Aquamarine Buying Guide:

Aquamarine is one of the most beloved gemstones in the world, known for its serene ocean-blue color and exceptional clarity. As the birthstone for March, aquamarine has long been associated with calm seas, clarity, and timeless elegance. Whether you are shopping for an aquamarine ring, pendant, earrings, or bracelet, understanding what makes a high-quality aquamarine gemstone can help you make a confident purchase.

In this aquamarine buying guide, we will walk through the most important aquamarine buying tips, including color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, so you know exactly what to look for when selecting the perfect aquamarine jewelry piece.

Understanding Aquamarine: The Gem of the Sea

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl gemstone family, which also includes emerald and morganite. Its name comes from the Latin words aqua marina, meaning “water of the sea,” a perfect description of its tranquil blue color.

High-quality aquamarine gemstones are prized for their crystal clarity and soft blue hues that range from pale sky blue to deep ocean blue.

Popular aquamarine jewelry styles include:

• Aquamarine engagement rings

• Aquamarine pendant necklaces

• Aquamarine stud earrings

• Aquamarine tennis bracelets

• Aquamarine cocktail rings

Because aquamarine is both durable and elegant, it is an excellent gemstone for everyday wear.

1. Aquamarine Color: The Most Important Factor

When buying aquamarine, color is the most important quality factor.

The finest aquamarine gemstones display:

• A pure blue color

• Slightly greenish-blue undertones

• Strong, even saturation

Deeper blue aquamarines tend to be more valuable than lighter stones. However, many people love the airy, light-blue aquamarine shades that resemble tropical waters.

Aquamarine Color Tips

• Look for a gemstone with even color throughout the stone.

• Avoid stones that appear too pale or washed out.

• Medium to medium-dark blue aquamarine typically offers the best balance of color and brilliance.

Because aquamarine is naturally lighter in color than sapphires, larger stones often display more noticeable color.

2. Aquamarine Clarity: Naturally Crystal Clear

One of the most attractive features of aquamarine gemstones is their exceptional clarity.

Unlike emeralds, which commonly have inclusions, aquamarines are usually eye-clean, meaning you cannot see internal imperfections without magnification.

Aquamarine Clarity Tips

• Look for eye-clean stones with high transparency.

• Avoid stones with visible inclusions or cloudy areas.

• Clear aquamarine stones allow more light to pass through, creating beautiful sparkle and brilliance.

High clarity is one reason aquamarine gemstones look so luminous in rings and pendants.

3. Aquamarine Cut: Maximizing Sparkle and Beauty

The cut of an aquamarine gemstone greatly affects how much it sparkles.

A well-cut aquamarine reflects light evenly and enhances the stone’s natural color.

Common aquamarine cuts include:

• Oval cut aquamarine

• Emerald cut aquamarine

• Cushion cut aquamarine

• Round brilliant aquamarine

• Pear shaped aquamarine

Aquamarine Cut Tips

• Choose a gemstone with symmetrical proportions.

• Avoid stones that appear too shallow or too deep, which can reduce brilliance.

• Look for facets that reflect light evenly across the stone.

The right cut helps bring out aquamarine’s signature glow.

4. Aquamarine Carat Weight: Bigger Stones Often Look Better

Aquamarine crystals naturally form in large sizes, which means larger aquamarine gemstones are more commoncompared to many other gemstones.

Interestingly, aquamarine color often appears richer in larger stones, which is why aquamarine rings and pendants frequently feature larger center stones.

Aquamarine Size Tips

• If you want stronger color, consider larger aquamarine gemstones.

• Aquamarine offers excellent value in larger carat weights compared to many gemstones.

• Choose a size that complements the jewelry style you prefer.

Large aquamarine cocktail rings and statement pendants are particularly popular because of this.

5. Aquamarine Treatments: What You Should Know

Most aquamarine gemstones on the market are heat treated, which is a common and accepted practice in the gemstone industry.

Heat treatment removes greenish tones and enhances the gemstone’s beautiful blue color.

This treatment is:

• Permanent

• Stable

• Widely accepted in the jewelry industry

There are typically no durability concerns with heat-treated aquamarine.

6. Aquamarine Jewelry Styles to Consider

Aquamarine gemstones look stunning in many jewelry designs.

Some of the most popular aquamarine jewelry styles include:

• Aquamarine engagement rings for a unique alternative to diamonds

• Aquamarine pendant necklaces for everyday elegance

• Aquamarine earrings for a subtle pop of color

• Aquamarine bracelets for refined sparkle

Aquamarine pairs beautifully with diamonds, creating a bright and luxurious look.

Caring for Aquamarine Jewelry

Aquamarine ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for daily wear.

To keep your aquamarine jewelry looking beautiful:

• Clean with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush

• Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners

• Store aquamarine pieces separately to prevent scratching

Proper care will keep your aquamarine gemstone sparkling for years.

Why Aquamarine Is a Perfect Island Gemstone

Aquamarine’s calming blue color perfectly reflects the beauty of the Caribbean Sea. For visitors traveling to tropical destinations, aquamarine jewelry often becomes a meaningful reminder of ocean views, crystal-clear water, and unforgettable island memories.

This connection to the sea is one reason aquamarine is such a popular gemstone among travelers visiting the Caribbean.

Discover Aquamarine Jewelry at Beverly’s in St. Thomas

If you are visiting St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, aquamarine jewelry is one of the most beautiful gemstones to take home as a lasting memory of the island.

At Beverly’s Jewelry, located on Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, you will find an exceptional selection of aquamarine rings, aquamarine pendants, aquamarine earrings, and aquamarine bracelets. Our collection features carefully selected gemstones known for their color, brilliance, and quality.

For over 40 years, Beverly’s Jewelry in St. Thomas has been known for offering fine jewelry, loose gemstones, and expert guidance to visitors from around the world. Every piece is inspected by experienced jewelers and gemologists to ensure exceptional craftsmanship and beauty.

Whether you are searching for a March birthstone gift, a unique aquamarine engagement ring, or a stunning blue gemstone to remember your Caribbean vacation, Beverly’s Jewelry is the perfect place to discover something truly special.

Visit us in St. Thomas or explore our collection online at www.beverlys-jewelry.com and experience the sparkle of island luxury.