March's Birthstone: The Aquamarine

Welcome to the month of March, the birthstone of the month is the mesmerising  aquamarine. Aquamarine comes from the mineral family, beryl. The stone is known for its icy blue hue and there are other varieties of blue with green undertones. Aquamarine is associated with qualities such as tranquillity.

Let's have a look at what we at Morgan & Co look for when we are sourcing an Aquamarine stone for your special piece.

Colour, Transparency, Clarity, Cut, Lustre & Hardness 

The primary characteristic of aquamarine is its blue to blue-green colour, ranging from pale to deep blue. The most valuable aquamarines often exhibit a pure, vibrant blue. Aquamarine is typically transparent, allowing light to pass through, which enhances its beauty. High-quality aquamarines are generally relatively free of inclusions or visible flaws. However, some stones may contain small, characteristic inclusions. Aquamarines are often cut into various shapes, including emerald cuts, oval cuts, and round brilliant cuts. The cut can enhance the stone's brilliance and overall appearance. Aquamarine typically displays a vitreous (glassy) lustre when polished.

Hardness

Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear.  The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a scale used to measure the scratch resistance of various minerals or materials. It ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest (talc) and 10 being the hardest (diamond). Each mineral on the scale can scratch all minerals with a lower number but not those with a higher number. This scale is useful in determining the suitability of a material for specific purposes, such as gemstones for use in jewellery.

What is the symbolism behind the Aquamarine stone? 

Aquamarine is associated with qualities such as courage, clarity, and tranquillity. It is believed to bring a sense of calmness to its wearer.

Healing Properties

Some people believe that aquamarine has metaphysical and healing properties, promoting communication, self-expression, and emotional balance.

At Morgan & Co, we have found that their soon to be engaged girl is looking past the traditional diamond  for their forever stone. While diamonds are traditionally the most common gemstone for engagement rings, many people are opting for alternative gemstones, including aquamarine, to create unique and personalised pieces.

Read on for some reasons why aquamarine can be a good choice for an engagement ring

Unique Colour

The serene blue to blue-green colour of aquamarine is distinct and can add a unique and personal touch to an engagement ring.

Symbolism

Aquamarine is associated with qualities such as courage, clarity, and tranquillity, which can hold special meaning for a couple.

Durability

Aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for everyday wear.

Affordability

Aquamarine is generally more affordable than diamonds, allowing for a larger stone or more intricate designs within a given budget.

Ethical and Sustainable

Some individuals prefer gemstones that are ethically sourced and consider environmental factors, and aquamarine can be a more sustainable option.

It's important to keep in mind that while aquamarine is durable, it may not be as hard as a diamond. As engagement rings are subjected to everyday wear and tear, it's crucial to choose an appropriate setting and take good care of the ring to ensure its longevity.  Morgan & Co, Sunshine Coast are experts in all things diamonds and gems and will guide you through the sometimes tricky maze of stone buying. 

Why is it important to choose the right Jeweller to assist you in buying an Aquamarine? 

Working with a bespoke team, such as our experienced team at Morgan & Co, will assist you in buying a quality aquamarine. Utilising an expert team can be beneficial for several reasons — 

The team at Morgan & Co have in-depth knowledge about gemstones, including their properties, characteristics, and values. We can provide valuable information to help you make an informed decision. 

Identification of Quality

At Morgan & Co we can accurately assess the quality of an aquamarine, considering factors such as colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Our expertise ensures that you buy a high-quality gemstone that meets your preferences and budget.

Avoiding Fraud or Misrepresentation

We can help you avoid scams or misrepresentation and can identify synthetic or treated gemstones and verify the authenticity of the aquamarine you are considering. We utilise our gemstone dealers globally who are trusted and experienced in their fields. 

Customisation Advice

Our team at Morgan & Co will help you plan a custom-designed engagement ring, we can guide you on the best way to incorporate the aquamarine into the setting. We will help you create a unique and aesthetically pleasing design that your fiancé to be will adore for years to come. 

Ethical Considerations

We ensure that all stones are  ethically sourced, addressing concerns related to environmental impact and fair labour practices in the gemstone industry.

What Colour Gold Bet Suits an Aquamarine Gemstone?

Aquamarine stones can be set in both white and yellow gold settings. The choice between white gold and yellow gold often depends on personal preference and the overall design aesthetic you desire for your engagement ring.

