Aquamarine

Brilliant Cut Trillion Aquamarine

Named after the Latin aqua (water) and mare (marine or the sea), the clear-blue sea-water color of aquamarine is a popular gemstone. Most natural-color aquamarine is light bluish-green similar to a sea green. This was the preferred color of Aquamarine in the 19th century. Today, Aquamarine is routinely heat-treated to remove the green component, changing it to the more valued colors of sky blue and dark blue.

The more intense the blue color, the more valuable the stone. Aquamarines usually have a high transparency and clarity, even under magnification and is dichroic, appearing blue or colorless as the stone is viewed from different angles. They are also very durable gemstones and their color is evenly distributed throughout the stone. Gem-quality Aquamarine is found as hexagonal crystals, which may be up to 39 inches (1 meter) long and flawless, with striations along the length of the crystal. Fine quality stones over a carat can retail for $200-$1000 per carat, and is cut with the table facet parallel to the length of the crystal in order to emphasize the deepest coloration. Almost all Aquamarine on the market has been heat treated to enhance its color by removing tinges of yellow and brown caused by iron. The color change is permanent and is an acceptable practice by those in the jewelry trade. If overheated, the stones may become colorless.