Features of Aquamarine

Aquamarine is celebrated for its beautiful ocean-like hues, ranging from light blues to greenish tones, often reminding wearers of crystal-clear seas. This gemstone, part of the beryl family alongside emerald and morganite, gets its name from the Latin words "aqua marinus," meaning "water of the sea."

Its tranquil blue colour is typically light but can be found in deeper, more saturated shades, with the most prized aquamarines boasting vivid colour and flawless clarity.

Clear Water Ring, Emerald Cut Aquamarine by Kintaa Jewellery

One of aquamarine’s standout qualities is its clarity. Unlike many other gemstones, aquamarine is often free of visible inclusions, resulting in a dazzling, eye-clean appearance. The gemstone is also pleochroic, meaning its colour can appear to shift slightly depending on the angle, adding an extra touch of intrigue to its already captivating appearance.

What Does Aquamarine Symbolise?

Aquamarine has long been associated with the calming and healing powers of the sea. Its serene blue and green hues are believed to soothe the mind, promoting clarity of thought and emotional balance. Historically, aquamarine was seen as a symbol of protection, especially for sailors who carried it on their voyages, trusting it to guard them against the unpredictable forces of the ocean.

Today, it continues to symbolise tranquillity, courage, and clear communication, making it a popular choice for engagement rings that signify a harmonious relationship​.

Aquamarine is also deeply connected to love and happiness. Many believe it strengthens relationships by fostering open communication and understanding between partners. As a gemstone of youth and hope, it is thought to refresh one’s spirit and bring joy to its wearer. For these reasons, aquamarine makes a meaningful choice for engagement rings.

Aquamarine & 22ct Gold Ring by Polly Gasston Jewellery

Hardness and Durability of Aquamarine

Aquamarine, with a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, is a relatively durable gemstone, making it suitable for everyday wear in engagement rings. While it’s not as hard as diamonds, which rate a 10, aquamarine is still resistant to scratches and chips with proper care.

Its excellent clarity and ability to withstand daily wear make it a popular alternative to diamonds, especially for those seeking a gemstone with a splash of colour.

Aquamarine Stack by Madeleine Holloway

Styling an Aquamarine

Aquamarine’s cool, ethereal tones make it incredibly versatile when it comes to styling. It pairs beautifully with a variety of metals, each bringing out different qualities in the stone. For a modern, sophisticated look, aquamarine set in white gold, silver, or platinum enhances its icy blue hue, while yellow or rose gold can warm up the stone, highlighting its greenish-blue tones.

The gemstone’s light colour also makes it perfect for more intricate settings, such as halo or vintage-inspired designs, where accent diamonds or other gemstones can add extra sparkle and elegance​.

When it comes to cuts, aquamarine’s clarity and natural sparkle shine brightest in certain shapes. Emerald, round, and oval cuts are particularly popular, as they maximise the gemstone’s brilliance by allowing light to reflect beautifully off its facets.

Whether you prefer a simple solitaire or a statement piece adorned with accent stones, aquamarine’s versatility means it can suit a wide range of personal styles—from minimalist and modern to bold and vintage-inspired.

Aquamarine & Diamond Modern Cluster by Charles Alexander Jewellery

Caring for Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a durable gemstone making it suitable for everyday wear. However, to keep it looking its best, gentle care is recommended. Clean your aquamarine ring after every few wears by soaking it in warm water with mild dish soap, then gently scrubbing it with a soft toothbrush.

Avoid exposing your aquamarine to harsh chemicals like chlorine, so it’s best to remove your ring before swimming in pools. For a deeper clean, take your ring to a jeweller every six months to ensure the stone remains securely set and retains its brilliant shine.

Where Does Aquamarine Come From?

Aquamarine has a rich history and global presence, with its most significant source being Brazil. For nearly three centuries, Brazil has produced some of the finest aquamarines, including stunningly large and flawless stones.

However, this gemstone is also found in many other parts of the world, including countries across Africa, Asia, and even the United States. African countries like Nigeria and Mozambique have become increasingly known for their aquamarine mines, contributing to the gemstone's global supply.

FAQs

Is aquamarine good for an engagement ring?

Yes, aquamarine is a good choice for an engagement ring due to its beautiful colour, durability, affordability and meaning.

What does aquamarine mean in engagement?

In engagement, aquamarine symbolises tranquillity, harmony, and clear communication, making it a meaningful choice for a lifelong commitment​.

What does wearing aquamarine mean?

Wearing aquamarine is believed to bring the wearer peace, courage, and clarity of thought, and is often associated with emotional balance and protection.

Is aquamarine more valuable than diamonds?

No, aquamarine is generally less valuable than diamonds, even in larger carat sizes. Its affordability makes it a popular alternative for those who want a beautiful, coloured gemstone without the high price tag of a diamond.

Does aquamarine sparkle like a diamond?

While aquamarine has a beautiful sparkle, it doesn’t have the same brilliance or refractive index as a diamond, making its sparkle more subtle​.

Is aquamarine an expensive stone?

Aquamarine is considered moderately priced, with more intense blue stones being higher in value, but it is typically less expensive than many other gemstones​.