White Gold — White gold is a popular choice for contemporary and modern designs. It is created by alloying yellow gold with white metals like nickel or palladium and is often coated with rhodium to enhance its white colour. White gold complements the cool tones of aquamarine, creating a classic and elegant look.

Yellow Gold — Yellow gold has a warm and traditional appearance. It complements the blue or blue-green hues of aquamarine, creating a timeless and vintage-inspired look. Some individuals prefer the warmth of yellow gold as it can enhance the overall beauty of the gemstone.

Rose Gold — Additionally, aquamarine can also be set in rose gold, which has become increasingly popular for its romantic and feminine appeal. Rose gold complements the cool tones of aquamarine and adds a touch of warmth to the overall appearance.

When selecting the metal for your aquamarine engagement ring or other jewellery, consider your personal style, skin tone, and the overall aesthetic you're aiming for. Some people prefer the contrast of a white metal against the cool tones of aquamarine, while others appreciate the warmth of yellow or rose gold. It's ultimately a matter of personal taste, and both options can result in stunning and unique pieces of jewellery. 

Aquamarine Gemstones for Pendants, Earrings & Dress Rings

The aquamarine gem is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit, whether through a pendant, earrings, or a dazzling dress ring. Aquamarine jewellery exudes a sense of calm and tranquility, making it a meaningful gift for those born in March or anyone who appreciates its serene beauty. Whether set in delicate silver or luxurious gold, aquamarine jewellery is sure to captivate and enchant.

Do Aquamarine Gemstones Come in Different Shapes?

Aquamarine stones come in a variety of shapes, offering flexibility in design for jewellery. Some of the common shapes for aquamarines include:

Emerald Cut — This rectangular or square cut with trimmed corners is a popular choice, emphasising the clarity of the stone.

Oval Cut — Oval shaped aquamarines are elegant and can create a classic and timeless look.

Round Brilliant Cut — The round cut is a classic and versatile option, maximising the stone's brilliance.

Pear Cut — Resembling a teardrop, the pear cut is a unique and attractive choice for those looking for a distinctive shape.

Marquise Cut — This elongated and pointed oval shape can create a sense of elegance and sophistication.

Cushion Cut — The cushion cut has a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, offering a blend of vintage and modern aesthetics.

Princess Cut — This square or rectangular cut with pointed corners is known for its sharp angles and contemporary look.

Radiant Cut — Combining the elegance of emerald cut with the brilliance of round cut, radiant-cut aquamarines are known for their sparkling appearance.

Trillion Cut — Triangular-shaped aquamarines, known as trillions, can add a modern and geometric touch to jewellery designs.

These are just a few examples, and aquamarines can be custom-cut into various shapes based on individual preferences and design requirements. When choosing the shape of an aquamarine for your engagement ring or jewellery, consider factors such as personal style, the overall design of the piece, and the unique qualities you find most appealing in the gemstone.

Are Diamonds a Good Choice to Accompany an Aquamarine Centre Stone? 

Yes, diamonds can complement aquamarine stones beautifully in an engagement ring. The combination of aquamarine and diamonds can create a striking and elegant contrast, offering a balance between the cool tones of the aquamarine and the brilliance of the diamonds. Here are a few ways in which diamonds can be paired with aquamarine in an engagement ring:

Halo Setting —

A popular choice is to surround the centre aquamarine gemstone with a halo of small diamonds. This not only enhances the overall sparkle of the ring but also adds a touch of glamour and sophistication.

Side Stones —

Diamonds can be set as side stones flanking the aquamarine, creating a classic three-stone ring. The contrast between the blue or blue-green aquamarine and the white sparkle of diamonds is often visually appealing.

Pavé or Channel Setting —

Small diamonds can be set along the band of the ring in a pavé or channel setting. This adds a continuous sparkle to the piece without overshadowing the central aquamarine.

Accent Stones —

Diamonds can be strategically placed as accent stones in the design, emphasising the beauty of the aquamarine without overwhelming it.

When combining aquamarine with diamonds in an engagement ring, it's important to consider the overall design, metal choice (white gold, yellow gold, rose gold), and the size and cut of the stones. This pairing allows for a wide range of creative and customisable designs, giving you the opportunity to create a unique and meaningful engagement ring that reflects your personal style. This is where Morgan & Co come into their own, we love to create unique engagement rings for their clients. 

Get in touch for your free consultation at our Buderim studio and discuss your aquamarine piece of jewellery.