Aquamarine , a member of the beryl family, with its delicate blue color, is a highly valued gemstone in jewelry. However, as with all gemstones, several factors influence its price. Aquamarines can be found for as little as ten euros per carat for lower-quality stones, while high-quality stones can reach around €200/ct, or even much more for exceptional specimens. Here's a guide to understanding what determines aquamarine's value.
1 Color
Color is one of the main criteria for aquamarine's value. The hue ranges from pale, almost colorless blue to deep blue. Aquamarines of a more intense blue are more valuable, although some people prefer lighter hues due to their brilliance and transparency. The color must be uniform and saturated to increase the gem's value.
2 Purity
Aquamarine's clarity also plays a crucial role in determining its price. Stones without inclusions visible to the naked eye are more highly valued, and those that are clean under a loupe are even more so. The price increases with the stone's clarity. Inclusions can affect the stone's transparency and beauty, reducing its value. However, inclusions that create interesting visual effects, such as shimmer, can sometimes increase the appeal and therefore the value of certain stones.
3 Weights
The weight of aquamarine, measured in carats, directly influences its price. Larger stones are rarer and therefore more expensive per carat than smaller ones. However, the stone's cut must be proportionate to maximize its beauty. A good cut highlights the stone's color and brilliance, increasing its value.
4 Size
The quality of aquamarine's cut is essential. A good cut allows the stone to optimally reflect light, increasing its brilliance and sparkle. Common cuts for aquamarine are emerald, oval, round, and pear. Poor cutting can significantly diminish the stone's value, even if it is large and intensely colored.
5 Origin
The origin of aquamarine can also affect its price. The most renowned deposits are found in Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Russia. Stones from some of these regions are particularly prized due to their exceptional quality.
6 Treatments
Certain treatments can be applied to aquamarines to enhance their color and clarity.
Heat treatment
It accentuates the blue of aquamarines and/or eliminates a green tint present in the stone. It can also completely change a green beryl into an aquamarine.
Heat treatment is common and accepted in the aquamarine trade.
However, unheated aquamarines may have a higher value for some collectors and natural gem enthusiasts. It is important to note that the majority of aquamarines available on the market are heated. Due to the relatively low heating temperature (400-600°C), this treatment generally leaves no marks on the stone, and inclusions are often unaffected. This makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to detect this treatment. Therefore, many heated aquamarines are sold as unheated.
Irradiation
Irradiation is primarily intended to intensify or alter the natural color of aquamarines. This process can transform a pale aquamarine into a more intense shade of blue, or even a very deep blue, depending on the duration and intensity of radiation exposure. However, this treatment is less widespread and less accepted than heat treatment. It causes a change in the crystal structure of the stone. Although the colors of aquamarines treated in this way are often more intense, this is not always reflected in their market value. In addition, the color is not necessarily stable over time and can fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
A major challenge with irradiation is that it is virtually undetectable even by specialized laboratories. Irradiated aquamarines can exhibit shades of blue that are uncommon for this gemstone, which can raise suspicions about their treatment. However, there are also a few rare Santa Maria aquamarines that are naturally colored in a similar way, but these are very rare and very valuable.
You will not find irradiated aquamarine on this site.
7 Conclusion
The price of aquamarine depends on many factors, including color, clarity, size, cut, provenance, and any treatments. When purchasing aquamarine, it's crucial to consider these elements to properly assess the stone's value. Whether you're a collector or looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry, understanding these criteria will help you make an informed choice.
