What Could Make An Aquamarine Gemstone Expensive?

Blue is the color of the sky, blue is the ocean, and the most amazing gemstones in the world are also blue. Aquamarine is one of the precious blue color gemstones used in rings and other jewelry pieces. While an aquamarine ring is equally sought-after and not as expensive as a tanzanite ring or a natural diamond ring, it still carries a hefty price tag. If this question is ticking your mind about what makes aquamarine an expensive gemstone, then here is an elaborative answer to this.

History and Origin of Aquamarine:

Aquamarine got its name from the Latin language. The renowned Roman philosopher Pliny, metaphorically stated that aquamarine seems to have come from some mermaid’s treasure house. Early Egyptians and Sumerians also considered aquamarine a symbol of youth and happiness. If we talk about the origin of this gemstone, then it is found in only a few places in the world. This is one of the reasons it is considered a valuable gemstone. Aquamarine is majorly mined in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan. It can also be found in Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Russia.

Gemstone Properties of Aquamarine:

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl that is a silicate mineral and is considered to be quite rare. Beryl can usually be found in igneous and metamorphic rocks, and its chemical formula is Be3Al2Si6O18. The hardness of aquamarine is 7.5 to 8 on a 10-point  Mohs hardness scale. This is why aquamarine rings can be considered a durable and daily wear jewel. Color is another factor that adds value to an aquamarine. Its color ranges from pale blue to a dark blue or green/blue hue. Its dark blue color with green hues shows fewer inclusions and is thus more expensive. 

Increase in Value with Increase in Size:

1 carat of aquamarine costs around $675. The price of aquamarine can increase by 40% to 60% on a per carat increase. One of the most surprising facts about aquamarines is that a large-size aquamarine can easily be grabbed for a relatively low price. While small-sized aquamarine with the same quality is a bit expensive compared to the larger one. Large sizes are not suitable for aquamarine rings and other jewelry, so there’s less demand for them in the market.

Value of Lab-created Aquamarine:

It is quite understandable that a lab-created aquamarine is less expensive than the natural one because it does not include the cost of mining. The hardness of a lab-grown aquamarine is identical to the natural ones. Lab-grown stones also have negligible inclusions, which makes lab-grown aquamarine rings a perfect choice to look classy and save money.

Cut of Aquamarine:

Cut in any gemstone is responsible for its value because a perfect cut requires highly skilled labor and advanced equipment. Round brilliant or oval brilliant-cut of aquamarine is of high value and looks simply amazing when put into a metal to create an aquamarine ring.

These ingredients make aquamarine a costly dish, but it is worth tasting. You can grab an aquamarine ring at a low price by opting for a lab-grown aquamarine or by playing with 4Cs. Another way to get it for the best price is to make the most of the exciting deals you get online. Make it fast, else, you will miss the best piece at the best price.