How to Choose an Aquamarine Ring
Aquamarine is one of the most popular semi-precious stones. It’s the March birthstone – looking great over there all you Pisces or Aries! Aquamarine is also the gem for 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries. It has a gorgeous light blue-green color derived from hints of iron in its chemical makeup. Not only is aquamarine beautiful, but it’s also color-stable and holds up against scratches, making it a beautiful and durable choice for engagement rings, bracelets and other every day wear pieces.
With no standardized aquamarine grading system, it’s important to know what makes a quality gem. Here’s what to look for when picking out an aquamarine ring.
Factor in the Hue, Tone, and Saturation
Aquamarine stones range in color from pale blue-green to rich sea blue. Deeper saturations with the cleanest, truest colors are generally the most desirable. Keep in mind that smaller gems tend to have a lighter shade because their size limits the ability to showcase a deeper hue.
Consider Clarity and Luster
Many colored gems are rich with trace minerals, creating visible inclusions or interior imperfections. However, as a Type 1 gemstone, aquamarine typically doesn’t have many inclusions. As a result, aquamarine engagement rings have excellent transparency and clarity, giving them a lustrous shine. Aquamarines with no visible inclusions are deemed “eye-clean” and have the highest value.
Choose a Cut You Like
Unlike diamonds, there is no “ideal” cut proportion for colored gems so you can really have fun with this gem with cut and placement. Whatever the cut, make sure it’s done properly. A well-cut stone showcases its color while enhancing luster and sparkle. This means lighter-hued aquamarines may be cut deeper to add color intensity.
In addition to affecting a gem’s proportion, the cut also determines the shape. Popular options for aquamarines include:
- Round
- Oval
- Princess
- Cushion
- Pear
- Marquise
- Trilliant
- Ascher
- Emerald
Invest in a Larger Carat
Larger aquamarines offer the best value. After all, unlike other colored gems like emeralds, large aquamarine stones with eye-clean quality are relatively easy to come by. As a result, costs don’t increase incrementally by carat weight, allowing you to splurge on a larger, more impressive looking stone without breaking the bank.
Look for a Quality Setting
The beauty of an aquamarine ring also relies on the band material. You want to show off your stone with a beautiful and secure setting. That’s why you should look for a setting made of 10K, 14K, or 18K yellow or white gold or even platinum to protect the gem and help your investment last a lifetime.
Check the Size
When buying an aquamarine ring online or as a gift, it’s important to know what measurement you need so it fits the desired finger. If you can’t find exactly the right size, rest assured that a local jeweler can always take the ring in. As a result, it’s always better to buy a size too large than too small.
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