Aquamarine is the birthstone of March. Aquamarine belongs to the beryl family like emerald and is one of the more interesting choices for engagement rings. Its name means "water of the sea" in Latin, which is romantic in itself, especially if the engagement ring is for someone who loves the sea.
What is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a blue variant of the mineral beryl. It is usually light blue, but sometimes darker shades of blue can be found, and usually has a green hue. Other beryl variants include the well-known green emerald, as well as the less popular yellow Heliodor and purple-pink Morganite.
Light blue aquamarine is usually less expensive than vivid aquamarine, so an engagement ring with light blue aquamarine can be quite affordable while still looking beautiful. Gemstone dealers can also easily convert the light green variant of beryl to aquamarine if heated to 750º F / 400º C.
How to evaluate Aquamarine?
There are several factors to consider when evaluating aquamarine for use in engagement rings:
1. The exact color you want.
Lighter aquamarines are not necessarily "bad" - they are cheaper because they are more common. If you want a darker blue aquamarine, you'll have to search a little more and be prepared to pay a higher price, but whichever color you prefer can be found in quality gems.
2. There should not be any obvious drawbacks.
One of the great advantages of aquamarine is that most of the stones used in jewelry are flawless in clarity. The same can be said for a very few other gems, including emeralds and diamonds. Almost all aquamarines you see should be completely free of visible inclusions -- both affordable aquamarines and more expensive gemstones.
3. Look for a good cut.
Aquamarine is cut and faceted in any shape and form, so you can easily find any cut aquamarine. The more popular cuts are the same as those used for other engagement ring gems - round cut, princess cut, cushion cut, etc. Just make sure whatever you get is carefully cut and properly faceted.
The durability of Aquamarine
Aquamarine has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8.0, which is much lower than diamonds (Mohs hardness 10) and other gemstones such as sapphires (Mohs 9), ruby (Mohs 9) and Moissanite (Mohs 9.25), but it is hard enough for an engagement ring. Toughness is higher than hardness, refers to the ability of the stone to withstand damage, and hardness refers to its scratch resistance. In general, aquamarine is considered tough enough for daily wear.
However, it should be noted that the aquamarine on the finger must be more careful than the diamond. It can fall off when hit by a hard surface. Aquamarine is also prone to internal cracks on impact, so you should be careful not to knock the ring into anything.
Finally, aquamarine can change color and fade when exposed to prolonged and/or intense heat, so it is a good idea to remove the ring around a high heat source (for example when cooking).
Best ring style of Aquamarine
Aquamarine is suitable for a variety of ring sets and styles. It pairs well with white metals such as white gold, silver or platinum, as the blue color of the stone contrasts with the white metal, creating a cool, modern look. However, if you prefer a more personalized vintage look, consider using yellow gold or rose gold inlays.
How to clean and care for Aquamarine engagement rings
Since aquamarine is more fragile than diamonds and some other gemstones, you really should be extra careful. Always remove the engagement ring when you are about to engage in manual labor and always protect it from hard surfaces. If you choose something more edgy, such as a princess cut or a tall, unprotected ring inlay, be aware of the stone that wraps around objects such as clothing or furniture every day, as this can damage it.
Also, when storing the aquamarine engagement ring, be sure to secure it properly - place it in a separate box or compartment and wrap it in a soft cloth.
As for cleaning rings and gems, regular cleaning should be fine. If you allow dust and dirt to build up on the ring, especially between the gem and the setting, this can cause enough wear and tear to wear down the gem over time and cause scratches.
This kind of care is normal for any gemstone, even diamonds and sapphires, if you want to make sure they stay sparkling and bright.
The meaning of the Aquamarine in the engagement ring
Aquamarine is one of a myriad of gemstones with different spiritual meanings and uses. It is said to bring deep sea purification and serenity to the wearer, as well as inspiration, trust and a willingness to let go of negative things.
In many ancient cultures, aquamarines were considered mermaids' treasures and were worn by sailors for good luck. Even today, it is believed to protect those who travel near or over water.
Perhaps most significant for engagement rings, however, is that aquamarine is also said to be able to convey sincerity and clear lines of communication.
However, perhaps the most meaningful thing about engagement rings is that aquamarine is also said to convey sincerity and clear way of communication.
So, why not pick out your own aquamarine or aquamarine engagement ring now?
Post time: Sep-14-2022