Aquamarine engagement rings
Aquamarine is part of the beryl family of stones, it’s lively blue color is likened to the ocean.The name comes from the Latin aqua for water and mare for sea.The most desired color for aquamarine is sky blue with many of today’s gems being heat treated to achieve the color which is permanent.
There is a rare variety of aquamarine which originates from Brazil which has a dark blue hue thought to have been formed by natural radiation, this color fades over time with exposure to daylight.
The best aquamarine deposits are today found in Brazil, other deposits can be found in Australia, China, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Namibia, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, and the United States.
Aquamarine usually occurs with few noticeable flaws so large stones are readily available and make a statement when used as an engagement ring. Aquamarine comes from the beryl family which includes emerald. Most aquamarines are cut in an emerald shape which is an oblong square shape. The classic aquamarine design ring is comprised of a large center stone with diamonds on the shoulders.
Aquamarine is the stone for March in the modern era and October in past times with the zodiac sign for aquamarine is Aquarius. In mythology aquamarine was considered to be the the jewel of the mermaid who was savior to sailors.
Aquamarine is a fairly hard stone being 7 to 8 on the moh scale, but care must be taken when looking after your stone. It is not advised to put aquamarine stones into a hot ultrasonic cleaning machine as the heat could crack the stone. The best way to clean the stone is by using a toothbrush and some mild washing up liquid in warm water.
Liz Taylor famously had an aquamarine ring made with her trademark snakes entwined around the ring and stone.