Aquamarine Jewelry
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Aquamarine
Aquamarine is a member of the family of blue-green stones, which also includes blue topaz and turquoise. These stones relate to the throat center, which rules communication, as well as breathing, eating, drinking, smelling, and hearing. Physically, mentally, and metaphysically the throat is one of the busier centers, and one of the more vulnerable.
Colour and Size
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The colour of aquamarine is due to the presence of traces of iron present as an impurity in the Even the best aquamarines are quite pale compared with other gemstones such as sapphire. Large stones benefit from the effects of colour saturation, and as aquamarine, unlike emerald, tends to form quite large clear crystals, this means that large aquamarines are relatively easy to find, and the price does not rise so steeply with size as it does with many other stones.
It also means that small stones often lack colour intensity and are therefore not as attractive. Small aquamarines with good colour are harder to obtain, and relatively expensive for their appearance. crystal structure of beryl.
Professionals prefer a pure blue, with no green in it. Stones with a greenish tone are less expensive.
Aquamarine is found in Brazil, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, and other countries.
Legend
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Aquamarine originated from the ocean. It was thought that aquamarine stones were kept in undersea treasure chests by mermaids. Aquamarine was once popular among sailors who believed the stone would grant them luck and protection when sailing the seas. The stone's protective powers were rumored to be enhanced by submerging the stone in water.
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Hardness
Aquamarine is quite hard, having a hardness of 71/2 to 8 on Moh's scale, compared with 10 for diamond, 9 for corundum, and 8 for topaz.
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Heat Treatment
The colour of aquamarine has almost always been improved by treatment of some kind. Heat treatment is used for aquamarines, to turn greenish, yellow or brown stones into a beautiful blue. The stones are heated to about 400C to 450C degrees, and the colour change is permanent.
Value
The price range of aquamarine is very large, ranging from a few pounds
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per carat.
Natural aquamarine is a prized gemstone that is less common than many other stones used in affordable gemstone jewelry.
Even beaded jewelry with lower-quality aquamarine beads or cabochons carries a substantial price tag.
The most affordable aquamarine will contain brownish inclusions and have a more opaque color. The highest quality cut gemstone aquamarines are used in high-priced fine jewelry. On the other hand, for those who love the unique beauty of this stone, the higher price is often worthwhile.
Cleaning
Aquamarine jewelry can be carefully cleaned using warm soapy water, or detergent. Brushing with an old tooth brush to remove dirt and grease will also help. Cleaning agents containing chlorine may have a detrimental effect on low carat gold alloys, so are best avoided.
Aquamarines do not like excessive heat, and although they can tolerate temperatures above 100c it is advisable to use warm water rather than hot water, to reduce the dangers of thermal shock.
It is not advisable to clean aquamarine in an ultrasonic tank.
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