Aquamarine Rings

With soft, serene tones reminiscent of clear blue waters, our aquamarine rings bring a calming elegance to any collection. Whether subtle or bold, each design lets the gemstone's natural charm shine through.

What should I look for when choosing an aquamarine?

When selecting an aquamarine, color is the most important factor. The most desirable stones have a pure, medium blue hue with minimal gray or green undertones. While paler stones can still be very beautiful and elegant, aquamarines with stronger saturation are typically more valuable and visually striking.

Clarity is another key consideration. Aquamarine is known for forming in large, clean crystals, so most fine-quality gems are eye-clean or nearly so. Obvious inclusions or cloudiness can dull the stones natural glow and reduce its appeal. A high-quality aquamarine should have crisp transparency and even hue and tone throughout the stone.

Cut also plays a major role in how the gemstone performs in jewelry. A well-cut aquamarine will show lively flashes of light and maximize the appearance of color, even in lighter stones. At MyJewelrySource.com, aquamarines are chosen not only for their quality, but also for their elegance in finished designs whether you're drawn to a bold emerald cut or a traditional oval shape, the craftsmanship helps each gem shine at its best.

What determines the value of an aquamarine?

The value of an aquamarine is primarily determined by a combination of factors: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Among these, color has the greatest impact. Stones with a rich, deep blue especially those without green or gray undertones are significantly more valuable than very pale stones. This intense color is often associated with stones from specific regions, like the famed Santa Maria aquamarines of Brazil.

Clarity also contributes to value. Because aquamarine usually forms in large, transparent crystals, buyers expect clean stones. Visible inclusions, especially ones that affect durability or brilliance, will lower the price. A clear aquamarine with even color distribution and no zoning is considered highly desirable.

Cut and size round out the equation. Precise faceting enhances brilliance and color performance, while carat weight can increase value exponentially, especially in top-color stones.

Origin can also influence value as well, primarily when its tied to exceptional color. Santa Maria aquamarine from Brazil is prized for its vivid, velvety blue hue and is considered the benchmark for top-tier quality. Similarly, high-quality aquamarines from Mozambique and Nigeria have gained attention for producing rich, deeply saturated stones that rival older Brazilian material.

What's the difference between aquamarine and blue topaz?

Although aquamarine and blue topaz can appear similar at first glance, they are completely different gemstones with distinct characteristics. Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, a mineral prized for its natural light-to-medium blue tones and often subtle green undertones. Blue topaz, on the other hand, is a type of quartz that is almost always treated to achieve its color natural blue topaz is extremely rare.

Color is one of the most noticeable differences. Blue topaz tends to have a more intense, electric blue tone sometimes bordering on neon or London blue whereas aquamarine offers a more refined, icy or sea-blue appearance. If you're drawn to softness and elegance, aquamarine is the better choice; for bolder color at a lower price point, blue topaz may appeal more.

Hardness is another key distinction. Aquamarine has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, making it quite durable for rings and everyday jewelry. Blue topaz rates slightly higher at 8, but despite this, it is more prone to internal cleavage, which means it can chip or crack more easily than aquamarine if struck. So while both stones are appropriate for jewelry, aquamarine tends to be more stable under everyday wear conditions.

Another difference lies in rarity and value. Aquamarine is naturally much rarer and commands higher prices, particularly in larger sizes and deeper hues. Blue topaz is more affordable due to its abundance and routine treatment process.

What makes aquamarine blue?

Aquamarine gets its beautiful blue to blue-green color from trace amounts of iron within the mineral beryl, the same family of gemstones that includes emerald and morganite. Specifically, iron ions replace aluminum in the beryl crystal lattice, and the way those ions absorb light creates the stones signature icy hue. Depending on the concentration and oxidation state of the iron, the color may range from very pale sky blue to deeper sea blue or even teal.

While aquamarine naturally occurs in a variety of shades, most gems on the market today have been heat-treated to reduce greenish tones and enhance the blue. This treatment is stable and permanent, and it mimics natural conditions that could occur underground over a longer period of time. It's important to note that this practice is standard across the industry and not considered a negative in terms of value or durability.

Many aquamarines display excellent clarity and a soft, glowing appearance that's especially attractive in well-cut stones. At MyJewelrySource.com, aquamarines are chosen for their fresh, vibrant color and high clarity, giving each piece a light, ethereal feel that's easy to fall in love with.

Fun Fact

Aquamarine, as a member of the beryl family, shares an illustrious lineage with the celebrated emerald. While both gems exhibit a similar crystal structure, aquamarine's distinctive blue-green hue is uniquely its own - resulting from trace amounts of iron integrated into its lattice. This subtle infusion of iron not only imparts a cool, oceanic color reminiscent of clear, tropical waters but also enhances the gem's natural transparency and brilliance. Unlike emeralds, which often feature deep, lush greens due to different trace elements, aquamarine captivates with its refreshing, light-toned allure, making it a timeless and highly sought-after choice for fine jewelry.