
Specific Gravity:
2.67 - 2.80
HARDNESS
With a measurement of 7.5 to 8, on the Mohs' Scale, aquamarines are hard enough for daily wear.
Visit our estate aquamarine collection.
