The Elegance Of Aquamarine Jewelry

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Because of its mild color, aquamarine is often combined with other gemstones in a contemporary jewelry designs. However, it is important to make sure that this light be stone is not overwhelmed by more bright colored ones such as rubies or turquoise. One combination that is gaining in popularity is aquamarine pendants or beads added to a white or off-white pearls necklace. Since specimens with an intense blue color are much sought after, jewelers sometimes enhance the color of lightly colored specimens through heat treatment. There is nothing illegal or even unethical about heat treatment of gemstones, as long as the seller makes an honest declaration about the artificial enhancement. As of today, we have no way to determine whether or not an aquamarine specimen has been heat treated. So buyer beware, and buy your jewelry from a reputed seller.

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Aquamarine is one of the many gemstones that belong to the beryl family. Most specimens have specific gravities that range from 2.6 to 2.7, and refractive indices between 1.5 and 1.6. Aquamarine is a hard stone and on the Moh's scale which ranges from 1 to 10, aquamarine rates an eight. The major advantage of this hardness is that it does not scratch easily, is easy to cut and can be polished to a high shine. However, experienced cutters know that specimens can often have well developed cleavage planes which must be recognized and accommodated during cutting. An inexperienced cutter can easily destroy a stone by improper cutting techniques and orientation that can cause the stone to split along these planes of weakness. From the point of view of the jewelry owner however, the hardness of the stone translates to relatively easy care and maintenance. Occasional wiping with a soft, moist cloth is usually all it take to clean aquamarine jewelry.

Aquamarine is a pale blue gemstone that has garnered a large fan following over the years. This blue stone lends class and elegance to any piece of fashion or fine jewelry. One principal reason for the popularity of aquamarine is its color. The pale blue color compliments a wide range of skin tones and colors. This means that the women of all ethnicities can enjoy this beautiful gem. At the other end of the spectrum, the color is also mild enough to where it can be incorporated into amulets and jewelry for young children and even babies. Most specimens of aquamarine are quite light in color and nearly transparent. While this light color does have its advantages as discussed above, it also has a few cons. The most significant disadvantage of the light color is that inclusion, fractures, and other flaws in the stone can be readily identified even through a cursory inspection by an inexperienced eye. As with most gems, flawless stones tend to be more expensive and in greater demand compared to specimens with inclusions or other flaws.