Aquamarine is the modern birthstone for the month of March, but the allure of this stone goes far back into history predating even the Roman-Empire. Aquamarine is a gemstone quality blue beryl. As one of the most popular members of the beryl family, it is prized for its beautiful greenish blue color. The color of gem quality aquamarine has been likened to the color of seawater.
When shopping for an aquamarine there are some things to keep in mind. In general, the more intense and pure the greenish blue color, the more valuable the stone. However, most aquamarines on the market today have been heat treated to improve the color. Almost any size is available, typical sizes range from small to medium sized stones, and even stones so large they are best suited for display and would never be mounted into jewelry. Many cutting styles and shapes are available as aquamarine is a relatively easy stone for a lapidary to shape. Though far less common, some Aquamarines even display chatoyancy, commonly known as a cat’s eye. These are just some of the many reasons why Aquamarine has remained prized throughout the ages. From purchasing the perfect stone to mounting into that one of a kind piece of jewelry, let the helpful professionals at Amoskeag Jewelers be your guide.