The aquamarine stone (Aquamarine) is a well-known and affordable gem. This stone is a member of the beryl family, and gets its blue color from traces of iron in its chemical composition. Unlike its relative, emerald, aquamarine stones are easy to make and not very expensive. If you are looking to buy a navy blue stone, learn how to identify a high-quality stone. You also need to be smart about shopping by setting a budget away from suspicious sellers.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Finding Quality Stones
Step 1. Find a perfect or near perfect navy blue stone
In fact, the aquamarine stone is one of the clearest gems in existence. Large inclusions are rare and usually signify disability. Quality navy blue stone has no visible inclusions to the naked eye, and inclusions visible through the tool must be minor and interior.
Step 2. Consider a navy blue stone that has more visible inclusions if the gems are used as beads or regular jewelry
Even though aquamarine has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, it can still be damaged by frequent wear or hitting a hard surface. If it looks like the gems are going to clash a lot, save some money by buying a navy blue stone that has lots of visible inclusions. However, avoid surface inclusions as the gems will easily chip or break on impact.
Step 3. Decide on the right color
Blue-rich stones are usually more valuable than green, but most blue-green stones are more valuable than near-clear stones. However, the main color can be chosen according to personal taste.
Step 4. Choose the appropriate intensity
Deep sky blue stones are the most valuable, and in general, darker shades are more sought after than brightly shaded gems. Dark shaded stones are rarer, and also have a more vivid color than pale shaded stones. However, this also depends on personal preference.
Step 5. Determine the desired carat weight
- Small aquamarine stones look beautiful, but large pieces make the gem stand out.
- Since aquamarine is quite common, you can usually find high-rust stones at affordable prices. For most gems, the price per carat increases dramatically with carat size, but the price per carat for a 30 carat aquamarine is only 1/3 higher than the price for a 1 carat aquamarine.
Step 6. Choose a high quality cut
The cut of a gem determines its brilliance, or the way it reflects light. Well-cut sea blue stones are able to reflect light well. Hold the stone in the light and rotate it to check how the light reflects off the gem at various angles.
Step 7. Select the shape of the gem
Navy blue is fairly easy to cut and resistant to fracture, which allows gemologists to sell aquamarine in a variety of shapes. The traditional shapes of navy blue stones are round, oval, square, and emerald, but today many modern shapes are available. Choose the shape of the sea blue stone according to taste.
Step 8. Request heat treatment
Heat treatment is a widely accepted practice to enhance the blue color of gems. Yellow-brown, and yellow-green stones are heated at temperatures between 400-450 degrees Celsius. This treatment is permanent and does not damage the stone.
Method 2 of 2: Shop Smartly
Step 1. Set a budget
Determine the maximum amount of money to spend on gems to avoid being lured by stones that cost well above your budget. Only check gems within the budget you set.
Step 2. Know what to expect from the price
Clarity, or the number of inclusions, often determines the quality of a stone. The price of gems also varies depending on the color.
- The price of low to medium quality sea blue stones ranges from IDR 75,000-1,500,000 per carat.
- The price of medium-range sea blue stones that pass 10 carats ranges from IDR 2,250,000 to IDR 3,000,000 per carat.
- The price of high quality sea blue stone is much more expensive. The price of light blue stones that have not been heated can reach Rp. 1,350,000 per carat, while blue green stones can range from Rp. 2,700,000-3,400,000 per carat.
- The most expensive unheated stones are medium to strong sky blue, and they can cost as much as IDR 8,250,000-9,000,000 per carat.
- The price of a sea blue stone heated with a strong blue-green color can reach IDR 2,700,000 per carat.
Step 3. Choose a matching metal
Many people choose the silver and white gold installation method because this cool metal goes well with blue. However, the yellow gold fixing method looks great with aqua blue-green stones.
Step 4. Keep an eye on the imitation stone
Topaz is considered to be of lower value than aquamarine, but the two look similar.
- Avoid gemstones labeled " Brazilian Aquamarine " or " Nerchinsk Aquamarine " because they are actually blue topaz.
- Also, stay away from "Siam Aquamarine" which is actually blue zircon.
Step 5. Avoid synthetic stones
Because natural aquamarine is quite common and easy to mine, it is usually less expensive than synthetic azure.
Step 6. Choose a trusted janitor
You can visit a well-known jeweler, but if it's too expensive, look for local jewelers and individual traders. For both options, check with the official certification to confirm the eligibility of the relevant gem seller.
Step 7. Consider a loose (not synthetic) navy blue stone
Loose gems are usually cheaper, and you can check their quality more closely. Loose gems can also be changed as desired.
Step 8. Walk around
Check prices and options available at various jewelers, either on the internet or in person. Monitor each price and its clarity.
Tips
- Also consider aquamarine when choosing a gift for your 19th Wedding Anniversary as it is this commemorative gemstone.
- Consider buying an aquamarine stone for that special someone whose birthday is in March because aquamarine is the birthstone for March.
- Ocean blue stone shadows usually come in three: green, blue, so make sure you buy the right shade.
