Aquamarine Ring: Deep Blue Magnificence

As with certain other gemstones, it is the color of the aquamarine that pulls one’s gaze toward it. The name alone triggers visualizations of the deep blue ocean, and is the Latin word for “water of the sea”. Just as sailors carried the gem as a talisman to protect them on the high seas in days past, one of the gorgeous, eye-catching aquamarine rings crafted by today’s jewelers can impart that same sense of well-being.

Aquamarine belongs to the beryl mineral family. It is the presence of iron pigment during formation that gives them their blue color, and sets aquamarine apart from its cousin, the emerald. Natural specimens range from blue-green to very light blue. Dark blue is the most desired color for jewelry, and lighter colored stones are heated to 400 degrees to change them to the desired hue.

With a hardness of 71/2 to 8, aquamarine rings stand up to the demands of daily wear. This gemstone forms deep in the earth under varying temperatures and pressures into long hexagonal crystals. A lapidary, or stone cutter, then cuts and polishes these crystals into the glittering aquamarines set in jewelry. Whether it is a step-cut, which allows a clear unimpeded view into the deep blue pool of color, or a multi-faceted cushion cut that reflects pinpoints of light, the wearer is sure to be dazzled.

In setting the finished product, many differing designs of ring mountings are used. First is the choice of metal, and while some prefer the complement of a cool toned white gold or platinum setting, others opt for the contrasting warmth of yellow gold. Many aquamarine rings have been designed to highlight the gem, setting it high up off the finger in prongs for maximum light interplay, and other rings feature the stone set in a half-bezel surrounded by channel set diamonds. There is a plethora of styles available to suit individual tastes, and they are not exclusively for women. Men are drawn to the coolness of aquamarine as well.

There are aquamarine deposits on all continents; however the most significant gemstone quality supply is mined in Brazil, which has yielded the largest crystals. The other previously known gem quality deposits in Russia and the Urals have been mined out. These rings can cover a wide price range, and are valued by the size and quality of the aquamarine, amount of precious metals used, and the number and type of other stones used in the construction of the ring.

After emerging on the society jewelry roster in the mid-nineteenth century, aquamarine rings are enjoying a recent surge in popularity once again. And because of their increasing rarity and durability, these gifts from nature will hold their value through the generations to come. In our current hectic society, wearing aquamarine can have hidden benefits. Whenever stressful thoughts might be coming, a glance down at your ring gives the wearer a quick escape. Its soothing blue imparts a feeling of serenity – similar to a plunge into a cool, clear pool of water.