Good Aquamarine reminds us of the beauty of the sea. In fact it’s name is from the Latin for sea-water. Aquamarines are found in a range of blue shades, from the palest pastel to greenish-blue to deep blue, with the deeper blue gems being the most rare. Remember that Aquamarine is a pastel gemstone, therefore while colour can be quite intense in larger gemstones, in smaller Aquamarines the colour is often less vivid. This elegant gemstone is a symbol of youth, hope, health and fidelity. Aquamarines are mined in a number of different countries including Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Russia, Pakistan and Mozambique; but most of the gemstones on the market at present come from Brazil. Queen Elizabeth II has a beautiful Aquamarine & diamond necklace & earrings set which was a present from the people of Brazil. (I will accept one any time too.) The Duchess of Kent also has a most magnificent tiara made from the finest Aquamarine which has been in the family for some generations, (although it has bee re-styled according to a recent blog I read.) This gemstone is ranked 7 on Mohs scale of hardness (diamond is 10 - the hardest substance). Although Aquamarines are from the Beryl family, they are not as prone to inclusions as are Emerald (also a beryl) and near-flawless gems are easier to find. Popular cuts for Aquamarines stones are emerald & oval. It is quite common for Aquamarine to be enhanced by heating to increase its blueness. This treatment is very stable & the stone needs no further care. Aquamarine stones that have a green twinge can be the most sort after as many people feel this colour is more like the sea. It is well known that Aquamarine is associated with March & also the 19th wedding anniversary, some also consider it a symbol of youth, hope, health and fidelity. Personally I just enjoy its beauty. Aquamarine jewellery is usually worn with pastel shades of blue & green, depending on its colour. Ladies with light blue/green or grey eyes may like to wear Aquamarine earrings or pendants. It is more common to wear it with matching colours rather than using it as a contrast. I think it look nice with very light grey. It looks good with both white & yellow gold or silver as our two examples show. Check out whether you prefer white or yellow gold yourself by going to http://www.thegemlovers.com/Gemstone_Jewellery.php and clicking on the aquamarine. Let us know your preference.
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