SARA HANDMADE JEWELLERY
Aquamarine
Australian made
20 Years experience
Ethically sourced gemstones
Created to last a lifetime
What is Aquamarine?
Named after the Latin for ‘seawater’, aquamarine is a stunning cool blue gemstone that brings to mind the gorgeous azure oceans that surround Australia’s west coast. It is the light blue to greenish-blue variety of the mineral beryl and is known for its large size and excellent clarity.
Ancient Roman legend has it that aquamarines washed up on shore having fallen out of the treasure chests of sirens. They were often carved with the image of Neptune and used as protective talismans on long sea voyages
Where is Aquamarine From?
Aquamarine’s origins are far more prosaic than Roman myth would have us believe. Beryl (beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate to the scientists) occurs most commonly in granite pegmatites, coarse-grained rocks that formed millions of years ago. When the colourless beryl contains trace amounts of iron, we have an aquamarine!
For the last 200 years the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil has been the most important producer of aquamarine. The gems found there can reach astounding proportions - in 1910 an aquamarine was discovered which weighed 110kg and measured 48cm by 38cm.
Other important locations where aquamarine is mined include Russia Pakistan, Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique and Madagascar.
Custom Aquamarine Jewellery
The birthstone for March, aquamarine conjures images of stunning waters and is a favourite to use in custom jewellery.
What Our Customers Say
What Colour is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine covers a pretty narrow range of shades in the beryl family running from light blue to greenish blue. A green beryl is simply known as such, but a deeply saturated dark blueish-green beryl is actually an emerald.
The vast majority of aquamarines mined are a greenish-blue and in the 19th century this was the most popular shade for jewellery. Tastes change, however, and today an intense sky blue colour is the most desired. To satisfy modern demand, greenish-blue stones are routinely heat-treated at around 400 degrees celsius which permanently removes the greenish tint.
Top quality gems are sometimes know as ‘Santa Maria’ aquamarines, named for the mostly depleted Santa Maria de Itaria mine in Minas Gerais that was known for its deeply saturated intense blue gems.
Is Aquamarine Expensive?
Aquamarine is sometimes confused with blue topaz, but they have vastly different values. Bue topaz is almost unheard of in nature and is created by treating abundantly available colourless topaz. Aquamarine is rarer and thus more expensive. Untreated aquamarines are rarer still and therefore command top prices.
The most expensive aquamarines are those with intense sky blue tones.
Since an aquamarine’s colour intensity increases as it gets larger it can be difficult to find top quality stones below a carat. Large stones of excellent quality are far more common than with most other gemstones, though. Stones above 25 carats are easily obtainable, however per carat prices actually decrease once you reach this size as they are too large to use in bespoke jewellery.
Is Aquamarine Good for Jewellery?
Aquamarine is suitable for jewellery as it rates a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale and is stable under all sources of light. With a little care to protect it against scratching and hard knocks, it will continue to look as good as the day you bought it for years to come. We can discuss with you the best cuts and settings to minimise the risk of damage.
The large size of aquamarine gemstones makes them a favourite gem for use in statement jewellery. Pendant necklaces, dramatic drop earrings and knock-out cocktail rings are all enhanced by a crystal clear aquamarine. Famed Art Nouveau designer, René Lalique loved working with the gem, as did Art Deco design houses like Cartier and van Cleef and Arpels.
One on the most famous pieces of aquamarine jewellery is a ring that once belonged to the late Princess Diana. The roughly 30 carat emerald-cut stone is set in yellow gold and flanked by small accent diamonds.
We find that aquamarine is an incredibly popular stone with our clients, perhaps as a reminder of our beautiful coast.
Our Services
Sara Handmade Jewellery offers bespoke jewellery, custom designs and everything in between to keep you sparkling
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Bespoke & Custom
Have a piece jewellery custom designed and created just for you. Become a part of the design process for your new special piece.
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Engagement Rings
We will find the perfect gemstone to create you an engagement ring that expresses your love and will be treasured forever.
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Jewellery Remodelling
Have family heirlooms, sentimental jewellery and unworn pieces remodelled into something new. Add gems and give the design your own personal touch.
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Repairs & Restoration
Repair or restore your damaged jewellery to look like new. Resizing, rhodium plating, re-tipping as well as replacing damaged and missing gemstones.
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Dress & Cocktail
Big, bold and beautiful dress rings designed to make a statement. We can help you create your own bespoke statement ring.
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Gemstone Sourcing
We will find the precious and semi-precious gems you are looking for in any colour, size, shape or clarity.
FAQs on Aquamarine
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Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.
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Aquamarine is the gemstone for the 19th wedding anniversary.
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The majority of aquamarine is a blue-green colour. Since the market prefers a pure blue, heat treatment is regularly used to remove the green tint. This is a perfectly acceptable practice.
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Warm soapy water is the best way to clean your aquamarine. Aquamarine is sensitive to high temperatures so it is best to take it to your jeweller should you want to have it steam-cleaned.
Get in touch
Get in touch to book an appointment, ask us a question or start creating the perfect piece of jewellery.