Aquamarine Gemstone

What Is an Aquamarine Gemstone?

Aquamarine is a blue to blue-green member of the beryl family, which makes it a close cousin of emerald and morganite. Its calm blue color comes from tiny traces of iron, and at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, it's tough enough to wear every day. The name comes from the Latin aqua and marina, meaning "water of the sea," which is pretty fitting once you see the color.

Color, Cut, and Quality

The most sought-after aquamarines have a clear, saturated sky blue color, which jewelers call Santa Maria blue. Most aquamarines are gently heat-treated to bring out their color. That's standard in the industry, and we'll always tell you when a stone has been treated. Every aquamarine in our collection is eye-clean and cut in shapes you'll love, including oval, emerald, round, pear, and cushion, to bring out the most brilliance and color. Whether you prefer a soft pastel or a deeper ocean blue, we've got something to match your style.

Where does Aquamarine come from?

The finest aquamarines come from Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Zambia, where long-standing mining traditions produce stones with amazing clarity and color. We hand-pick our natural aquamarines by looking at where they're from, how clear they are, and the character of each stone.

Aquamarine Price and Value

At Miro Jewelers, finished aquamarine jewelry runs from about $380 to over $1,900, depending on the stone size, color, setting, and metal you choose. If you're shopping for a loose stone, you'll usually see standard commercial grades from $30 to $300 per carat, and top-tier Santa Maria blue between $500 and $1,200 per carat. Color has the biggest impact on price, then clarity, cut, and carat weight.

March Birthstone and Symbolism

Aquamarine is the traditional gift for a 19th wedding anniversary, and it's also March's birthstone. Sailors used to carry aquamarine as a good-luck charm at sea, and today it still stands for courage, clarity, and calm, so it's a meaningful pick for life's big moments.

Caring for Your Aquamarine

To clean your aquamarine, just use a soft brush, warm water, and a little mild soap. Store each piece separately so the stones don't get scratched. Every purchase comes with free lifetime cleaning and inspection, so your aquamarine keeps shining for generations to come.

Why Choose Miro Jewelers?

We're a family-owned, GIA-trained team, and we've been making fine jewelry for over forty years. From classic settings to custom designs, come visit our showroom or book a free virtual consultation. We'd love to help you find an aquamarine that feels like yours.