Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Determine the desired characteristics
• Method 2 of 3: Seek quality
• Method 3 of 3: Make a purchase
• Tips
• Warnings

Aquamarine is a popular and affordable gemstone. It belongs to the beryl family and gets its blue hue from traces of iron in its chemical composition. Unlike its cousin, the emerald, this beryl-based stone is very resistant to inclusions and relatively easy to mine, making it fairly common and much cheaper. If you want to buy aquamarine gemstones, you need to learn how to spot a high-quality stone and make a wise purchase by setting an amount and avoiding unreliable sellers.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Determine the desired characteristics

1. Choose your preferred gemstone shade. Deep blue stones are the most precious and in general darker shades are more desirable than lighter shades. Choosing an intensity is usually a matter of personal preference.
2. Consider a heat-treated aquamarine for a bluer color. Heat treatment is a common practice used to enhance the blueness of a stone. Yellow-brown and yellow-green stones are heated to a temperature between 400 ° C and 450 ° C degrees and then cooled.
   • This treatment is permanent and enhances the blueness of the stone without damaging it.
   • Many aquamarine stones have more of a "sea foam color" than a true blue color before being heated.
   • Heated aquamarines with a strong blue-green hue cost around $ 150 per carat.
3. Determine the carat weight you want. Large aquamarine gemstones are readily available and can easily reach up to 25 carats. Smaller aquamarine gemstones are usually darker in color and you can find a higher quality stone at a cheaper price.
   • Small aquamarines look beautiful in delicate jewelry, but large aquamarines can make a statement.
   • Since aquamarine is a very common stone, you can often find them in high carats at affordable prices. For most gemstones, the per carat price goes up significantly with more carat, but the per carat price for a 30 carat aquamarine is only ⅓ percent higher than the per carat price of a 1 carat aquamarine.
4. Decide in which shape you want the aquamarine cut. If you want to set the aquamarine in a piece of jewelry, look for a gemstone cut into the typical shape of an emerald or oval. These shapes are usually of higher quality as they show more of the gem.If you want to display the aquamarine, you will find pieces cut into artistic or abstract shapes.

   Tip: The color of aquamarine is maximized in cutting, therefore aquamarine can be cut into almost any shape.

   
   

Method 2 of 3: Seek quality

1. Buy a stone with a deep and dark shade for a higher quality. Aquamarine is available in a variety of colors, from green to blue and gray. Gemstones with a deep blue color are usually more valuable than green tones, but most blue-green tones are more valuable than stones that are just close to a bright tone. Ultimately, however, the right shade is a matter of personal preference.
   • Whatever color you buy, pay attention to an even color distribution throughout the gem.
   • The most expensive unheated stones are medium to strong sky blue and can cost up to $ 500 per carat.
2. Look for stones with no visible inclusions or air bubbles and / or markings. By nature, aquamarine is one of the most beautiful gemstones out there. Large inclusions are rare and often a sign of improper handling. A good quality aquamarine should not have any inclusions visible to the naked eye, and any inclusions visible under a magnifying glass should be small and on the inside.
   • Many aquamarine jewelry with inclusions in the stones are worn today. Aquamarine with inclusions is available at a lower price.
   • Low-quality to mid-range aquamarines can range from $ 5 to $ 80 per carat.
   • Starting at 10 carats, mid-range aquamarines can cost between $ 120 and $ 170 per carat.
   • High-quality aquamarines are a lot more expensive. An unheated light blue stone can cost around $ 75 per carat, while a light blue-green stone can cost between $ 150 and $ 200 per carat.
3. Use a jeweler's loupe to detect blue topaz. Blue topaz are worth considerably less than aquamarine, but they are very similar. A good quality aquamarine should not have any inclusions visible to the naked eye, and any inclusions visible under a magnifying glass should be small and on the inside.
   • Do not purchase gemstones labeled "Brazilian Aquamarine" or "Nerchinsk Aquamarine", as both are actually blue topaz.
   • Also, don't buy "Siam Aquamarine," which is actually blue zircon.
4. Check with the seller that you are not buying synthetic stone. Because natural aquamarines are common and easy to mine, they often turn out to be less expensive than synthetic aquamarines. The person selling you the aquamarine gem can tell you whether or not the stone is synthetic.

Method 3 of 3: Make a purchase

1. Make sure the jeweler is certified. Ask for official certification from a nationally recognized gemology organization, such as the Vakvereniging Nederlandse Edelsteenkundigen (VVNE). National jewelry chains are a good place to start, as they are eager to maintain their reputation as reputable sellers. If you want a cheaper option, look at the offerings from local jewelers and individual sellers.

   Tip: Before purchasing, ask the jeweler for a certificate of authenticity for the gem.

   
   
2. Whenever possible, buy at a store rather than online. It's much easier to scam someone on the internet. If possible, look for a reputable jeweler in your area that has a physical store you can go to.
   • Before making a purchase, check out a few stores to see if you have been offered the best deal.
3. Buy gemstones from reputable jewelers online. If you prefer to shop online, you can purchase aquamarine gemstones from certified jewelers. Look online for stores that provide a warranty and certificate of authenticity with the gem. Beware of salespeople who are random individuals with no certifications.
   • The color of the aquamarine may appear more vivid in photos than in real life.
4. Evaluate the price carefully to make sure you are not being scammed. If a price for a gem sounds too good to be true, find out where the gem comes from and ask yourself if you can trust the seller.
   • Be wary of online sellers as they can post bogus ads or embellish their ads without consequences.

Tips

• Consider buying an aquamarine for a special someone's birthday in March, as aquamarine is the birthstone for that month.
• Aquamarine is the traditional gemstone for a 19th wedding anniversary.
• Aquamarine is available in three different shades: green, blue and gray. Make sure to buy the shade you want.

Warnings

• Never treat aquamarine with heat yourself. You can permanently damage the stone.